My friend, Seth Adam Smith, wrote a post on his blog titled, Marriage Isn't For You, and to date, it's been read over over 25 million times! I imagine that most of you have read it, or at the very least, have noticed it being shared on various social networks.
The latest update for Seth's spike to fame is spotting him with his adorable wife, Kim, in an interview they gave for Good Morning America, which I happened to catch. I thought they did great! You can watch clips from the interview in this video segment that aired on ABC News.
Video: Seth Adam Smith Interview on Good Morning American
Marriage Isn't For You!
For Seth's story to go viral it required a little help from a lot of friends, hence, the power of social media. In this case, friends, are those who after reading his post were instantaneously compelled to then share it!
Seth's willingness to help others by sharing his humble epiphany, having risen from the ashes of a serious fear of commitment prior to getting married, and then finding himself struggling, again, in his new marriage, is likely the catalyst for why his post is resonating with millions.
No doubt that many touched by Seth's post, have themselves experienced the fiery furnace of what was supposed to have been a state of wedded bliss, temporarily gone south, and then north, and then south and so on, and perhaps having silently suffered, until they, too, finally figured it out. Or maybe for some others, having gone through the demise of a former marriage, just really appreciated having exposed the very thing, that was missing-in-action in that marriage and as always, when selfishness is persistent in any relationship things generally don't end so well.
With the ridiculous amount of people who have read Seth's post, you can bet the reasons vary tremendously. Which is why I've enjoyed observing this frenzy-for-truth, and reading the opinions of quite a few, on what they think makes for a happy marriage. Overall, It's a beautiful thing.
I am inclined to believe, that the fact Seth's post has spiked this kaleidoscope of conversations about happiness in marriage,and how best to achieve it, and happening in nearly every nook and cranny across the country, by those having such a broad interest for wanting to weigh-in, to me, is clearly a powerful indicator that marriage is still of great importance to many in mainstream society! Which means, that we can all stop falling for the perceived cultural trend, supported by liberal media, and the constant barrage of broadcasting the message that traditional marriage is out of date and no longer holds its former value in modern society.
Rather, it appears that the decline is directly related to the loss of understanding of what is marriage, and what is required to makes it successful. Hmm? Where have we heard that before? Think about it, discouragement does not translate into an automatic fail. It simply means that a person needs to correct their perception in order to look at what's troubling them and with the right compass. Once the map is reoriented, clarity can return and progress in the right direction is greatly improved.
In his blog post, Seth explained that "a true marriage (and true love) is never about you. It's about the person you love--their wants, their needs, their hopes, and their dreams. Selfishness demands, "What's in it for me?" while Love asks, "What can I give?""
Seth actually clarified the above statement during his interview with GMA, which more than a few have been very critical. In an obvious response to being asked what was the most important lesson he learned in making his discovery, he said "that this marriage wasn't about just me, it was also about the woman that I married and somewhere in that, I had lost sight of who Kim was and what she needed and her hopes and her dreams."
Looking at both comments from my perspective, the addition to the equation, considered inherent by most who read the post, was that in completely turning attention to Kim's needs, and setting his aside, there is an automatic response, in kind, which returns an increase of contentment and happiness in the total marriage relationship.
For the critics who chose to immediately take offense to Seth's realization about being selfless, by using what he didn't spell out, in order to advocate that which will never produce the kind of marriage the Adam's are suggesting is possible, one can only hope that with this simple clarification a sincere re-consideration of the principle shared, better understood, would produce an understanding of its profound credibility.
I think it's safe to say, that Seth's epiphany about how to have a happy marriage, instantly became millions of others, too! Not that it's a new concept, per se, because it's not. Rather, I think it may very well have to do with the simplicity and sincerity of its presentation, enabling his message to reach deeply into the hearts of millions!
If you're anything like me, subject to the "natural man" appearing in my marriage, on more occasions than I care to admit, then perhaps you might benefit by answering the same questions I put to myself, about how I initially responded to what Seth wrote, and particularly if you happen to be among the many 'friends' compelled to share it - thinking the advice excellent!
First, answer yes or no to each of these five questions. Be honest, and no cheating.
