Marriage Monday: Say it…don’t just think it!

I’m an internal processor.  That means I think about a lot of things that I never talk about. It’s how I’m wired and works well for me when I’m operating as an individual.  However, it proves to be a challenge in my marriage.

I will often notice something that my husband does and I’ll think,”Wow, that’s nice. Mark folded that load of laundry in the dryer.”  However, I’ll completely miss expressing appreciation to him.  I think it and forget to say it.

Sometimes he’s not around when I notice something.  Sometimes, I’m focused on something else and don’t stop and make the effort.  Regardless of my rationale for missing the opportunity to affirm, it happens and I’m not okay with it.

But I’m changing that.

I’m learning to let the affirming and appreciative thoughts in my head leak out of my mouth. I’m picking up my cell phone and texting a quick thank you when I think about something I appreciate about him or discover a task he’s done.

Too often positive words in marriage are thought, but not expressed.  Honestly, positive words aren’t even thought about often enough in most marriages.

What does your spouse do everyday that you haven’t thanked him or her for? What extra effort has he or she made that you need to thank him or her for? What affirming words have you thought, but not expressed.

Do. It. Now.  Your spouse needs to hear your positive words.