My college age Sunday School class is studying a book called “Before You Get Engaged,” by David Gudgel & Brent Gudgel with Danielle Fitch.  It asks interesting questions about couples and how they approach the dating relationship and progress toward marriage.  We have been engrossed in the dialogue that results and really learned a lot about ourselves.

As I prepare for class tomorrow, I am a bit bothered by chapter 9, “Are You Better Together Than Apart?”

When I married my Honey almost 22 years ago, I don’t remember being mature enough to honestly answer the questions of interdependence.  Brent asks, “Are there places in my life where I need someone else to help me be better and more capable?”

When I think back over my years of marriage, I can’t think of too many times when I’ve been teachable.  I’m pretty head-strong and independent.  I get defensive when someone tells me I’m not doing something right.  Ouch! 

Can you relate?  Are you aware of your weaknesses and willing to face them rationally?  Women tend to beat themselves up for shortcomings.  Yet, the Gudgels assert that in a marriage, we can celebrate our weaknesses because we have the other to compliment those weak spots with their strengths. 

Hmmm.  That’s a novel idea.  We don’t have to compete with our spouse but we can each shine as a part of the whole!

How do you work through personality differences with your spouse?  Have you found ways to compliment each other?

Looking forward to your insight,

Sally