The Marriage Course

Session 7 of the Marriage Course was held on Wednesday. In this session the theme was Love in action. And the participants had the opportunity to learn about the five expressions of love. Couples need to learn how to communicate love and which expressions of love that are most important to their partner. In brief, the five expression of love are as follows:

1. Loving Words

Words have great power either to build up or to undermine our partner. Learn to use words of encouragement, words of kindness and making requests not demands. For some people, hearing words of affirmation feels like arriving at an oasis in a desert.

2. Thoughtful presents

Presents are visual symbols of love. This expression of love is the easiest to learn but we may need to change our attitude toward money. Giving presents is a way of investing in our marriage. The present need not be expensive. Inexpensive present can have high value too. Don’t wait for special occasions to give present and try to discover what your partner likes.

3. Physical affection

Touch is a powerful communicator of love in marriage. A touch can speak louder than words. Touch can be holding hands, an arm round a shoulder or waist, a kiss, a hug, a hand on a hand, a brush of the body as you pass, a back massage, sexual foreplay or making love. For many wives touch and signs of affection have little to do with sex. For some husband, touch is simply a part of sexual arousal. Couples should learn ways to give non-sexual touch.

4. Quality time

Married couples can spend much time together without using it to convey love to their partner. Togetherness does not just require physical proximity. It involves your focused attention. Some must learn to listen and others must learn to talk. Have mealtimes together is especially important and friendship is built around shared activities and shared memories.

5. Kind action

This involves expressing love through serving someone through seeking to meet their needs in practical ways. Kind action includes routine acts of service or responding to a particular need at a particular time.