A Sharing of Marital Secrets- Excerpt #77

#6 (Part 1 of 3)
Next, do you show him genuine appreciation for everything, both big and small? When I first read about showing appreciation, I thought, “Piece of cake!” I was taught to say “thank you” at a very young age. Every time Craig did something for me, I always said, “Thank you!” or “I appreciate that.”

You know what? I have since learned that showing appreciation stems from so much more. The gesture of just saying, “Thank you,” without the added oomph is not enough. Have you ever been around someone who said things merely because it was the polite thing to do? It’s as though it was a habit without any conscious reflection. That was me! I did not understand the art of true appreciation. Did you know that when you sincerely show appreciation for someone, it gives you a good feeling inside?

When I see Craig cutting the grass on Saturday mornings, knowing he could be a thousand other places doing a thousand other things with a thousand other women, I feel the genuine appreciation I express. Can you imagine how Craig must feel inside to know that I truly appreciate everything he does for our family and me? His response to that is incredible. I tell you, girl, it’s wonderful!

The first step to truly appreciating others is to accept the fact that no one owes you anything – not your husband, your children, your parents, your siblings, your friends, your co-workers… not even your enemies. No one! See? When you truly internalize that fact, you will never again take the actions of another human being for granted. When someone is moved to do something for you, your sincere appreciation will shine forth.

To be appreciated; ah, it’s a grand feeling! When I cook a dinner that Craig and the kids rave over, their appreciation always makes me feel that it was worth the trouble.

Being appreciated feels so good, but don’t fall into the trap. Don’t do anything for anyone just to elicit a response. I want to do what I do from the heart with no strings attached. When I do that, I am not disappointed by the outcome. Also, don’t use appreciation as a source of manipulation. Appreciation must be genuine, sincere and from the heart.

To Be Continued... Copyright 2000 by Abby Gail Smith (pen name of Robbie S. Redmon) All rights reserved.
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