March 28-30, 2008

Arguments reveal the heart. Almost always arguments grow out of unmet emotional needs. One wife said, “Little things like getting the old newspapers out to the garage for recycling is not a big deal to him, but it is to me because I hate clutter. It’s kind of a visual thing.” What is she saying? One of her emotional needs is to have order in the house. Clutter is emotionally upsetting to her.

The wise husband and wife will look for the emotional need behind the argument. Why is my spouse so upset over what seems trivial to me? The answer to that question will help you understand your spouse. Meeting emotional needs for each other is one way to create a positive climate for communication.

Today's A Growing Marriage Daily content has been written by Dr. Gary Chapman and is based on the book Dr. Gary Chapman On the Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishers, copyright 2005. Used by permission.