Love Makes Good Impressions

There is something to the way you greet your spouse each day that carries surprising significance. You can tell a lot about the state of a couple’s relationship from the way they greet one another. You can see it in their expression and countenance, as well as how they speak to each other (or in some cases just do the silent treatment). It is even more obvious by their physical contact. But how much importance should you give a greeting? The Bible has things to say about greetings. Paul mentions in one of his letters for fellow believers to greet twenty-seven of his friends and loved ones for him. Then he listed each one to be greeted by name. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount said that being godly included being humble and gracious enough to address even your enemies with kindness. How do you greet your friends, coworkers, and neighbors? And how about acquaintances and those you meet in public? Sometimes you may encounter someone you don’t necessarily like yet still acknowledge them out of courtesy. So, if you’re this nice and polite to other people, doesn’t your spouse deserve the same? Times ten? It’s probably something you don’t think about very often. But how is it when you first wake up in the morning? Do you ignore your spouse? How about the look on your face when you get in the car, or the energy in your voice when you speak to your spouse on the phone. Yeah – whata ya want? Here’s something you need to stop and consider. What difference would it make in your spouse’s day if everything about you expressed the fact that you were really glad to see them(?) or that knowing it’s your spouse on the phone shows love and respect by the tone in your voice? When someone communicates that they are glad to see you, your personal sense of self-worth increases – BIG TIME. You feel more important and valued. That’s because a good greeting sets the stage for positive and healthy interaction. Like love, it puts wind in your sails. What kind of greeting would make your spouse feel loved and cared for? How could you excite his or her various senses with a simple word, a gentle touch, or very importantly – the tone of your voice? A loving greeting can bless your spouse through what they see, hear, and feel. Think of the opportunities you have to greet each other on a regular basis. When coming through the door. When meeting for lunch. When saying good-night. When talking on the phone. All ideal opportunities to express the kind of love a marriage should have. Adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your spouse’s heart in subtle, unspoken ways. So, think about your greetings. Does your spouse feel valued and appreciated? Do they feel loved? Does your marriage need a makeover or a learning session as to how you should change so you feel recharged about each other? Remember, love is a choice. And if you need to, please choose to change your greetings toward each other. Choose to love. You must have done better at some point in your relationship. It’s well worth getting that first love feeling back again (My thoughts with The Love Dare, page 41-43). Sherry