Friday Flashback: It’s Good Some Of It’s Your Fault

I spend a lot of time here pointing fingers at husbands. This is not because I think men are worse than women, or are the bigger problem in the majority of marriages; I point fingers at husbands because my audience here is primarily male. 

I know your wife is imperfect. I know she can be a horrible at times, does things to drive you crazy, and has a selfish streak that shows up occasionally – or frequently. Furthermore, I know for some of you she is the bigger problem in the marriage, and for a few of you, she is the vast majority of the problem. But here’s the thing – pointing my finger at her, when she’s not here, is a waste of my time. If she wants to be a better wife, she will do something about it; you telling her what I think would make her a better wife doesn’t fit in that category.

Angry couple pointing at each other

Fortunately, you are here, which probably means you’re willing to listen. I assume you’re here because you want a better marriage, and I assume you think the things I say could bring about a better marriage. I have no idea if your wife is motivated to change, but your being here suggests you are. At the very least, I hope you’re open to considering changes.

Even if 95% of the problems in your marriage are hers, you can still work on your 5%. I know it’s not much, but it’s what you have power over. Working on your 5% will do far more for your marriage than whining about the 95% over which you have no power. What’s more, when you work on your stuff you give her an example to follow. As your changes improve things for her, she gains a reason to want to make things better for you. 

If all the problems in your marriage are about her, if it’s all her fault, then you’re powerless. If you tell yourself it’s all her fault, you’re powerless. On the other hand, when you look for what you can change, you find the power to change your marriage.

[This post first appeared Mar 15, 2012.]

A post worth reading:

Dr. Corey Carlisle | Hope invites risk ◄ But it’s worth the risk!

Image Credit: © WavebreakMediaMicro | stock.adobe.com
Shop Amazon ♦ Shop to give links page
We’re donation supported Thanks for your help!
This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosure for info.

 

3 responses to “Friday Flashback: It’s Good Some Of It’s Your Fault”

  1. Shedd Waskosky says:

    Happy anniversary, Paul & Lori!

  2. Gary Giessmann says:

    Once again, a timely and wise post. THANK YOU!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.