Hand in Hand

Too often we hear of men who control their wives and run all parts of their households. And too often we hear of women who overshadow their husbands, belittle them, or take on all the responsibilities of the home in case the husband should mess things up. Marriage is for the man and woman to rely on each other. And this begins with equal partnership.

In marriage, a husband and wife work hand in hand and have equal responsibilities. This doesn't mean they do the same things. Perhaps the husband goes to work and the wife takes care of the home and children while he is gone. This also does not mean their only responsibilities are to work (for men) and the house and children (for women) (or the reverse of this).  There is a balance between work, taking care of the home, children, budgeting, cooking, playing, and planning.

I believe that a man and woman should help each other as much as they can, care for each other, attend to each other's needs, be each others' strengths. There is something so unique and powerful in a marriage. Men and women are given to each other to build each other up, and complete each other.

Part of having an equal partnership is allowing the other to help. How can a wife who wants to have help in the home be satisfied if she does not allow her husband to do the dishes just in case he might break one plate?

I think an important key in a marriage, or a relationship headed towards marriage, is interdependence. This mean leaning on each other for support.This means allowing the other person to help and give aid when you cannot complete things as you are. However, this requires the person in need to let go of pride.

I have a problem with pride sometimes. I find it difficult to ask for help even when I really need it. But I've learned through my life that sometimes I need to lean on another individual and be humble. If not, I would probably fail in a lot of things and be a grouchy person that never has fun.

Another part of interdependence is finding a balance. Sometimes one person might be willing to give and give and give whilst the other person only receives. Think of it as a house of cards. If one card leans too much, the house falls. If the other person gives too much while the other person is being overwhelmed the house falls again.

I believe remembering to act like two cards trying to establish a house would help relationships. It's a good reminder that sometimes we need to give and be unselfish, and sometimes we have to accept help and be humble. In this way, an equal partnership can begin to thrive, and more happiness would be found in marriages.

1. Image: http://peteandpip.com/RSVP.aspx