- Did you share the post with your spouse?
- Were you thinking about your spouse, or former spouse, when you read the post - before sharing it with your friends and family?
- Did you have the same epiphany as Seth finally did, and are now ready to make your spouse the sun, moon, and stars of your life's work: their happiness? (Or future spouse.)
- Is your spouse already the sun, the moon and the stars in your world, because you already apply the principle of self-sacrifice in your marriage?
- Are you skeptical that total selflessness in a marriage is the key to a fulfilling life - because your needs are equally important and that perhaps in doing so, you would end up having to forgo your needs - not gonna happen?
Good. Now, go back and re-read the questions, but this time, ask yourself why you answered each with a yes or no?
Hopefully you found this little exercise, as I did, insightful - about where you might be on the 'unselfish' scale in your own marriage.
What prompted me to ponder more seriously the responses to Seth's post , came when reading some of the comments left when the link was shared, and checking out a number of blog posts written in response. The comments have ranged the entire spectrum from 'awesome', to completely 'unrealistic'.
The 'awesome' group tended to be those already identified in this post as 'friends' - shared the post. The 'unrealistic' group were those who were/are sounding off with various levels of opposition to what Seth wrote - a handful deciding to write their own thoughts in response, as a rebuttal and/or alternative view.
It would be impossible to try and list all of the reasons why Seth's story has generally resonated, positively, with the masses - although I've attempted to identify a few. The two groups that I've suggested, and what they represent, I think, are responsible for making Seth's post go viral. It might be worth noting that the *25 million views already mentioned, only take into account the actual number of times the post, Marriage Is Not For You, has been read on Seth's blog - alone! Again, people are clearly, still, engaged with the idea of marriage.
In asking myself the above questions and pondering my own reasons for how I answered them, I realized that those who fall into the 'awesome' group were very likely, regardless of whether they lack such dynamics in their own marriage, or are experiencing it currently, recognized the profound truth taught in Seth's post that, "charity never faileth", which was, in my opinion, clearly the principle taught and heard by the majority, in some way.
In contrast, those who tended to respond with the feeling that selflessness is an 'unrealistic' expectation - a commonly shared ideology in today's mainstream society - from what I could tell, had little understanding of what true charity looks like. (And not the kind that accepts monetary donations.)
It's usually under the guise of gender equality that feminist advocates send the message to other women, that in order to be emotionally and physically independent you must make 'you' the number one priority in your life. The convincing reason goes something like this: take care of your needs before you even think about taking on someone else's baggage in order to avoid bondage, such as a spouse and/or having children, which inevitably leads to a complete loss of who you are .
In general, I found that responses to the idea of selflessness in marriage, viewed negatively and which are based on a distorted definition, were intended to minimize the power of charity, when suggesting acts of selflessness are weak, unhealthy and should be considered undesirable to strong, capable women (in particular), in today's modern culture. And some, going so far as to suggest the practice a common dysfunction in abusive relationships, advising the dynamic be avoided at all cost. I've lost count of how many times people have described Seth's commitment to selflessness, as "co-dependence".
Logically speaking, it is fairly easy to understand how such an ideology can make sense to the "natural man" (or woman), because that state-of-mind, naturally, thinks selfishly. However, it is interesting to observe that with such logic also comes an acquired attitude that independence from needing the opposite sex is not only preferred, but a choice to be desired and sought.
Who needs a man, when I can take care of myself - a.k.a. my own needs? The same goes for more and more men, who don't feel needed any longer, for many reasons, this being one of the major messages coming from more and more women in recent years.
Hence, an often heard inference in correlating reasons for the decrease of men willing to take on the burden of marriage and family, while at the same time an increase of pornography and video gaming addictions, including the popularity of enthralling sports related games, that are basically gambling - all, likely distractions of avoidance.
