Emotions aren't something to fear in marriage. Emotions help us connect and motivate us toward action. Don't ignore them or deny them, work to understand them.
Talking Points:
- Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand yourself and others. Your marriage will be strongest when you understand your own emotions and value your spouse enough to want to understand theirs. Genesis 2:22-24
- Self awareness means you understand the “what” and “why” of your emotions. Those insights help to avoid unmet expectations in your marriage. Psalm 139:23-24
- Your ability to empathize is the bridge to a healthy connection with your spouse. Rather than seeing every struggle through your eyes, recognize that your spouse has a point of view that also deserves to be heard.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How did your parents express their emotions in your home growing up? What did you learn about conflict from watching their dynamic?
- Read Genesis 2:22-24. Define what you think it means to be one with your spouse. How do you think this applies to understanding your spouse’s emotions?
- Why is it important to understand the “why” of your emotions? How will those insights help your marriage?
- Read Psalm 139:23-24. How could taking time to pray help you to understand what lies within your heart? How does our heart affect our actions?
- How often do you fight over missed expectations? How could growing in self awareness help to change that dynamic?
- In times of conflict, do you think about your spouse’s point of view? Explain. How can you get better at hearing and respecting your spouse’s perspective?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
