Relationships Tip Tuesdays

I remember when this phrase was all the rage as part of an advertising campaign for “The National Enquirer Magazine.” And I can’t help but remember that phrase when I think about healthy relationships.

You see, one of the hallmarks of healthy marriages is having an inquisitive mind when it comes to your mate. Whether we use the words – “enquiring,” “inquisitive,” or simply “curiosity,” the more we know about our spouse, the more we will understand them.

For example – have you ever found yourself engaged in an argument that seems to never end? You can’t understand them and they just don’t seem to get you. But if you were a little more inquisitive – enough to try to understand his or her perspective, you might just find that their side of the argument no longer seems so ridiculous. While you may still disagree with them, at least understanding their perspective helps their argument make sense – and it might even alter your mindset.

An enquiring mind also helps keep the relationship fresh. Once you have been married 20 or 30 years, it is easy to think that you know everything about the other person – but do you? We all are growing (hopefully) and changing. The person you used to know is probably not the same person standing in front of you today. So, then who are they? Be curious, ask questions, and get to know them all over again.

“Enquiring minds want to know,” helped sell lots of magazines. Perhaps using that same principle in your most important relationships can help create lots of goodwill.