Imagine bringing these types of mind-sets and habits into an eventual marriage, where losing the self in order to become'one' is vital to its success. Young people are marrying later in life and having less children. While others are choosing not to marry at all - some opting instead to live together - avoiding any long-term commitment with the risk of being needed, or becoming needy. And in many of these situations, which seldom evolve into permanency, is an astounding number of out-of-wedlock births, which result in the exponential effects brought upon the whole of society - most devastating, how those children are affected for life.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks delivered a hard-hitting address titled, No Other Gods, during the 2013 October General Conference. He said, "Because of what we understand about the potentially eternal role of the family, we grieve at the sharply declining numbers of births and marriages in many Western countries whose historic cultures are Christian and Jewish."
While many who reject the simple truth that charity, or appropriate selflessness (the state of focusing on the needs of others, over self, and acting accordingly), and do so with clever reasoning quickly embraced by the 'natural man', the Lord, and His prophets, teach what charity is - the "pure love of Christ", the mandatory reasons why this spiritual gift is 'the greatest of all".
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul explains how charity is manifested in the Christlike attributes made evident in its application.
Although my marriage can be found lacking the "pure love of Christ" on many occasions, I feel confident in the knowledge that through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, as I consistently pray for the gift of charity, I will be enabled to develop the strength of character and increase of love, necessary, to rise above the natural inclinations of the self - over time having become increasingly offensive to me.
Even now, though it may at times feel that marriage is still not for me, indeed, marriage is required of every child of God, as He has ordained, in order for re-entry into His Presence. The eternal marriage covenant then, is ordered to bind the union of a man and woman, unified, to God through His Son, Jesus Christ - "that they may be one, even as we are one."
The Law requires that "there must needs be an opposition in all things" (an equal and opposing force), including in the creation of man; the male and female sex, evident in each inherent life-force, which is male or female.
Thus, as stated in The Family: A Proclamation to the world, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose". The differences between men and women are intended to bring about the very opposition, necessary in a marriage, that cause us to apply gospel principles in order to find reconciliation - and in that process, we become Christlike. What other condition in life provides such personal growth?
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of living a selflessness life and in the midst of relentless opposition, even unto death. In similitude, we are commanded to emulate Him, without exception.
There's simply no way that a husband and wife can achieve the kind of marriage considered acceptable to God, and required in order to qualify that sacred relationship to be eternal, without both actively seeking the influence of Christ in how they act within that marriage - consistently.
With an understanding of what it takes to create an eternal marriage, deemed 'successful' by those outside of the Christian faith, it's not unreasonable that when advocating the principle of love for God, over self, it would initially be rejected - thinking the possibility a childhood fairytale, or something that only happens in a cheesy movie.
The truth is, that without God there is much that is impossible!
Marriage is hard work. Creating a loving and joyful marriage is only possible when both husband and wife are committed to offering their best efforts to overcoming the natural tendency, in all of us, to be selfish, and choose instead to make each other their number one priority, acting in necessary harmony by which a secure and loving environment is created and experienced, equally.
Every marriage, between a man and a woman, only, who embrace true principles by which to build, in order to overcome the many stumbling blocks inevitable in all marriages, is on the path to eventually becoming eternal.
Kathryn Skaggs
Thomas S. Monson: Charity Never Faileth
*In following a recent discussion, which included some pretty good sources at figuring out viral numbers, it was speculated that the total number of people who have come in contact with Seth's story, online, when taking into consideration the mass media attention it's garnered, all combined, could very well be around 100 million!
What prompted me to ponder more seriously the responses to Seth's post , came when reading some of the comments left when the link was shared, and checking out a number of blog posts written in response. The comments have ranged the entire spectrum from 'awesome', to completely 'unrealistic'.
The 'awesome' group tended to be those already identified in this post as 'friends' - shared the post. The 'unrealistic' group were those who were/are sounding off with various levels of opposition to what Seth wrote - a handful deciding to write their own thoughts in response, as a rebuttal and/or alternative view.
It would be impossible to try and list all of the reasons why Seth's story has generally resonated, positively, with the masses - although I've attempted to identify a few. The two groups that I've suggested, and what they represent, I think, are responsible for making Seth's post go viral. It might be worth noting that the *25 million views already mentioned, only take into account the actual number of times the post, Marriage Is Not For You, has been read on Seth's blog - alone! Again, people are clearly, still, engaged with the idea of marriage.
