We have all heard that phrase from time to time. Whether our parents told us that with regards to practicing the piano, or our coach uttered those words as it related to a sport that we may have played – those words may still continue to ring in your ears. But how about applying them to our marriage? Does practice make perfect? Well, I don’t know about perfect, but I can assure you that practice makes better. I want to touch on two areas in our relationships which, when practiced, will improve.
1) Apologizing – You are probably thinking, “You would have to start with a hard one.” For must of us, we associate apologizing with “being wrong,” being beneath someone or lessor than. Many of us believe the statement made by Jethro Gibbs, a character on “NCIS,” when he says “Apologizing is a sign of weakness.” But actually, the opposite is true. Being willing to say “I’m sorry,” demonstrates a person’s willingness to own their own stuff; to take responsibility for their own actions; and to demonstrate a more mature love. Practice will make it easier to do.
2) Listening – Listening is a developed skill. We often think of it as something we do without judgement, interruption, or getting defensive – at least long enough for us to formulate our response. But it is more than just waiting your turn. It is really hearing and understanding the heart and emotion behind what the other person is saying.
While there is a long list of other topics that we would get better at, if practiced, these are two critical ones – if we want our relationships to grow. I would love it if you could share with me other ones you have learned.
Have a great week!