Marriage Course - September 4, 2012

Day 18 - Conflict Resolution

Marriage

Why is some conflict inevitable in every marriage?
• we are different-different backgrounds, priorities, desires, personalities, opinions
• no good trying to force our partner to do things our way
• must see ourselves as being on the same side (3-legged race)
• we are naturally self-centered
• need to ask ourselves, "Are there ways I need to change for the sake of our partnership?"

Question:Does the inevitability of conflict in marriage surprise you? Why? How does it challenge or affirm your approach to conflict?

From Series: "Marriage"

Study Guide

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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.

Complete the Worksheets Below: