12 Secrets of Successful Families - Conclusion of 3. Respect

WHAT YOU CAN DO

TEST YOURSELF

Track your conversations and actions for a week.  Then ask yourself:

* 'How often did I criticize my spouse, and how often did I give her a compliment?

* 'In what specific ways did I show respect for my spouse?

DISCUSS WITH YOUR SPOUSE



* What actions and words would help each of you feel respected?

TIPS

* Write down three ways you would like to shown respect. Have your spouse do the same. Exchange lists, and work on showing respect in the same areas that were identified.

 * Make a list of traits that you admire about your spouse.  Then tell your spouse hos much you appreciate those traits. 

* "To respect my husband means I show my actions that I value him and that I want him to be happy.  It isn't always a grand gesture; sometimes a series of small acts can demonstrate genuine respect."- Megan.

In the end, it is not a matter of whether you view yourself as respectful or not; it is a question of whether you spouse feels respected. 

BIBLE PRINCIPLE:  "Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience." -COLOSSIANS 3:12.

Next time: 12 Secrets of Successful Families - 4. Forgiveness

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