Relationship Advice:Life Lesson Articles.

Relationship reminder

"It's so easy to blame our partner, or an issue, or an argument, fight, or disagreement for our unhappiness. The truth is, however, that most of the time the real culprit is our own stubbornness - our unwillingness to let go of something, to admit we were wrong or partially to blame, or to give up the need to be 'right.' If we can drop our defenses, tame our ego, and let go of our stubbornness, it's remarkable how quickly most issues will resolve themselves, painlessly and without too much effort. The key seems to be a steadfast belief that it is our stubbornness, not our partner, that is the enemy. Happiness and success lies not in 'right'-eousness, but in humility."
-- Richard & Kristine Carlson, from Don't Sweat The Small Stuff in Love

This book was a gift from a friend last night at the monthly Marriage Commitment Group I facilitate here in town. This was our holiday party. I was very into marriage conversations yesterday, in the midst of helping a couple in crisis over the weekend, struggling within my own relationship to learn from my all-too-frequent mistakes, and then celebrating marriage with a wonderful group of committed friends. When I got home and opened this little book, I once again flipped it open randomly, and my eyes fell on the passage above.

hearts

Divine guidance, ... again. My prayer today is for all of us who are working so hard to have our marriages not only survive, ... but thrive.