Respect is a way to show that we appreciate others on how they behave or work. It is a sign of honour towards one another. We should treat our spouses appropriately, despite what they bring in to the relationship. We should value them accordingly.
In most modem relationships, respect is a major issue that is undermined especially when it comes to what one spouse brings to the table. Although we are in the times where the world demands that both couples costs in livelihood, it is crucial to be emotionally supportive and understanding of one another. Sally may have compromised her relationship to Garry when she didn’t view his job as that important to cooking and cleaning the house. Garry was also wrong and disrespectful when he put his own expectations before Sally’s job and condemned her percentage to the table. We should be aware of the following before pointing out the finger to our spouses.
1. Emotions matter
Emotions are what brought us together as a couple. We live by exchanging emotions with our spouses. We should be supportive and affirmative of our spouse's emotions. It is a sign of respect and that we are willing to let go of our pride and move on.
2. Differences are bound in terms of opinions
Another thing we should realize in our relationships is that we are both different people. We are then entitled to have different thoughts, ideas and opinions on certain matters. However, we should not let our differences blind us into placing our relationships at risk. When in a relationship, we can't come to an agreement, it is better to be the person who acts right and places his pride aside. Then accepts to follow your spouse. It is not only a sign of respect but also shows how dedicated you are in salvaging the relationship.
3. Being judgemental can detriment the relationship
In a relationship, both spouses regard themselves as one. When people are in unity, there cannot exist room for judgements. Since judgements are bound to bring about divide. We have to leam how to understand our spouses one way or another. Even though circumstances may arise and dictate we judge, let's try our best and keep it concealed. Besides, it is part of human nature.
4. Listening is the other half of speaking
Another way to show respect to our spouses is to listen more and talk less. Listening without disrupting or being judgemental assures our spouses that they can count on us for support. It also makes our spouses trust us more as they feel, valued and appreciated.
5. Our Spouses have the right of opinion too
We should not be dictators in our relationships. We and our spouses are all human hence entitled to freewill and freedom of opinion and expression. Being a dictator earns nothing positive in a relationship other than deep regret and condemnation from the opposite spouse. The opposite spouse might also live in fear of your ego and self-praise. To be the right spouses, let us cultivate a habit of ensuring that we treat our spouses equally and with respect.
6. Appreciating is better than condemning
From the earlier context, we can see Garry condemning Sally over her cooking. He goes way beyond the particular moment and condemns that her cooking always sucked. He was being unappreciative of Sally's efforts and time spent in the kitchen. Probably Sally's cooking wasn't that good, but he had no right to justify and summarize her efforts in such a way. Similarly, most relationships nowadays suffer from the same. Either both spouses are unappreciative or one is the unappreciative. When this occurs, there is the repercussion that the relationship will be meaningless. It is therefore important that both spouses learn how to be affectionate and appreciative. It will salvage the relationship.
Respect is as important as love, commitment and trust is in a relationship. When we display acts of respect to our spouses, we are winning more of their love and gaining better ground for our relationships. To be the right, let us leam to exercise appreciation to our spouses. Respect impacts a great deal to the welfare of any relationship hence shouldn't be pushed aside or compromised.
Comment