Kinds of Love Your Marriage Needs

I'll admit it; it was my fault. A season of Love Is Blind was on my DVR recently. The basis of the show is that the couples go on dates where they only communicate by phone. Several of the male participants propose to the female participants after only 10 days of dating. After that, the couple has three weeks to meet one other's families and decide if marriage is in their future. Because the first relationship is not predicated on physical attractiveness, the depth to which the participants "fall in love" comes as a shock to everyone involved. The complexities of love increase abruptly.

The word "love" is used for many different types of relationships and feelings these days. However, there are many different forms of love. In fact, the many expressions of affection have their own specialized words in classical Greek. Both of these are crucial to a happy marriage. How to express romantic and platonic love to your spouse is described here.

1. Eros Love

That heady, intoxicating feeling that most new couples experience is the kind of love that is often portrayed and honored in art. Eros isn't everything, but it's vital to a happy marriage and should be fostered over time. We'd want to clarify.

Just like it was easy to have eros in the beginning, it takes work to keep the sparks flying between you and your partner, even if it's just...Tuesday.

Dating after children enter the picture: A lengthy, romantic supper or a calm walk without the kids helps you light the flame of desire when the pressure of life and parenthood threatens to dampen it.

Get the kids to bed early, turn off the TV, and read a book or talk before you hit the hay. The simple act of resting your head on his chest can do wonders for your mental and sexual well-being. 

You can't discount eros love just because it doesn't feel the same after 20 years of marriage as it did when you first got married. Discover what this means for your marriage right now and how to strengthen it.

2. Agape Love

The agape love shared by a husband and wife keeps them together through good times and bad. Daily acts of forgiveness, respect, and service to one another are made possible by the selfless, unconditional love that exists between people. Unfortunately, many modern couples believe that if eros love wanes, the marriage would eventually fall apart. But agape love is the glue that keeps your relationship strong while you rehabilitate other areas that need work. Some examples of agape love in a marriage are:

As a courtesy to your husband: One of the most important things you can do to develop agape love is to treat someone with respect even if you don't "like" them or believe they deserve it.

Moms, who serve their husbands and families, sometimes feel invisible and unappreciated. It's incredible how much we accomplish. This kind of love, however, is what allows us to continue serving.

Having mercy on your partner when he makes mistakes: Remember that tomorrow it could be you on the receiving end of mercy. A healthy and strong marriage is the result of showing mercy and letting go of pride.

Subordinating your wants and requirements to those of your partner: Love and sacrifice are inseparable companions. True love eliminates all selfishness. Here's some hope if you feel like your hubby just hasn't gotten the message.

Of course, compromise is necessary in every marriage, and you can't make your partner feel the way you do about yourself. Your relationship's temperature and dynamics can be altered by your demonstration of the selfless love you seek. The extent to which this encourages your partner to repay the favor may surprise you.