My Marriage Catechism

IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY

There are going to be some days when she is grouchy or mean or insular, even belligerent; on those days, she may be mean to you, treat you with contempt, and say ugly things to you. On those days, it feels like she despises you and wants absolutely nothing to do with you. These periods (they often last a few days to sometimes a week or so) are only temporary for her, just as your grouchy or petulant periods are temporary for you. Don’t fret; after the storms, the sun will come out again. These undulations are a normal part of any relationship. ACCEPT IT.


REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES

We can all either focus on the Good or on the Bad; choose to believe that the Good times you’ve had with her are the “real” state of your relationship. Picture those wonderful Saturdays that begin in the bedroom, then move along to a good meal together somewhere, and continue as you go shopping with her, laughing and joking, holding hands, hugging and kissing here and there, and generally feeling the rich warmth of Affection between you two. MEDIDATE ON THOSE.


SOLITUDE, PATIENCE and COMPASSION

    Proverbs 21:9
    "It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop,
    than with a brawling woman in a wide house."
Quietly and respectfully distance yourself from her when you need to. Be Patient with her as she goes through these periods, if and when you must interact with her. Show her tremendous Compassion, because she is no more defined by her sin that YOU are by yours. Mercy prevents us from being treated the way we deserve to be treated, and Grace gives us good things that we do not deserve. Exercise Mercy and Grace toward her, just as you need – and desire – Mercy and Grace, yourself.