A major sign of emotional health is the ability to be sad for yourself and others.

Why is that important? It’s because sadness means your emotions are turned on. You need your emotions working for connecting and deep bonding in a relationship. Limited shared sadness means limited bonding.

Some individuals had a difficult childhood. They found emotions chaotic and painful. The solution was to turn off their emotions. (Detach) So, now when they are supposed to feel sad they feel numb instead.

When you’re sad and your wife joins you in sadness, it’s a bonding moment. If you have a loss, and she grieves with you, closeness increases. Sadness lives in the same deep place as fear and powerlessness.

As I write this blog, I’m thinking we all need Sadness Training. Life is full of disappointments, hurts, and losses. Working through those issues is essential. Sharing them is healing. Bonding over them is spiritual oneness.

Bible Connection

Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying.

Romans 12:15 (CEB)

Prayer

Father, you made us emotional beings. Emotions are hard to understand and confusing. Some of us struggle when conversations become emotional. Help us grow and connect. Help us bond even through the confusion of emotions. We make you Lord of our confusion. Through Jesus we ask. Amen.