Friendship Series…con’t

 Yesterday, I said I would be sharing about friendship between  partners. So today I am beginning with the ultimate partnership —“Marriage”

C.S Lewis says “The word “friendship” conjures up thoughts of honesty, vulnerability, companionship, and mutual respect. It also implies a certain outlaying of time and energy.: “It is when we are doing things together that friendship springs up – painting, sailing ships, praying, philosophizing, and fighting shoulder to shoulder. Friends look in the same direction.”.

Bll Hanawalt writes “Marriage without friendship cannot work in our culture,”  “Friendship has to be nourished and nurtured regularly or it faces the danger of becoming a business relationship.  The priority of emotional connection will be left to die on the vine if couples don’t give attention to developing their friendship. The marriage will subsequently fall apart and can create an opening for marital infidelity.

“My wife knows everything about my brokenness. I have gone to her first in difficult situations. There’s a small circle of people who know me and know my depravity. My wife is in that circle. Having that transparency has given me strength, clarity, and tremendous freedom.”  says a husband named George.

Below are some words of wisdom from Focus on the Family:

A word to husbands and wives

Men: It can be especially easy for you to begin capturing another woman’s heart without even realizing it. You may think you’re just having an enjoyable conversation  but it may be the only attention that woman gets. Before you know it, your conversations move from friendly chatter to intimate subjects. We’re not suggesting men can’t have friendships with other women, but we are warning it can be easier than you think to cross the line.

Think of it this way: If a woman invited you into her house and the two of you were alone, would the topics and conversation always stay the same as they do in public or with other people?  What about the phone or on the internet.

Then Focus on the Family gave this sage advice for husbands:

Trust your wife’s instincts in this area. If your wife suggests another woman is behaving inappropriately, she is probably right. Most women have a radar, an innate alertness to nonverbal communication and an ability to translate body language into emotional facts. Your wife probably is able to see these things clearly. Regard it as a gift from God that will keep you out of danger.

Women: You need to know that for you, as well as men, adultery begins in the heart. Be careful you are not lured away from your marriage by a man’s tenderness, openness, warmth, personality and attentiveness. When you sense that someone else is captivating your heart, when this attraction results in increased disappointment or frustration toward your husband, or when you begin to dwell on or act out your fascination, it’s time to confront the threat.

Stay tuned for part 3…….