There’s an old joke about a stoic farmer who got married. On the way home from the ceremony, the man of few words said to his new bride, “I love you. It that ever changes, I’ll let you know.”
How many women would be okay with only hearing “I love you” once? For that matter, how many men would be okay with that?
No one is going to die without hearing “I love you” from their spouse. But not hearing it hurts them, their feelings for their spouse, and their marriage.
There are certain things a marriage needs to survive. And there are far more things it needs to thrive.
That gruff old farmer was selfish. He was unwilling to go outside his comfort zone to give his new wife something she needed. And in dong that, he hurt her and limited their marriage.
Because we’re all different, what we require for a thriving marriage differs. My bride has virtually no need for romantic acts. But some women would shrivel up and die inside without such things. Some women thrive on little gifts, while others see them as silly. And so on.
Love gives what is needed, and it stretches to do so if that’s what it takes.
~ This is Paul, reminding you that what marriage needs looks different for every couple.
Looks like strawberry season is here!
Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly created with ideogram.ai & Paul Byerly
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