To those with years of successful marital experience, this rings true. To those who are newlyweds or in a slightly dysfunctional relationship, these three words have the power to break down walls of resentment and mistrust. But ONLY if they are used in complete honesty.

Here are four ways to make that humble pie a bit easier to swallow.

1. Let go of your need to defend yourself. He may not have intended to offend you

Often times in the heat of the moment, you may feel attacked when in reality he may simply be expressing his feelings. Let your defensive mechanisms down. It is common to build a wall that clouds our judgment. Instead of truly listening to what is being expressed, we mentally stockpile a number of responses to prove a point, or defend ourselves. If your walls are down, it will be easier to listen and validate his feelings. You can always ask to have points clarified when you don't understand where he is coming from. Let the contention dissipate so you can have a level-headed conversation.

2. Don't attack

There is a difference between expressing your feelings, and attacking or accusing your husband. A thriving relationship greatly depends on your ability to support, uplift and understand him. When there are miscommunications, it takes work to stay on the same page. Nothing good can come from bringing your husband down. Name calling is a poor choice when what might really be going on is your own frustration at not understanding what your own feelings are.

3. Wording is everything

Choose your words wisely. If you know he's not going to like what you have to express, prepare him. Sit down together somewhere quiet and free from distraction. Assure him of your love for him and tell him you have something you would like to discuss. This preparation will help him to feel safe, and bring openness to the discussion. Ask him to be open and listen and to kindly communicate if you are indeed being unfair. Sometimes it is difficult to communicate what we feel because we aren't exactly sure what we feel. Words said may be an attempt to describe our feelings, and often times we misspeak. Clarify, clarify, clarify. And likewise, don't hang on every single word he says, he may misspeak as well from time to time. Ask for clarification. There is a difference between, "You always forget to take out the garbage!" and "I really appreciate when you remember to take out the garbage." One evokes disappointment and frustration, the other kindness and appreciation. Admit when you misspeak. "I didn't mean that, what I really meant is..." Wording is everything.

4. Admit when you are intentionally being bratty

You can actually feel when you are being stubborn. Sometimes there is a little realization in your head that occurs and you can feel yourself being irrational. Granted, there are times when you are hormonally challenged or imbalanced, but that is no excuse for poor behavior. Admitting to your husband that you are having a hard time controlling your emotions can help. He may learn to be more sympathetic and understanding. You may learn to control your crazy emotions when they feel the most out of control. It is possible. It is difficult. It doesn't work all of the time, but I guarantee your husband will appreciate your efforts rather than having the "PMS" card thrown at him as an excuse for your poor behavior.

A marriage is unique and beautiful when there is progress as a couple grows closer to one another. That will not happen if you belittle his contribution and fail to acknowledge his strengths in the relationship. Fight the misconceptions that it is the "wife's way or the highway" all of the time. Real love and growth comes from leaning on one another's strengths, and helping each other identify and strengthen weaknesses. The better you are at facilitating that growth through acknowledgement, honesty and good communication, the better your marriage will be.

The post Humble Pie: 4 ways to make amends with your husband appeared first on FamilyToday.

What is charity?

In the dictionary, the first definition is, "Generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill or helpless." It isn't until the fifth definition you find it explained as, "A benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor."

In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, "charity edifieth." Even in biblical times, charity was an important concept that was taught. Another translation of that same scripture further explained charity as love. Also, it is important to note that 'to edify' is to build up, strengthen, establish or repair.

It is interesting that something seemingly so simple in concept is, in reality of everyday life, difficult to understand and apply.

What you can learn from this video

1. Charity can and has changed the world

In the case of the couple in the video, the act of loving and supporting their foster children may not seem like a world-changer, but it is indeed a life-changer for the children they have adopted. Likewise, when we as parents can consistently build a strong relationship of love, guidance and trust with our own children, we can change the world by changing a life.

2. Charity is difficult

The time it takes to raise and rear a child is an enormous task. While parenting is often portrayed as a punch line, fun, always fulfilling, even exciting, most of the ideas of parenting we get from social media, movies, stories, etc. leave out the long stretches of monotony, impatience and frustrations that real life brings. To maintain a positive, loving home and relationship takes work. The Work is in the form of patience, understanding and being able to let the little things go while focusing on what really matters. What really matters is making sure a child feels and is shown love unconditionally. Kind, encouraging words and loving discipline are essential to nourish and guide a child.

Choose now to be charitable

George Denney said, "No matter where you were before, it's like, where you can be now ... your past doesn't define that."

Charity is always attainable. It is in our control. In a world with so many things happening that we have no control over, we always have, and always will have, the power to become more charitable. It is something we can choose. We have the freedom to make our own choices of how we react, how we inspire and how we feel. The choice to have charity is something we can do regardless of status, situation or circumstance. It may be in the rearing of our own children, the strengthening of a marriage or opening ourselves up to those around us who are in need. We are constantly surrounded by people. Whether they be strangers, acquaintances, family or friends, there are endless opportunities for us to offer a smile, open a door or hold a hand.

Open your eyes and recognize need

Mother Teresa said, "Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same - with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead."

Recognizing the need in others is a start. Open your eyes to the world around you. Recognize your own abilities to give and be brave enough to 'reach out your hand'.

Through our actions and reactions we can all aspire to understand and apply the meaning of what it is to have charity.

The post How to grow charity appeared first on FamilyToday.