In asking myself the above questions and pondering my own reasons for how I answered them, I realized that those who fall into the 'awesome' group were very likely, regardless of whether they lack such dynamics in their own marriage, or are experiencing it currently, recognized the profound truth taught in Seth's post that, "charity never faileth", which was, in my opinion, clearly the principle taught and heard by the majority, in some way.
In contrast, those who tended to respond with the feeling that selflessness is an 'unrealistic' expectation - a commonly shared ideology in today's mainstream society - from what I could tell, had little understanding of what true charity looks like. (And not the kind that accepts monetary donations.)
It's usually under the guise of gender equality that feminist advocates send the message to other women, that in order to be emotionally and physically independent you must make 'you' the number one priority in your life. The convincing reason goes something like this: take care of your needs before you even think about taking on someone else's baggage in order to avoid bondage, such as a spouse and/or having children, which inevitably leads to a complete loss of who you are .
In general, I found that responses to the idea of selflessness in marriage, viewed negatively and which are based on a distorted definition, were intended to minimize the power of charity, when suggesting acts of selflessness are weak, unhealthy and should be considered undesirable to strong, capable women (in particular), in today's modern culture. And some, going so far as to suggest the practice a common dysfunction in abusive relationships, advising the dynamic be avoided at all cost. I've lost count of how many times people have described Seth's commitment to selflessness, as "co-dependence".
Logically speaking, it is fairly easy to understand how such an ideology can make sense to the "natural man" (or woman), because that state-of-mind, naturally, thinks selfishly. However, it is interesting to observe that with such logic also comes an acquired attitude that independence from needing the opposite sex is not only preferred, but a choice to be desired and sought.
Who needs a man, when I can take care of myself - a.k.a. my own needs? The same goes for more and more men, who don't feel needed any longer, for many reasons, this being one of the major messages coming from more and more women in recent years.
Hence, an often heard inference in correlating reasons for the decrease of men willing to take on the burden of marriage and family, while at the same time an increase of pornography and video gaming addictions, including the popularity of enthralling sports related games, that are basically gambling - all, likely distractions of avoidance.
Imagine bringing these types of mind-sets and habits into an eventual marriage, where losing the self in order to become'one' is vital to its success. Young people are marrying later in life and having less children. While others are choosing not to marry at all - some opting instead to live together - avoiding any long-term commitment with the risk of being needed, or becoming needy. And in many of these situations, which seldom evolve into permanency, is an astounding number of out-of-wedlock births, which result in the exponential effects brought upon the whole of society - most devastating, how those children are affected for life.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks delivered a hard-hitting address titled, No Other Gods, during the 2013 October General Conference. He said, "Because of what we understand about the potentially eternal role of the family, we grieve at the sharply declining numbers of births and marriages in many Western countries whose historic cultures are Christian and Jewish."
While many who reject the simple truth that charity, or appropriate selflessness (the state of focusing on the needs of others, over self, and acting accordingly), and do so with clever reasoning quickly embraced by the 'natural man', the Lord, and His prophets, teach what charity is - the "pure love of Christ", the mandatory reasons why this spiritual gift is 'the greatest of all".
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." (Moroni 7:45-45)
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul explains how charity is manifested in the Christlike attributes made evident in its application.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
(1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Although my marriage can be found lacking the "pure love of Christ" on many occasions, I feel confident in the knowledge that through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, as I consistently pray for the gift of charity, I will be enabled to develop the strength of character and increase of love, necessary, to rise above the natural inclinations of the self - over time having become increasingly offensive to me.
Even now, though it may at times feel that marriage is still not for me, indeed, marriage is required of every child of God, as He has ordained, in order for re-entry into His Presence. The eternal marriage covenant then, is ordered to bind the union of a man and woman, unified, to God through His Son, Jesus Christ - "that they may be one, even as we are one."
The Law requires that "there must needs be an opposition in all things" (an equal and opposing force), including in the creation of man; the male and female sex, evident in each inherent life-force, which is male or female.
2 Nephi 2:11
"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility."
