"For Women Only"

I am so tired lately between the boys, working, and grad school, but our small group has started a new book where the girls are reading "For Women Only" and the guys are reading "For Men Only." Our book gives us insight to our husbands, and how to love them the best we can. If you are anything like me, I always welcome advice. The past few years it has been mostly advice for babies, but I have been blessed with this book on marriage. I have been at fault for trying to give Drew what I need in a marriage, instead of what he needs.

The chapter we read this week was on a guys number one need- respect. When asked if they would rather be unloved or disrespected men overwhemingly picked unloved. They NEED respect. As much as we need reassurance and to be told they love us, they need to know we respect them. How can we do this?
1. Do not tell them to do something over and over (guilty!) Even if they don't do it on your time frame doesn't mean they aren't going to do it.
2. Let them figure things out and perservere without you telling them what to do. (I am extremely guilty of this with the babies- trying to tell Drew what to do.)
3. Do NOT talk down to them or demand things of them in front of people. Guys care more than we know about what other guys think of them, and it said we should be praising them in front of other people. That hugely builds their confidence.
4. Let them make decisions. I know I am the stronger personality, have a more fiery temper, but I do need to slow down and really listen, and not demand things.

I pray this week that I can show Drew respect in many ways ..:)