Here is an observation for discussion. It’s about early relationship development. There appears to be three stages. For this discussion the focus is on the third stage.
- Dating – a man applies maximum effort to be in sync and to have many similarities with his date.
- Married and Honeymoon – a husband applies a little less effort but still tries very hard to enjoy all their similarities.
- Welcome to My Circle – here there is a shift to more self-disclosure.
Stage 3
Welcome to my circle:
- You and me now live inside my circle.
- I will treat you like I treat myself.
- People outside the circle get special treatment.
- I do not run on compliments or praise.
- I am social but not emotional.
- I think and act like you are just like me.
More about life in his circle:
- If I don’t talk much, I don’t want you to talk much.
- If I don’t share my feelings, I’d rather you not share your feelings.
- If I like watching TV and being quiet, I want you to watch TV and be quiet.
- If I’m acting like a loner, I want you to act like a loner.
- If I’m okay running late, I want you to be okay running late.
I know we are different but for my comfort please live like I do. All opposite behaviors will be discouraged and at times punished. Welcome to life in my circle!
Prayer
Father, I know my circle is in you. And my wife’s circle is also in you. Thank you for accepting us. I know marriage is where we merge and create a beautiful Us circle, but that’s hard. Please keep growing me. (even if I resist sometimes.) Thank you for letting us live in you. You are the one true circle maker. Thank you abba, Jesus, and holy spirit. Amen.
Verse
A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. (Circle) – Mark 10:7 (NIV)