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1. CONSISTENCY
This means being reliable in your affection and efforts, performing kind acts for your partner not simply because they want it, but because you have committed to doing so regardless of circumstances. It’s not about withholding your love when your needs aren’t met, or only expressing nice sentiments during conflicts, only to revert to indifference later. Instead, it’s about making a daily commitment to show up for your partner.
2. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
This refers to managing your emotions, ensuring they don’t lead to overreactions, silent treatments, escalating confrontations, insults, or irrational decisions. It’s about being aware of your feelings to prevent your marriage from deteriorating due to fleeting emotions.
3. THOUGHTFULNESS
This involves being attentive to your partner’s needs. It’s about listening carefully and appreciating not just your own desires but also those of your spouse. Engage them in your life, think of ways to ease their burdens, bring joy, and fulfill their needs without waiting for a request.
4. TEACHABILITY
This is recognizing that you have more to learn, and being open to receiving feedback. Approach discussions with a willingness to understand. Allow your partner to point out your blind spots and assist you in improving personal shortcomings.
5. EMPATHY
This is about being compassionate towards your partner’s struggles and pain. Connect with them during difficult times, going beyond merely asking if they are okay to actively helping them navigate their emotions. This makes you a source of comfort.
6. VULNERABILITY
This means sharing your fears, worries, hopes, desires, prayers, and life experiences with your partner. Allowing them into your inner world fosters a deeper connection between you.
7. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
This involves actively working on self-improvement, so you can show up as your best self for your partner and children. It means being accountable for tasks that you can’t delegate and making it easier for others to share their lives with you.
8. RESPECT
This entails consistently honoring your partner, especially during conflicts. It’s about recognizing your partner’s worth and prioritizing their value, even in tough times.
9. SELF-AWARENESS
This is being mindful of your own triggers, flaws, potential issues, and strengths to avoid harming your partner. It also means understanding your worth, having a healthy self-image, and feeling secure so that you don’t perceive your partner as a threat.
10. DIPLOMACY
This involves seeking quick resolutions to disagreements, offering peace offerings, and looking for opportunities to mend and reconnect. Listen to your partner as intently as you wish to be heard.
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