10 Emotional Needs in Marriage

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

4. RECREATIONAL COMPANIONSHIP
It is fun to share your preferred recreational activities with your partner. Men will often enjoy playing games, go on hikes, and other adventures. While dating both parties try to do as many things as possible together, whether they like the activity or not.
They enjoy spending time with their love. Once married however, couples have a tendency to only do the activities they enjoy, often letting their partner spend an inordinate amount of time doing activities solo, or with other friends. The separation of activities is a dangerous practice.

Marriage coaches often hear from one partner that the other partner changed. We hear that before marriage they used to do all kinds of things together, but not now.
Men are the ones usually wanting to do recreational activities. It is a real bonus when his wife participates in the activity or supports him from the sideline. Women also love to do activities and would love to have their husbands join them. When they each stop doing activities together, each is making a conscious decision to not support their partner. It is a bad decision.

Recreational companionship combines two needs into one – that of recreation and companionship.

The answer is one that takes a little work and a lot of compromises. You need to find recreational activities you both enjoy doing. Yes, that means one or both of you may have to stop doing a preferred activity. This is a decision you are making for the betterment of the marriage. You may have to try several different activities before you find one or two you both like. The result is that you and your partner will be spending more time together. This will be time to talk, share experiences, and enjoy life together.

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
This week find time to discover your common recreational activities. So, you start enjoying together and thus keep depositing in your Love Bank.

PRAYER: Lord, help us not to be selfish in our recreational aspect of our marital relationship. Help us to learn to sacrifice in this area of marriage. Help us to connect with each other even through our recreation times. In Jesus’ name, amen.