Keeping Relationship Growing

A good growing friendship does go through different phases between the two people involved... from strangers to acquaintance, to friends, to close friends, and to best friends. Then if they are of the opposite sexes it might progress to platonic friends or to bf-gf, then to marriage.

In order for the relationship to grow well, both have to participate in naturing it like growing a healthy plant: watering, pruning, adding nutrients, sunshine, etc.

But we know from practical experiences that there might be lots of ups and downs in relationship development. Misunderstandings do happen even between best friends or a married couple. Can the other person knows how we actually feel when we say something in our frustration? Communication is vital. We need to learn how to express our inner feelings as well as to listen to the other person's inner feelings too, not just listen to what is spoken.

I found the suggestion below worth trying, not only for married couple, but also for very close friends too. (I read the couple's journal exchanges with so much emotion... very touching)

Penning a Marriage
The power of interactive journaling
By Becky Zerbe


"Several years ago, my husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Our journals are now a cherished record of thoughts and fears during the progress of a life consuming illness."


6 Guidelines for Interactive Journaling:
Keep the journal in a consistent location.

• Date each entry.
• Structure each entry as a letter to reinforce that the message is written from you or to you.
• Remember your spouses feelings. I keep my husbands photo at the desk where I write.
• Read each letter with an open and prayerful mind.
• Frequently acknowledge your partner for the time, love, and thoughts that go into the journal.
  
  "God in his wisdom knew we need the written word—after all, he wrote the Ten Commandments in stone. The Scriptures are filled with epistles that were so needed by the early Christians. They were precious letters that still guide us today. How blessed we are to be able to look at our Father and learn the importance of words written to each other."
  

(Click to read more)

Another article I like is...

More Than Words
Sometimes it's small, everyday acts of kindness that best demonstrate love toward our mate. Here are 9 ways MP readers communicate love—without ever saying a word.

Happy reading. :)