Thus, as stated in The Family: A Proclamation to the world, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose". The differences between men and women are intended to bring about the very opposition, necessary in a marriage, that cause us to apply gospel principles in order to find reconciliation - and in that process, we become Christlike. What other condition in life provides such personal growth?
“The love of which the Lord speaks is not only physical attraction, but also faith, confidence, understanding, and partnership. It is devotion and companionship, parenthood, common ideals and standards. It is cleanliness of life and sacrifice and unselfishness” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 248).
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of living a selflessness life and in the midst of relentless opposition, even unto death. In similitude, we are commanded to emulate Him, without exception.
There's simply no way that a husband and wife can achieve the kind of marriage considered acceptable to God, and required in order to qualify that sacred relationship to be eternal, without both actively seeking the influence of Christ in how they act within that marriage - consistently.
With an understanding of what it takes to create an eternal marriage, deemed 'successful' by those outside of the Christian faith, it's not unreasonable that when advocating the principle of love for God, over self, it would initially be rejected - thinking the possibility a childhood fairytale, or something that only happens in a cheesy movie.
The truth is, that without God there is much that is impossible!
Marriage is hard work. Creating a loving and joyful marriage is only possible when both husband and wife are committed to offering their best efforts to overcoming the natural tendency, in all of us, to be selfish, and choose instead to make each other their number one priority, acting in necessary harmony by which a secure and loving environment is created and experienced, equally.
Every marriage, between a man and a woman, only, who embrace true principles by which to build, in order to overcome the many stumbling blocks inevitable in all marriages, is on the path to eventually becoming eternal.
"Marriage is the foundry for social order, the fountain of virtue, and the foundation for eternal exaltation. Marriage has been divinely designated as an eternal and everlasting covenant. Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God. “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other.”* Children born of that marital union are “an heritage of the Lord.” Marriage is but the beginning bud of family life..." Elder Russell M. NelsontDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
Thomas S. Monson: Charity Never Faileth
*In following a recent discussion, which included some pretty good sources at figuring out viral numbers, it was speculated that the total number of people who have come in contact with Seth's story, online, when taking into consideration the mass media attention it's garnered, all combined, could very well be around 100 million!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you had referenced my article in your post, so I'm feeling a little inclined to clarify some of what I had stated and written. Even though I can't speak for everyone who has expressed some opposition, I can say for myself that a lot of my response did not come from a place of misunderstanding the article but from a motive to make sure that there was balance. We live in a society today where we are very out of balance -- economically, environmentally, relationally, and even internally within ourselves, causing much of the issues that we are struggling with today.
Though I do and have actually felt the sense that Seth's message has come from a genuine place of love and healthy selflessness, I also know that it is very easy for messages to get "lost in translation". Many people may still get the message as if they need to act selflessly in order for their marriage to work, when, truly, we can't be in either a place of "selflessness" or "selfishness" -- just SELF.
The ironic thing that can happen, psychologically, is that if we give so much with the intention of being "selfless" we can begin to feel drained and worn out, which, in turn, can emerge as an unintended selfish behavior.
We are all very complex beings and when you put two of us together it makes it even more complicated, so I feel it's important to have all voices heard to accept them all as having some partial truth rather than rule it out as "wrong" or a "problem". We're stronger together than we can ever be individually... that's for sure.
I hope that helps to clarify my own seemingly conflicting views to his post a bit.
Thanks for sharing your own views.
Much love,
Jennifer
Yes, I did, Jen. I described the thoughts in your post, as a 'rebuttal', and I do feel it a fair way to represent your piece, in response to Seth's post: Marriage Isn't For You.
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me say how much I appreciate you taking the time to comment, and clarify your reasons for writing your post, as well, to explain the perspective that you took, when sitting down to write it.
However, I still feel that the thoughts you express in your post, were put forth not necessarily as another view, but rather to specifically refute Seth's idea of selflessness, as having any redeeming value in a marriage.
Rather, you advocate making yourself the number one priority in a marriage, because you feel that if you tried Seth's suggestion, it would be because you are hoping to have the same, reciprocated and fear the inevitable disappointment of such an arrangement.
However, I didn't find anywhere in Seth's post, in his choice to be selfless in the marriage, an expectation, or even a hope that if he did… she would do… in return. Nothing like that at all.
