Items 3-6: gratitude, the honeymoon myth, little things, PDA
- Can a couple turn back the clock to the honeymoon phase after a failure?
The group works through the rest of the BeliefNet list. On 'practice gratitude' they endorse noticing and thanking a spouse for small acts — the same way journaling answered prayers builds gratitude. On 'turn back the clock' they reject the honeymoon-phase ideal as a false target, agreeing that a shared history of having hurt each other and endured is a better foundation. On 'remember the little things,' Dan tells the story of realizing his fork preference annoyed his wife only because she was stressed about other things, and Bubba recounts offering to do the kitty litter for Gianna and asking what was really bothering her. The article's 'don't be afraid to display your love' advice prompts a discussion of fighting fair, in person, and intentionally — with the goal of getting better, not winning.
More on Communication
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Is Jesus a good leader? The 10 qualities, part one
- Is Jesus a good leader by modern standards?
Mike runs a vague internet search for 'the 10 essential qualities of an effective leader' and the room grades Jesus. 1.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers
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Dear LFTP: the basement musician whose wife never asks him to play
- Am I asking too much to expect my wife to ask me to play, or should I just let it go and stop writing songs?
Mike reads a letter from a married-31-years basement musician and songwriter whose non-musical wife has never once asked him to play — he wonders if he's asking too much or should stop writing.
From No. 597 · Maybe A Word From God
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Dear LFTP: wife mocks husband's bladder problem in public
- How should I respond when my wife mocks me and my bladder problem in public?
Mike reads a letter from a man married three years whose wife calls him vulgar names in public and makes his bladder-control problem into comedy.