Day 11:Love Cherises

What did you chose to show you cherish your mate?
Actually before I read this,I had made the bed and made breakfast. Also, we had already planned to go on a day trip, that I had suggested just to be together

What did you learn from this experience? I just need to keep aware of doing the little things.

Day 10: Love is Unconditional

Has your love in the past been based on your spouse's attributes and behavior, or on your committment?

At various times both. I do appreciate alot of things about my wife. I also endured a 16 month separation, when she made it clear she wanted out of our marriage, so hopefully at that time, I showed some love based on committment.

How can you continue to show love when it's not returned in the way you hoped for?

By chosing to do many of the things already discussed in The Love Dare, such as patience, not being irritable, believing the best, greeting warmly, etc.

Day 9 Love Makes Good Impressions

When and where did you choose to do your special greeting?
Well, yesterday when I read this dare, I had already greeted her- so I didn't really do anything special. I thought I wrote about this dare yesterday but it must of gotten lost in cyber-space. Today, when I got ready to leave the house, even though we had said good morning, I went back over to the couch and kissed her with enthusiasm.

How will you change your greeting from now on?

I realized I could use some more enthusiasm. Maybe more times when I get home, I will go upstairs and find here to say hello rather than just yelling- or maybe I will yell more enthusiasically. Probably need to think more about how I answer the phone when she calls. So easy to be all business and goal focused.

Day 8 Love is not Jealous

How hard was it to destroy the list? Not hard.

What are some positive experiences you can celebrate in the life of your mate? That homeschooled the kids so well without her own college education and now they are in college.

How can you encourage them towards future success? Believe in her on the days she doesn't believe in herself.

Day 7 Love Believes the Best

Which list was easier to make? Actually positive- it was painful once I started on negative.

What did this reveal about your thoughts? They are in a whole lot better place about my wife than a few years ago.

What attribute did you thank your spouse for having?
Spiritually aware and discerning.

Day 6 Love is not Irritable

Where do you need to add margin to your life?- Being more consistent with quality time with the Lord.

When have you recently overreacted? Not sure.

What was your real motivation behind it?

What decisions have your made today? To be more aware of when I am heading towards irritability to try to head it off.

Day 5 Love is not Rude

What things did your spouse point out to you that need attention? She emailed back that she wished I would get off the phone when it is obvious the conversation has ended, and that I would let my son know more about my comings and goings.


How did you handle hearing it? Mostly ok. Sometimes, I stay on the phone because I really want to connect with her, feel there is something more, but don't know what to say. It is reasonable for my son to know more, if he will pay attention when I tell him.


What do you plan to do to improve in these areas? Try to be more aware of both.