Husbands, if you gave your wife a test of your vulnerability, how would she do?

Today’s passionate relationship principle (PRP) comes in the form of a question:  Husbands, if you gave your wife a test of your vulnerability, how would she do?   If your husband expresses what he believes to be a shortcoming or an area in which he wants to get better, unless it is something critical that could cause harm to someone, listen in a non-judgmental way and show that you accept him unconditionally.  For example, if your husband is disappointed or frustrated with himself and has said that he would start reading more so that he could be more knowledgeable and better prepared to make certain decisions about leisure activities for the family, you could just listen in a non-judgmental, empathetic way (see the prior segment on empathic listening).    As you listen empathically it shows that you accept him unconditionally just the way he is, while also encouraging him in this area of self-improvement.  Listening in this way will show him that there is safety in the relationship and that he won’t be judged.  This exercise can strengthen the marriage greatly.  Ladies, it provides you with the opportunity to develop the skills to listen objectively, in a non-judgmental, empathic way.  This is often harder than it sounds because after the discussion is over you still have to live with him.  So ladies, how would you do on this test of vulnerability?  Would you get an ‘F’ on the test by telling him what a failure he is?  Or would you get an ‘A’ by listening empathically?  Or, would you score somewhere in between? 

Today’s passionate relationship principle (PRP) is in the form of a question: Husbands, if you gave your wife a test of your vulnerability, how would she do? 

Dr. Simon Whittaker – The Relationship Doctor at Center for Passionate Relationships (CPR)

 #vernerabilityinmarriage, #lovetalk, #lovecpr

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