12 Secrets of Successful Families - 3. Respect

WHAT IT MEANS

Respectful spouses care about each other, even during a disagreement.  'These couples don't get gridlocked in their separate positions," says the Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage.  "Instead,they keep talking  with each other about conflicts.  They listen respectfully to their spouses' perspectives and they find compromises that work for both sides."

BIBLE PRINCIPLE:  "Love . . . does not look for its own interests." - 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4, 5.

"To respect my wife means that I appreciate her value and I don't want to do anything that would damage her or our marriage." -Micah.

WHY IT MATTERS

Without respect, conversation between spouses can become laced with criticism, sarcasm, and even contempt-qualities that researchers say are early predictors or divorce. 

"Making snide remarks, innuendos, or jokes about your wife will only crush her confidence, destroy her trust, and damage your marriage." -Brian

Next time; 12 Secrets of Successful Families - Conclusion of  3. Respect

From the jw.org publications