Marriage Monday – Speak Up!

You know, sometimes we really do make life too difficult. Really we do. We think and think how can we do whatever it is that we want. We check out possibilities. We gather information. We think some more. We pray. Usually we do all this without involving the ones who will be effected the most by our plans – our spouses.  We think we need to ask just a certain way or have all the details worked out so there it is as simple as possible.  Most of the time all we really need to do is talk to our spouse.

I had a tough situation over the past week. I wanted a bit of sympathy – I admit it. (now) My husband was in one of his busiest seasons of his work year. I knew that. I didn’t tell him what I was thinking about for a bit. Then when I did (over a lunch time) I said, “I know this is a busy time for you but I need to tell you something and all I really want right now from you is a hug.” He was happy to oblige. It was just right for that moment.

However sometime later, things grew more intense in my situation. I kept thinking when he is done with this… then he will…. Not smart. I didn’t tell him. (I didn’t want to bug him while he was trying to finish up some work) I just waited.  Well guess what? When he got done he was really, really tired and even had come down with a cold. He just wanted to go to bed early. My reaction was not pretty to say the least. He was blindsided. He had no idea that I wanted anything from him at that particular time.

It’s really quite simple. Even after more than 31 years of marriage. You still cannot read each other’s minds – at least not always. Communication, honest communication is necessary. So…speak up!