Nurturing involves seeking to meet each other’s emotional needs for affection, encouragement, support, comfort, etc,
• we all have a longing to be loved and to be known by another
• empty space inside that needs to be filled up with love
• when empty, we feel alone or lonely giving each other emotional support refills the empty space inside
• we are made for close relationships
How to nurture
Be proactive rather than reactive:
• being reactive means focusing on each others shortcomings
• being proactive means focusing on each other’s needs
• proactive behavior draws couples together because each one feels loved; when we feel loved, we feel like loving
Study each other:
• recognize each other’s needs
• often our partner’s needs and desires will be different to our own
• discover what matters to your husband or wife. otherwise we tend to give what we like to receive.
• needs change over time
• make requests, not demands
• we can't assume our husband or wife automatically knows our desires. We must tell each other.
Question:Complete the worksheet under "Extras -> Study Guide"
If a relationship is to thrive and keep growing, we must have regular time together.
At the very least, plan to spend 1-2 hours alone together each week; to rekindle romance, to have fun, to talk together about your feelings (e.g., your hopes, fears, worries, excitements.)
We call this marriage time.
Marriage time should have all the connotations of a “date” together.
The benefits of marriage time
keeps the fun and romance alive in our relationship
deepens our understanding and appreciation of each other
ensures we communicate regularly on a meaningful level
Plan time together
It doesn’t happen automatically. Find the best time for you and book it in, just like you would any other social or business appointment.
Write it on your calendars e.g.; Monday evening, umarriage time” or Wednesday lunchtime, marriage time.”
If you are very busy, plan marriage time several months in advance.
