I have been sowing some seeds from the fruit of our over 50 years of marriage to inspire others in their marriage. I have already addressed:
1. Keep communication lines open http://margaretmearnsbass.com/out-of-the-abundance-of-the-heart/
2. Keep the romance alive https://MargaretMearnsBass.com/the-spark-of-romance/
3. Be good forgivers https://MargaretMearnsBass.com/be-good-forgivers/
Now today I would like to share my final thought:
4. Be friends
The following quote says it so well
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” Friedrich Nietzsche
Friendship of phileo love, unlike agape love which is unconditional, has to be earned as it involves trust. It is earned as we learn to trust one another through communicating from the depths of our hearts sharing our feelings.Trusting our spouses with our deep wounds, our aspirations, passions and dreams. Never leave your heart unspoken for it displays your heart to your spouse.
Your spouse should be your most trusted and best friend. A relationship where you laugh together, cry together, play together and support each other’ dreams.
Do not permit your relationship to deteriorate as Mignon McLaughlin warns us
“Many marriages are simply working partnerships between businessmen and housekeepers.”
Be each others’ best friend by doing fun things together. As a quote states “The only true test of friendship is the time your friend spends on you.” How much quality time do you spend on each other?
Jeremy Taylor writes “Love is like a friendship caught on fire.” So if you don’t have a friendship how will your love stay on fire?
John and I enjoy doing many things together from ballroom dancing to the Texas Two Step, motor cycling, traveling, cruising, entertaining, gardening, going to New York and even dressing up for fancy costume events, playing ping pong and Mexican Train dominoes and of course the work-fun of doing projects around our home.
Enjoy doing things together and have a wonderful love filled Valentine’s Day!
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