No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Tip]
Listen and Hear
Listen to Her Words:
How many times has your wife ever asked you, “Are you listening to me”? Trust me, I get it. At times, distractions can cause nearly every husband to miss at least some, if not most, of the words his adoring wife is speaking directly to him.
When was the last time you actually stopped what you were doing and paid “full attention” to what your wife told you? You know, paused to really focus exclusively on her. Now I realize that may not always be practical. For instance, her wanting to talk in the middle of that “loud” Christian concert. Try to catch up later…
If the love of your life tells you, “I love you”, do you respond on autopilot and say, “me too”? Too busy watching the game on television, or maybe thinking about what you and the guys need for that upcoming fishing trip, or even… (well, you get the point).
Perhaps, you may want to consider integrating a weekly “couple time” for catching up on what is most important (right now). Of course, you and your other half could spend the time catching up on what her mother does not like about you. Though, I would prefer to utilize this time for “listening” and “hearing” only what your “wife” wants and needs to share intimately between the two of you.
Hear Her Heart’s Meaning:
Please trust me when I say there is a BIG difference between “listening” (to her words) and “hearing” (her heart’s meaning). Every marriage will benefit by proactively integrating “both” of these communication components.
Being able to “hear the meaning” behind your wife’s words only seems to happen “after” you have first learned to “listen to her words”. Deep down inside, your wonderful spouse probably assumes you have heard and understood (without really checking back to be certain).
The world seems to be full of examples of “failed marriages”. So many misunderstandings from both him and her not really investing the extra time to “listen” and “hear” what their partner wanted and needed within their trusted marital union.
So, how well are you listening to what comes from her mouth, and how well are you hearing what comes from her heart? The world is traveling so fast, and our “to do” lists are getting longer. Why not take a moment right now to tell your loving and supportive wife how much you really want to hear both her “words” and her “meaning”. That may simply be all that she needs to hear from you right now.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)