Inspiring Couples' Words

Inspiring CouplesWords are easy to manufacture.
 True and lasting love, however, is not so easily produced … or sustained. In a world of bogus advertising and broken promises, it is easy—even natural—to be a little skeptical of words.
Words don’t cost us much and only the speaker can fully know the intent behind them. But when our words are reinforced by our actions—day after day, year after year—words can begin to seem trustworthy again.
The quotes below come from real couples who have earned the right to their words. Each was nominated by their friends, family or co-workers as an ‘Inspiring Couple’ for giving them a reason to believe again in love. They have learned—and lived—their words of wisdom through years of joy, companionship … and trials.

Words to Live—And Love By
“Have respect for each other and be honest even in the little things. Always put the needs of others before your own, and don’t let your love die.” – Randy and Cheri Blackwood (married since 1979)
“The biggest stumbling block couples face is unmet expectations – children, responsibilities, finances, etc. The more a couple discusses their expectations for every area of life, the better they can predict where their differences will be and deal with them objectively.” – Bob and Annette Wallace (married since 1992)
 “Love’s passion is wonderful, but it’s just as important that you really like and respect the person you are about to make a lifetime commitment to … Couples should ask themselves: Would I be friends with this person even if we weren’t in love?” – Bill and Shirley McConnell (married since 1953)
 “Have open expectations; setting unrealistic expectations will cause you to fail. Be patient, build trust, learn to communicate and forgive.” – James and Nancy Lawson (married since 1973, shown above)
“You have to be committed and protect your marriage at all costs. There is nothing you can’t work through. Even if you don’t feel like loving your spouse on hard days, you have the power to lead your heart.” – Kevin and Amanda Johnson (married since 2003)
 “Show respect for each other … be supportive and work together as a team. Enjoy quality time together but allow each other the independence to do your own thing and pursue personal interests.” – Jesse and Anita Martinez (married since 1948)  “Live a positive life – it’s contagious. Have a sense of humor, respect each other, learn how to communicate well and remember why you fell in love.” – Matt and Kelly Allen (married since 1991)
“Honor your commitment. The most important commitment you should have on this earth is to each other.” – Jim and Robin Riley (married since 1968)

These couples are not selling anything. But they are buying something—the idea that love can endure and a relationship can truly grow richer over time. Without at least believing in the possibility of enduring love, a lasting relationship is nearly impossible to achieve. Perhaps you don’t put too much stock in promises of eternal love and faithfulness. Perhaps you shouldn’t. But perhaps we should put a little more faith in the evidence of words in action.
Before you dismiss the relationship “testimony” of credible couples, ask yourself what the consequences are for losing faith in the concept of lasting love. Be sure it is a price you are willing to pay—and one that you really need to pay in the first place. Everlasting love may be scarcer than we’d all like, but it’s not a fantasy either. We are grateful to couples like these for reminding us that some couples really do grow old … and wise together.

 Source: twoofus.org

Celebrate our differences

I had a bit of misunderstanding with a friend, today, who was upset over something I didn't do, but which I thought I had done and I was upset that what I had done was disregarded as "not done";  this incident further knocked in a very important lesson I started learning last week.

We humans don't think, value, expect, regard, react, accept or laugh at the same things and that's the beauty of life.
Some people need to communicate regularly to keep the engine of a friendship oiled, while another may not speak to a friend for a year and when they hook up again, they relate as if there was no gap in communication.
What makes one person puke for minutes could get another in stitches, from laughter.
What could choke one person could be the 'fresh air' of another.
Now, to the event that started the learning process last week; while at the hotel, my room and bathroom were cleaned with a soap or something that had a very strong, choking fragrance. I couldn't stand it and opened all the windows, and turned on the A/C.
Later, I went to my colleague's room and they had cleaned his also. I complained about the choking smell to the brother,  who told me he actually (oh my goodness) liked the fragrance and obviously revelled in it.
I was beyond Shocked!
I never believed anyone would EVER be able to stand the smell, talk less of liking it.
I quickly picked up what I came for and ran away with the fragrance still clinging to my dress.
This got me thinking; What I thought could have literally knocked me out, was really liked by another,  yet I had no right to say that his like was disgusting, even if I was tempted to feel that way.

Because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't make it wrong or disgusting, neither does it make my taste higher or better.
Let's learn to respect our different ways of thinking.
Even if we disagree on personal opinions, it doesn't mean we can't, with civility,  discuss our differences with respect and regard for each other.

If we all thought alike,  the world would be one big, boring planet.
#thinkonthis #lifeisgood #Godissoamazing #thankGodfordifferences