In fact, Seth's realization had everything to do with NOT looking for a return from Kim, but rather he identified that for himself, by putting her first, 'he' became more engaged with his marriage and connected to his wife.
I don't know if you're a Christian, but I love this verse of scripture (not sure of reference, sorry), that explains how we have come to love Jesus Christ: we love Him, because He loved us FIRST.
The 'charity', which I have identified as the 'selflessness' of Seth's post, is this same 'kind' of love - the "pure love of Christ". Meaning, it does not seek to be served, in serving. There are no strings attached. No expectations attached.
Because of that, the feelings that you suggest in your post, of being "disappointed and unhappy" and I will add 'resentful' and 'angry' as a result of not having your expectations fulfilled, implies that such a person in this situation was never selfless in the first place. Rather, in reality, the motive would have been to use the guise of selflessness to manipulate the other spouse into getting what you want.
Charity, gives freely, without any expectations - only to develop a greater love for who is served. When "pure love" is given, it is immediately discerned as such, and will often draw others to it, enabling them, too, to freely love in return, without expectation or obligation.
I don't believe that Seth, in anyway, is advocating a system that encourages in the least, that his strong, beautiful and capable companion, in any way, lose any part of who she is in the process, nor himself - which was his struggle to begin with, before he realized that he actually had to 'lose himself in order to find himself' and begin to experience the joy of being married.
I apologize for my lengthy response, but I genuinely feel that there is great value in helping others to understand that selflessness, when understood and applied correctly, is a powerful force for creating a fulfilling life, and that there is no relationship that benefits by its application more than a committed marriage.
Best,
Kathryn
In my view, with regard to co-dependence, that is what happens when you do depend on another person for your sense of self-worth. If you can rely on God for your self-worth, then you are free to give to the other person. Passing on God's love fills you while filling another person with love. At least, that's been my experience.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Gadaki!
DeleteAnd that is the principle at the foundation of "charity". When exercised, it becomes an offering to God. When an acceptable offering is made, God always increases what was offered, which therefore enables an even greater offering until, in the process, there comes the time that His image becomes our countenance, which is the way in which we manifest our lives..
And of course, Charity IS, "the pure love of Christ" made manifest through our actions...
Which is why when it is feigned, it is quickly rejected as manipulative - being essentially evil in nature.
Thank you for your thoughts.
I was one of the people who really enjoyed the message and shared it. Why? Because 1) I'm a marriage counselor and 2) I'm a married woman who identifies with how the selflessness suggested by Seth really is the pathway to a fulfilling and happy marriage. Of course I didn't not equate selflessness with allowing oneself to be used, abused, or taken advantage of. There is a fine line, and most people in society are uncomfortable with trying to find that. I have seen how society likes to go to extremes on pretty much every controversy, and has trouble accepting, and thinking, in the grey areas that exist in-between (if that makes sense).
ReplyDeleteI went through a lot of very painful relationships before I met my husband. I became a marriage counselor before I met him, too. All of my personal and professional experience points to the utter importance of charity in marriage. I again reiterate that this by no means acceptance of any form of abuse. There are appropriate reasons for separation and divorce. However, those reasons need to be fewer than they currently are.
I have a hard time admitting this to people, because I know how marriage is hard work and I don't want it to sound like bragging. But honestly, for my husband and myself, our marriage is the easiest part of our lives. It is something I thank God for every single day. Both my husband and I learned this important lesson before we met, while going through our own painful experiences, and through private and sincere prayers to our Heavenly Father. Even almost all the professional marriage theories out there agree with this simple concept -- you need to 'forget self' and demonstrate patience, love, and charity for your partner if you truly want to be happy. That's the key -- our happiness in marriage directly correlates with the happiness of our partner. If they are happy, TRULY happy (not just happy that their own self-interests are met, which is never true happiness), then it is inevitable that they will also return that charity and love toward us. This creates that incredible bond of friendship, trust, and unconditional love that everyone wants in their marriages and partnerships. This is called inter-dependence, not co-dependence. But it does come at a cost -- the cost of not being afraid to be vulnerable, to be humble, and to be charitable.
