Today’s small but powerful habit:
Listening—without trying to fix.
One of the most common frustrations I hear in coaching sessions is:
“Every time I try to share how I feel, my spouse jumps in with advice or corrections.”
Now, advice isn’t bad—but sometimes, it’s not what’s needed.
Sometimes your spouse just wants to feel heard.
To know that what they feel matters.
To be seen.
To be safe to express.
Jesus modeled this beautifully. Before He spoke words of truth, He often first listened deeply, responded to emotions, and met people in their pain.
When we listen without jumping in to fix or defend, we build emotional safety.
And that emotional safety becomes the bedrock of deeper intimacy.
Here’s a simple phrase that helps:
“That sounds hard. Tell me more…”
It tells your spouse: I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to walk with you.
Try it today:
Next time your spouse shares something—don’t interrupt, correct, or jump in. Just listen with your heart.
You’ll be surprised what begins to open up between you.
Tomorrow in Part 5: The Unexpected Power of Laughter in Marriage.
Blessings,
Ade