PREPARE YOUR EYES TO READ AND YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE AS YOU TAKE IN THE WORDS THAT LOOK TO CHANGE LIVES, RENEW HEARTS, AND OPEN MINDS. Have you ever listened to or read the lyrics to "When Somebody Loves You Back" by Teddy Pendergrass. Well, if not, here is the first verse; "It's so good lovin' somebody-And somebody loves you back To be loved and be loved in return-It's the only thing that my heart desires Just appreciate the little things I do-Oh; you're the one who's got me inspired Keep on liftin', liftin' me higher." Countless people have sung their hearts out to this song, professing their admiration for their partner that they feel is giving them a 50-50 love. Others croon while emphasizing the 70-30 or 60-40 relationship that's spoken. Why would they feel this way, one might ask? It could be the woman's expectation that the man they chose would be honest, dependable, compromising, compassionate, selfless, a freak in the bedroom, and a gentleman in the street when they took their vows. It could also be the man who thought he was getting involved with that wife who would be a nurturer, supporter, encourager, best friend, respectful, non-nagger, a freak in the bedroom, and a lady in the street. A person within a relationship can love and resent their partner simultaneously if there is no feedback or the words they utter fall upon closed ears when they express their desires. Avoiding frank conversations about the lack of will cause depression, frustration, resentment, and anger towards the other person. Foolish attempts to treat discontentment within the relationship will lead to pornography, outside attention, and then affairs with the cover-up of saying that they were trying to protect the person they love by not subjecting them to the honest conversations of their heart. When the other person finds out about their partner's indiscretion, they are usually hurt, furious, shocked, and taken back by the actions and harbor an unforgiving spirit, which could leave a couple in an awkward position of making things work or dissolving their relationship. Living with emotional exhaustion, mental fatigue, and unwanted memories are issues one must consider to remain together, possibly making this union something tolerable and not happy. The word "submission" means you must submit to the mission, and that would imply both people need to submit to the mission of "us." Presenting yourself to your partner and informing them that you are close to depleting your happiness because you constantly have to mask your moral inhibitions to support their well-being is the only authentic way to happiness. Finding ways to communicate information that isn't always appealing or flattering to protect the mission can be complicated when you don't know yourself well enough to explain your emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Both parties must hear and accept the truth about themselves by listening with an unconditional ear. Be willing to compromise on the final solution and reward behavior seen as an improvement within the situation and continue to check in and check up. There are five love languages, and we each have a primary one. Unfortunately, silence is not one of them, and its use doesn't mean acceptance. When someone exercises their use of silence in a relationship, in most cases, they have checked out and use phrases such as "it is what it is" to avoid calamities. Taking the time to learn and practice your partner's love language will allow effective communication and keep the love alive so that you both can enjoy a deeply committed relationship. #SPEAK2MYHEART
Public speaking is far less valuable than private speech, so practice your craft at home and at work where you have so much to gain and so very much to lose." T. D. Jakes
This article needs to go viral. So many nuggets to help a strained relationship start to THRIVE. Excellent read and advice.