SHARE LOVE
Marriage is like a road trip with different stages in the journey of love. Embrace the thrill of Eros, find comfort in Philia, and navigate challenges with Storge, but always rely on the sturdy vehicle of Agape to keep love alive and create a fulfilling journey together.
Love in a marriage can be likened to a journey with different stages, each representing a different type of love. Let's explore this analogy:
Imagine that a marriage is like a road trip. Initially, you embark on this journey filled with excitement and passion, driven by Eros's love. It's like the exhilarating feeling of cruising down the highway, captivated by the thrill of the open road. As time passes, the initial spark of Eros begins to fade, and a deeper connection starts to form. It is where Philia's love comes in. It's like discovering a roadside cafe where you can take a break, share stories, and find comfort in each other's presence. You realise your love is based on passion, friendship, and mutual respect.
During the honeymoon phase, you embrace each other's differences because Eros' love is still strong. It's like exploring new destinations and trying adventurous activities together. However, as the journey progresses, you enter a new phase called Storge love. It is where the challenges of building a new family and taking on responsibilities emerge, like navigating through unfamiliar terrain or encountering unexpected twists and turns. In this phase, parents can become observers of the joy camp, focusing more on their roles and responsibilities than nurturing the love between them. It is when one might be tempted to seek Eros's love outside the joy camp, where the foxes are, leading to potential infidelity and strain on the relationship.
To maintain love in a marriage, it's important to remember that Agape love should always be the foundation. Agape, selfless, and unconditional love is like the sturdy vehicle you're travelling in. It keeps you rooted and committed to your partner, even when the initial sparks of passion have faded.
If only Storge's love (love for belonging) remains, nurturing Agape's love is crucial to finding ways to reconnect and reignite the flame. It's like taking a pit stop to refuel and repair your vehicle, ensuring it remains solid and reliable for the rest of the journey.
In the analogy of marriage as a trimester, God, husband, and wife are the three pillars that support the relationship. When God is absent or neglected, it can lead to a breakdown in love for God, partner, and self. This lack of love and respect can result in hurting each other.
In summary, love in a marriage is like a road trip with different stages. By prioritising Agape love, nurturing friendship, Philia love, and addressing challenges together, you can keep the love alive and create a fulfilling journey with your partner.
Would you like to improve your communication and conflict-resolution skills and affection in your relationships with your intimate? Then, join me for some workshop(s) to help you identify your conflict management styles. You'll learn about the Fox, Shark, Owl, Turtle, and Teddie bear styles of handling conflict and how they impact your relationships. In addition to conflict management styles, you'll learn about different communication styles, including assertive, passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive. Understanding these communication styles will help you better communicate your needs and feelings healthily and effectively. Communication, comprehension, and affection are the three most essential requirements for healthy relationships. During this interactive and informative workshop (s), you will gain valuable tools and strategies for improving all three areas by practising active listening, expressing yourself clearly, and showing empathy towards others.
Take advantage of the opportunity to improve your relationships and communication skills!
