Seven Days - Seven Answers

HERE IS THE CHALLENGE FOR TODAY:
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Advice to Newlyweds
Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.
While digging through the Google Analytics for this site, I found someone came searching on the term "advice for newlyweds". I'm not sure if they found what they were looking for so let's give it to them!

Write a note of advice to the newlyweds.
HERE IS MY ANSWER:
This one is easy since I'm well-qualified, having been a newlywed several times : )

Dear two people about to become we instead of me,

That is the first thing for you to keep in mind; it is no longer all about either one of you, it is now about the two of you, together as one family.  Think compromise.  Of course it is not easy, but it IS necessary.

In order to successfully practice compromise, you will have to learn to choose your battles.  Don't sweat the small stuff like the lid being left off the toothpaste; concentrate more on the truly important things, the things that will actually make a difference in your lives.  I mean really, what difference does it make if the lid is left off the toothpaste?  Rethink it and buy toothpaste that has the lid connected to the tube!

R E S P E C T - an extremely important word, not just in the lives of newlyweds, but 24/7/365 your whole lives through.  Always respect the feelings, sensibilities, upbringing, culture, etc. of others - human and animal.  It may be OK to value yourself above all others, but it is not OK to show it.

You need to learn to communicate (kindly and with respect).  "She doesn't tell me she loves me" - "He should know it" - this kind of thinking does not make a good relationship of any kind.

Read two books - Your Erroneous Zones and Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.  Both great books - the first teaches you to understand and value yourself; the second teaches you to understand and value your partner and their special way of thinking.

Remember we teach people how to treat us....meaning don't be a tyrant and expect your spouse to treat you like a teddy bear.

Try not to make your requests commands or demands.  "Take out the trash!" is not as readily responded to as "Would you mind taking out the trash as soon as you have a moment?"  You could take out the trash yourself if you can do it without reminding your partner that you did.  You could make up a list of who does what.  Or, nicest of all, you could have a relationship that is so good it doesn't matter who takes out the trash, as long as it gets out before it's overflowing : )

Dear newlyweds, I could write all day but, as we all know, everyone has to make their own mistakes, and mistakes are how we learn.  So make them, but remember that some of this advice will help heal the wounds caused by those mistakes.

Blessings, B

If you would like to participate - come on you know you have lots of advise - just click on the button to the right.  Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb