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The post APW Happy Hour appeared first on A Practical Wedding: Wedding Planning, Inspiration, and Ideas.
Dear Millennial Woman,
I did not think I would ever be a biological mother. This didn’t bother me; I was too busy anyway and much too afraid of the sheer pain of it all. I winced to hear the word “labor” in connection with childbirth. But love won me over.
It started with my need to be loved and cherished by someone. I know you have that need, too. A woman wants nothing quite as much as arms to hold her and a heart to lay her head on. Let’s be honest: this is at the root of some of our worst decisions, driven by passion, fueled by lust. We let ourselves be scorched by the heat of our hook-ups because we want someone to hold and harbor us and our fears. But it isn’t where we find love. My husband, however, knew how to love me unconditionally and it was in the comfort and security of his love that I found my true self.
But this letter isn’t about me, it’s about you. It’s about your desire for love. I want you to experience the strong, solid tethers of a true union, bound by marriage, within which love bears its most beautiful fruit — the birth of a child.
I gave birth to my first-born three months ago; a year ago she was conceived. And, yes, I labored, long and hard, to bring her into this world. But love once again won me over. Hers is like her father’s love, but even more so in its untainted innocence; she looks at me with a tender love that knows no limits. I am the first person she loved.
Every time she looks at me, she recognizes that I am unique – I am her mother – and she loves me uniquely. To be loved so fully and perfectly, to be embraced by her and know that to her, I am everything (for now), is a reward in itself.
Young woman, look no further for love than in the eyes of a child. They are like the eyes of God — in them you can see yourself anew and recognize that you are loved unconditionally. I can’t imagine now who I would be without my little daughter to teach me every day who I am. I can’t imagine how much love I would have lost without her.
Young woman, what is it worth to gain the world and not experience love? The love of a child is too beautiful to refuse. Choose life and you will find love.
Reprinted with permission from MercatorNet.
About the author
Julia Dezelski is the assistant director for Marriage and Family Life, and Laity in the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family, Life and Youth at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The post A New Mother’s Advice to a Young Woman appeared first on For Your Marriage.
Source: http://www.foryourmarriage.org/advice-to-a-young-woman/
Meeting someone is just the beginning of the whole process. How not to lose your chance at happiness while juggling your relationship and every other thing going on in your life is the real test. The following are 15 likely tips to help manage your relationships:
1. Do not ever start what you do not plan on finishing. It’s a no no to encourage someone you do not plan on building solid ties with.
2. We are all flawed...yes perfectly flawed so don't expect perfection from anyone thereby getting your hopes up for nothing.
3. Assumptions are killers of a great relationship. You need to express yourself more and engage your partner in a conversation when you are not clear about their actions. Communication is key
4. Not everyone keep dates of important occasion. Do not get pissed when an important occasion is overlooked by your partner. You can help jog memory by sending an early reminder.
5. You both have a right to your privacy does not mean you should keep secrets that could be damning.
6. Do not go into a relationship thinking you can change a particular thing about that person. It’s ok to influence some positivity. Remember it's a relationship not a character rehabilitation.
7. Relationship should be a give and give process. You both should give a 100% of yourselves not one giving while the other keeps taking.
8. Respect each other's view. Compromise is key. It’s okay to disagree to agree.
9. Never disrespect your partner in private or public. Everyone deserves their respect and regardless of your closeness to other people never make mockery of their feelings to those people.
10. Not everyone is adventurous but you can create fun activities together just the two of you.
11. Surprise your partner with something nice once in a while. It goes a long way in building a great relationship.
12. That you are in a relationship does not mean you should not set aside time for other people in your life. Try to strike a balance.
13. Never let the dawn break on hard feelings that's a serious deal breaker.
14. Do not hold the past against your partner. We all make mistakes and remember the future is pregnant with mystery gifts. Enjoy each second as it comes.
15. Lastly for now, set aside a me time. Yes. You deserve a down time for yourself to just unwind so does your partner. Do something for just yourself. Love yourself so your heart will be filled with enough love to impact.
