What problems hinder relationship oneness? Review the following problems and see if you can relate. Discuss with your spouse any that apply.

Problem Discussion 1

Why don’t you move towards me more? Touch me. Seek me out. Engage me. Enjoy me. Smile at me. Get in my space and be playful with me. Why don’t you keep building our friendship?

Problem Discussion 2

Why don’t you learn me? Learn my likes. Share in my interests. Ask me what I’m learning. Let me tell you what excites me. I want you to learn to love some of the things I love.

Problem Discussion 3

Why don’t you learn how I act when I’m stressed. First, I get tense. Then, I hold for a bit. Later, I blow it out. (Or, some different variation.) I am repetitive and predictable. Why are you shocked every time I vent off my disappointments?

Problem Discussion 4

When I tell you how I feel, just accept me. Don’t drill me, critique me, or judge me. Just let me express my feelings. Can you relax more? Please know, everything is going to be okay. I’m just processing my feelings.

Problem Discussion 5

Your fears jump out at me. You force your fears on me. Your fears come out first and fast. I’m still processing an event and what happened. I’m looking at all angles. But, you jump to fear immediately.

Prayer

Father, relationships are difficult. I need your help. I see the emotional world one way. My wife sees it differently. Help me be kind, loving, and supportive, even in our differences. Please keep loving and growing me. Help me. Help us. May love always win in our relationship. Amen.

Bible Verse

(Jesus set this as a standard for each of us.)
By this everyone will know you are my disciples. If you LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
(Even if you have problems and differences.)
–John 13:35 (NIV)