It really is quite simple. If we live the laws that our Savior taught us and apply them to our marriages (and every aspect of our lives), we will be happy. It is a promise, and I experience it every day of my life. I truly wish for everyone to experience that as well. It is such an amazing blessing.
Thank you, for sharing your wisdom - beautifully expressed.
DeleteWhen charity is understood, and manifest in a life, it truly bears witness of what scripture testifies of... in the 'we' are God's "glory". Adam understood the principle that God created Him (body), specifically, to experience joy! (In mortality, too.) It's God occupation - His work. When 'we' experience any part of Him (charity), we are filled with joy. And as we emulate Him in our lives, others feel His love, too. It's a beautiful concept and eternal principle.
Hi Kathryn, since you linked to my alternative approach to Seth's model, I just wanted to say hi (Hi Kathryn! I'm a somewhat well-behaved mormon woman too) and contribute a little. I recognize that when a lot of people read Seth's post, they said, "what I felt he was saying was this," or "when I read what he said I felt like this..." and while those feelings are totally valid, it's important to note that in my post I'm going off of what he said, not how his words can possibly make others feel he was meaning. As a psychologist, word choice is very important, and Seth was very well-meaning but the other side of the argument (selfhood in conjunction with selflessness). Also, I worry about how messages like the original blog might affect LDS youth who have same-gender attraction. The church in mormonsandgays.org notes that the feelings are not a choice, but acting on it is, so when your left with celibacy or marriage, and then you're told by well-meaning adults that you need to be self-less and also marriage is a commandment...people could be getting into straight marriages who might later divorce in 20 years when the kids are out of the house and there's never been attraction. And I think you and I can totally agree that we want to reduce divorce rates as much as possible with our messages. It's such a hard thing. I propose that Christ serves as the mediator in relationships so that both self-interest and selflessness can co-exist, because through the Atonement He can heal any/all wounds caused by trial-and-error as a loving couple seek to balance the two. He has also already "gone first" in the sense that in Gethsemane he payed the price so we can be vulnerable and open with our spouse. I think women especially need to hear the message about preserving oneself and not always feeling they must sacrifice because they aleady hear that message, it's ingrained in us since we're little kids. I think men could use a dose of Seth's message...but we women have already memorized it and guilt that we're not doing it enough is not what we need. :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice to meet another, WBMW. :D
ReplyDeleteI actually did take "note" of exactly that, when reading your post, which is precisely the reason I chose to link to it, as opposed to others' who, in my opinion, did exactly the same, but with less professionalism. Making your piece, a good specimen for my overall concern that most who oppose the idea of "selflessness" as a good foundation for a successful marriage, chose to not look at the positive message of what Seth shared.
The fact that his post was, for him, an epiphany worth celebrating for both he and Kim, for me, insisted the piece inherent of goodness. Such "selflessness" is a display of charity, which is the complete antithesis of what those seeking to find fault are advocating in one way or another.
I wrote this piece neither to defend Seth's post nor to advocate it, but rather, in lieu of how the principle of "selflessness" in the clear context of his experience is, indeed charity.
I will confess, that I've not heard the term "selfhood" to advocate a thing as positive. In general, we attach 'hood' to that which we 'cover'. So, in essence, I take it, that you are suggesting to women (your core audience), that they make sure and cover self before going into a marriage, in order to protect themselves from a potential adversary.
Selfhood, as one of its definitions is "selfish". Ironic, I think, it being the word of choice to counter "selflessness", when in actuality, it would, by nature, be an enemy to a successful marriage.
In pondering your comment, I am left to wonder why you chose to focus on taking the opportunity that you did, instead of teaching, what I feel, is a much more important aspect of a healthy marriage, which is intent.
Intent, is intimately related to the amount of trust that spouses have in one another. Trust is key, not only physically, but emotionally - the heart of every worthy marriage. Selflessness, of a charitable kind, should be not only encouraged but used as examples to help others understand that this kind of love is real and possible when it is identified and set apart from that which is counterfeit.
Thank you so much for providing these valuable information. I’m looking forward to the next time that I get to come to your blog.
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