Psychological and Emotional benefits of Presence Reduced Stress and Anxiety: When you are actively engaged in a relationship, it creates a sense of stability and security. Knowing that you are supported and valued by someone can alleviate stress and reduce feelings of worry or loneliness. Enhanced Emotional Intimacy: Being present helps build trust and emotional…
Antidotes to combat ‘Present Out’ behavior in relationships Prioritize quality time: Dedicate undivided attention to your partner by setting aside time for meaningful connection. This could mean scheduling date nights, sharing meals without distractions, or engaging in activities you both enjoy. Presence is not just about being there, it is about being fully engaged. Communicate…
When I was in JHS 2, there was a classmate whose name is Kofi. Kofi will be present in school everyday but after putting his back in class, he will vanish and reappear at closing time. When our class teacher would be marking the class register and Kofi’s name is mentioned, all we say is…
The Exterior – Paint, Decorations, and Furniture: Public Displays and Social Perception. Once a building is completed, people admire the paint job, the decorations, and the furniture. These are what catch the eye, but they do not determine the building’s strength. A house can be beautifully painted yet structurally weak. In marriage, the “paint and…
The Internal Support System – Beams and Reinforcements: Trust and Emotional Security. Inside every solid building, there are support beams, reinforcements, and structures that keep the walls standing. These are hidden within the walls, but they distribute weight and provide stability. In marriage, these hidden reinforcements represent: Trust: The belief that your partner is reliable,…
Why hidden strength matters more than surface beauty in marriage In architecture, the most crucial parts of a building are often the ones you don’t see. The iron rods, the concrete foundation, the internal support beams. These hidden elements determine whether the structure can withstand pressure, storms, and the test of time. On the other…
Continuous Maintenance as Communication, Intimacy, and Growth. Even the strongest buildings require regular maintenance such as repairs, updates, and care. Relationships are no different. Some key maintenance practices include but not limited to: Consistent communication: Checking in emotionally, discussing challenges, and celebrating wins. Intentional intimacy: Prioritizing both physical and emotional connection. Adaptation and growth: Evolving…
Windows and Doors as Openness and Vulnerability Windows bring light into a house, just as openness brings clarity into relationships. Doors, meanwhile, symbolize the choice of who and what to let in. Vulnerability: Being emotionally open and honest without fear of judgment. How? Try opening up about your personal struggles, doubts, or past wounds without…
The Walls, the Roof, as Boundaries and Protection. Why do you think every home has walls? Exactly so! We do this to provide security, and roof to shield against external forces. This is also true in relationships; boundaries and protection serve the same purpose: Healthy boundaries: Knowing where individuality ends and partnership begins, ensuring that…
The Pillars: Trust, Respect, and Emotional Safety Once we lay the foundation, the relationship needs strong pillars to hold it up. These pillars represent the key elements that sustain love through different seasons of life. Let us identify and erect these pillars. How couples can build trust in their marriage. Trust: couples can deepen trust…