kaythecurler's picture

kaythecurler

image

mutual loving within marriage

The thread about loving others v meeting expectations is full of interesting thoughts and views.  How do you see this working within married relationships?  Does there come a point where you stop serving the other in order to meet your own needs, and how do you know when that point is fairly reached?

 

A younger friend asked "How do you show that you love your partner and how do you know that your partner loves you?"  and I think that holds the essence of the conversation I'd like to hear.  What is it that keeps couples aware of mutual love and how do people cope when there is no tangible sign that their partner loves them?

Share this

Comments

Arminius's picture

Arminius

image

Well, part of the marriage vow is "in sickness and in health, for better or for worse."

 

True love shows the most in sickness, when sexual attraction goes, things go from bad to worse, and one partner is only giving, not getting, or not getting much out of the relationship.

 

Love shows the most when Eros is absent and love is just purely selfless Agape.

Kimmio's picture

Kimmio

image

I think in sickness and health is the key...when someone sticks by  you at your lowest moment. It has little to do with sex for me. That's just the initial honeymoon stage, and there is far too much focus on it in our society. Regular couples who love each other are, on average, not as sex crazed as the media would have us believe, or have us believe we should be...to think we have to live up to that actually destroys reltationships, I think. We still have high moments and intimacy, and plenty in between, but getting through the lows without jumping ship, to me is what love is.

 

We have seen each other through bereavement, hospital stays, medical appointments, job losses and changes,  physical and mental health recovery, and moving. When your partner feels like one of your family and they have priority in your life aand you share each  others joys and sorrows daily...that's love.

Elanorgold's picture

Elanorgold

image

.

Kimmio's picture

Kimmio

image

It's true Elanor, about the little things. The little things are huge for me. Today partner brought me a little treat home from work.  Just something little that he knows I like. Or, if we cook each other's favourite meal out of the blue, or when we ask each other if there's anything we need while we're out...things like that. He has learned to cook more since we met, because he knows I don't like to do it all (he comes from a pretty patriarchal...matriarchal...old fashiooned anyway, family so it was a learning experience for him)...and that means a lot to me. I do most of the cleaning still (it's just a qualiity control thing ;) ), but when he spontaneously does the laundry I go weak in the knees! We give each other a little kiss before we leave the house. If that ever goes away, then I know there would be a problem. 

Elanorgold's picture

Elanorgold

image

Aww, lovely Kimmio. And Here! Here! (applause)

 

I almost listed cooking each others favorite foods too. : )

Back to Relationships topics
cafe