We stood on the balcony overlooking the ocean, waves gently swaying, the moonlight glistening off the water, his arms wrapped firmly around me, his breath warm on my neck and he whispered.
I want to make all your dreams come true.
He knew there were certain things I wished to happen on our 25th anniversary cruise. I told him I always wanted to parasail. He heard me talk about wanting to get some sun. He listened as I told friends how I wanted to sleep long and lay around and explore Jamaica and have romantic encounters on the balcony. Because I uttered aloud what I wanted, he knew what I was thinking, and he knew exactly how to give his wife an amazing trip.
He knew what it took to make my dreams come true. And boy did he ever!
I haven't always been so forthcoming about what I want. It seems self-centered and presumptuous to think he should spend his time making my dreams come true, doesn't it? Instead, I hid my desires, hoping for things that never came. I'd get resentful and wonder if he knew me at all, if he cared enough to figure out what I was thinking. There were too many hurt feelings and tears into pillows.
But as I've opened up and as he's learned to pull out the longings in my heart, I've made a surprising realization.
Men feel like men when they make their women happy.
If I don't communicate my inner thoughts and desires, expecting him to read my mind, he's going to miss the target. And feel defeated. Definitely not manly.
It means I have to risk his reaction and take the chance he may find it ridiculous, but it's worth it when he stands taller as I gush about how wonderful he is. It's win-win. He feels manly. I am contented and satisfied. Who knew it could build a man's ego to have a purring wife? When I tell him my wishes (which is not always easy to do), I give him enough knowledge to be Superman every time.
Have you found this to be true in your marriage? Does he enjoy making you happy? How much are you willing to open up to let him make your dreams come true?
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