Healthy RelationshipsSample

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS | DAY SIX | BREAKING THE SILENCE

Ever been on the receiving end of the silent treatment? Ever dished it out yourself? Yeah...me too!

In the earlier years of marriage my husband and I would take turns at this after a disagreement. A stupid night, sleeping uncomfortably; each of us as close to the edge of the bed as possible so as not to touch the other. Giving each other the cold shoulder only to wake up in the morning with a crick in the neck and being in an even worse mood.

The unsaid contest was really who could hold out the longest before the guilts and an apology sets in. It always did eventually and that's the way it was until we found a better way.

Ephesians 4:6 says: “Don't let the sun go down on your anger”.

Pretty good advice if you're after a good night's sleep and a healthy marriage as well. But years later we attended some training in the USA to help other couples navigate and nurture their relationships too and after we'd had our own healing it was really incredible to be able to do that.

Here's a challenge for you if you're struggling in this area...the next time you’re tempted to extend a disagreement, choose to take your partner by the hands and gently look them in the eyes. Be the first to apologize, and offer an idea to help mend things.

Break the silence.