Heart Throb                                                                   Claudine's Nook

“Love Begets Love!”

Why this topic is so commonly talked about? Is it just a fad, an illusion, or something tangible and beautiful?

Love is always in the air if only one would pause long enough to recognize it. Of course, the cynics would be incapable of doing so.

Basically, every human being craves to be loved and accepted by one special person.

Love can be termed a state of emotional exhilaration which has been stimulated by social and physical appeal. This kind of love can bring so much happiness, as well as heart-rending anguishes. It is of paramount importance, then, to make an effort to discover those traits and qualities that help to contribute towards happiness, failure and anguish in relationships between the opposite sex while there is still time.

We often here the slogan “falling in love”, and somewhat, seldom meditate on its true significance... This universal happening finds its way into the lives of many and, supposedly, it proves to be the most pleasant experience; if not in the majority of instances. During that phase or period of time, a couple seeking true love will surely try very hard to avoid all unpleasant discussions and developments. They seek each other’s approval. In fact, they are out to make favourable impressions. Hence, you can expect individuals to be on their very best behaviour. Time together is spent in recreation, rather than in work. The ultimate objective in every genuine and sincere courtship is to pave the way towards embarking upon a matrimonial partnership with the sincere hope that theirs prove to stand the test of time, and be a successful and happy married life. On the other hand, many young people look at marriage as an institution which provides the answers to all the problems of life’s perplexities. Their approach of this latter category is one of innocent exception. In other words, the optimism of youth is so great that they will not be daunted by any other thought but that happiness in marriage will naturally be theirs.

This attitude can be most destructive. In too many cases the same man and woman who, during their period of courtship seemed to be so happy in each other’s company, come to a state of mind by which they have to force themselves to tolerate each other, since conflicting thoughts push forward and if such thoughts are harbored can threaten a wholesome marriage relationship. Therefore, this thought, charged with lethal possibilities, stealthily creeps in and the question, “Did I marry the wrong person?” is quite often asked.

In a  few cases this could be so, but in many instances, it is the failure to adjust one’s self to a new life, creating a new building --- a place called “home” and not just a house; together.

Even in a relatively happy home there arise complexities that require intelligent handling to prevent them from developing into major problems. It depends, then, on both man and woman: two individuals trying to merge personalities and character to build up this atmosphere of homeliness which involves affection, emotional and financial security, the freedom to be “yourself” and the practice of Christianity.

Is it enough, then, to move into a lovely modern building and label it “home”?

No!

The border line between these is the life shared within the walls of this building: no matter how humble it may be.

Marriage is intended to provide security: both emotional and financial. Considering these two types, emotional security is of greater importance to the integrity of the home. This natural craving for emotional security is so strong that it, at most times, pushes young men and women towards marriage. Many single persons would prefer to avoid the responsibilities and obligation that marriage present but because of the deep need for emotional security that comes from being able to confide in a husband – or wife partner to be impartial and unprejudiced, since he …or, she shares the problem worries of the moment. The jealousies of life are too corroding and the competitions too strong to make it desirable to face life alone.

Marriage, if given serious consideration in the “getting to know each other” period, provides a complimentary self. Financial security, especially in these days of escalating prices, is essential. Finance is, nevertheless, not the most important factor that contributes to success in home life. A young man may feel that he can upkeep his family financially so that’s about all. Hence, he’s got it made. The wife is expected to look after the children and affairs of the home. He, on the other hand, never finds time to be with his family. Hitherto, he becomes, more-or-less, a guest at a hotel. Yet, he expects his most often tired wife to be always happy and affectionate. This rather selfish attitude destroys the should-have-been joys of sharing a rewarding life together. After all, each individual craves companionship. The husband and the wife should, therefore, develop those attitudes and evidences of forbearance which enable each other to play his/her role in the home in a spirit of unselfishness.

Marriage is a normal part of life. It is life fully lived – as God intended. The social “marriage institution” is so tied up with life that success in life depends upon success in marriage. A husband and wife who later acquire another status … that of mother and father … is fully responsible for those children who come into their home.

Another important factor in crating a pleasant atmosphere that should not be overlooked is the maintaining of good morale with the home. It could be considered “love in action”; and involves developing an attitude of sincere gratitude for the “good” things the home offers. It moulds the family into a unit which is impervious to the jealousies and criticisms that come from the outside. Kindness and tender regard for one another cannot be bought with a trillion dollars … and, more! But, they cost nothing to obtain, and when bestow on husband or wife, or parent or child, they make the recipient feel like the wealthiest person in the world. Little things mean a lot. An invaluable sense of humor often acts as antidote to many situations if practiced. It must never be forgotten that the family is the fundamental unit of civilization. When the marriage bonds remain strong, the future of the nation is relatively secure.
SMASH! Don’t crash your HOME.