“What Should I Do When My Spouse Gets Emotional?” Ted Lowe
Sep 4, 2023
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Ted Lowe, author, discusses the importance of empathy in marriage, including celebrating moments of joy with your spouse. He explores the impact of words and thoughts on relationships and provides practical tips for expressing empathy. Lowe suggests rethinking how we see and value our relationship in his book 'Us in Mind' and promotes FamilyLife Today's marriage getaway event.
Empathy is crucial in building strong relationships and involves fully experiencing and understanding the emotions of our partners.
Our thoughts and words have a significant impact on our relationships, and it is essential to challenge and improve our thoughts to ensure they align with positive and constructive perspectives.
Deep dives
The Power of Empathy in Relationships
Empathy plays a crucial role in building strong relationships, both during difficult times and moments of celebration. Empathy is more than just being present during tough situations; it also involves fully experiencing and understanding the emotions of our partners. Studies show that how we celebrate with our spouse is more predictive of a strong relationship than how we argue. Empathy helps to bridge the emotional and logical parts of the brain, providing comfort and support to our partners. By acknowledging and validating their emotions, we can create a deeper connection and foster a stronger bond.
The Impact of Words and Thoughts on Relationships
Our thoughts and words have a significant impact on our relationships. Research indicates that our thoughts shape how we view ourselves, our spouse, and the purpose of marriage. Negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to harmful actions and attitudes. It is essential to challenge and improve our thoughts to ensure they align with positive and constructive perspectives. Recognizing that our thoughts are not always accurate and not automatically believing everything we think can be transformative in improving our relationships.
The Practice and Development of Empathy
Empathy is a skill that can be developed and improved over time. It requires conscious effort and intentional communication. Simple phrases like 'That's understandable' and 'If I were you, I would feel the same way' can express empathy and create a safe space for our partners to share their emotions. Empathy involves being fully present, actively listening, and seeking to understand their perspective. By empathizing with our spouse, we can provide a sense of validation, support, and connection, ultimately strengthening our relationship.
Your spouse is emotional. What should you do? What should you say? What if you don't agree? Author Ted Lowe knows changing how you think and respond in moments like this could change your marriage—and he's got ways to do it.
I thought the empathy was just about being with someone during the tough stuff, but it's also being there with them during the fun stuff. It's, rejoice with those who rejoice and cry with those who cry. And one study said how you celebrate with your spouse is more predictive of a strong relationship than how you fight. -- Ted Lowe