Why is it that when we get married or are in a relationship, we forget the common rules of respecting one another?  It’s easy to fall into this trap, so let this be a simple reminder of the rules.

DO:

• Begin each day with a promise to respect others
• Sit down and talk quietly with one another
• Listen carefully to what others say without trying to do something else
• Look for things to appreciate in others
• Give praise out loud for the good you see in others – even your spouse!
• Tell others they are good, good enough, and lovable
• Tell others they are worthwhile and important to you with words and actions
• Speak in a neutral voice even when you disagree
• Pass up chances to insult, attack, criticize, or say something sarcastic
• Let others have responsibility for their lives while you take responsibility for yours.

Don’t

• Look for things to criticize
• Make fun of or laugh at others when it is inappropriate
• Make faces or roll your eyes (this is actually contempt)
• Tell others how to run their lives
• Insult other
• Ignore others
• Put people down in front of others to “gang up.”
• Act superior (another form of contempt)
• Tell others that they’re weird or crazy
• Say others are bad, not good enough, or unlovable (or act like it)
• Say others don’t belong, that “it’s” all their fault, or that you wish they were dead.
• Call others names like fat, ugly, stupid, or worthless.