Happiness and Marriage by Elizabeth (Jones) Towne
page 8 of 76 (10%)
page 8 of 76 (10%)
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in marriage but in all other relationships of life.
And individual freedom _cannot_ be granted by the man or woman who considers his or her judgments superior to the judgments of another. A man _must_ accord his wife _equal_ wisdom and power with himself, else he _cannot_ free her to act for herself. A woman must accord her husband that same equality, or she _cannot_ leave him free. It is human (and divine) nature to correct what we believe to be wrong. Only in believing that the other "king (or queen) can do no wrong," lies the possibility of individual freedom, in marriage or out. The man or woman who knows he or she is believed in and trusted is very careful to _deserve_ that trust. Did you know that? The sure way to have your wishes consulted is to exalt and appreciate the other party. Did you know that a man or woman will cheerfully sacrifice his or her own opinions in order to retain the respect and love of the other? But if he thinks the respect and love of the other party is growing less he will give free reign to his own desires. Married people "grow apart" for the one reason that they find fault with each other. Of course it begins by their being disrespectful to each other's faults, but it soon develops into disrespect of each other. From "looking down" upon a husband's faults it is only a few short steps to looking down upon _him_. His faults keep growing by recognition, and his good points keep shrivelling for lack of notice, until _in your_ _mind_ there is nothing left but faults. From trying to make him over you come to despair, and give him up as an altogether bad job. And there isn't a grain of sense in all this madness. Stick to the TRUTH |
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