My Advice To The World: Be The Mirror

Today's BEDIM prompt is to write about your advice to the world.  The best relationship advice I ever read was by Lidia Netzer and it is titled: 15 Ways to Stay Married For 15 Years.  While I agree with all of them, the one I really took to heart and I firmly believe works no matter how long or short you have been married is number 4:

4. Be the mirror.

Your husband is the mirror in which you see yourself. And the things you say to him give him an image of himself too, which he will believe. You want him to believe it, so make it good. Be a mirror that reflects something positive: you’re smart, you’re successful, you’re fantastic in the sack, you’re a great provider, you’re the best. Can you MAKE him any of these things just by telling him he is? I don’t know, but consider this: the alternative really sucks. The things my husband says to me are 1000 times more convincing than anyone else’s opinion on earth. Don’t think he won’t believe you because you’re married and you’re contractually obligated to say nice things. He’ll believe the shitty, insulting things you say, and the gloriously positive things.

I agree with her that we might not put much stock in what other people think of us, but the things our partners think, we believe.  If this is true in any form, reflect only positive and beautiful things to your partner.  Of course, we fight and disagree, but I really try to tell my husband everyday that I am so proud to be his wife and that there is no one I would rather be with than him.

My other piece of advice is to never take away your partner's intentions to show you love and affection.  I understand that sometimes we don't want to feel like we are taking advantage of our loved ones, but everyone shows affection in different ways and we should never stop those around us from bestowing their love and care upon us.  If your friends, family and romantic partners can't spoil you rotten, who will?  We attended a wine tasting trail out in Grapevine last month and I never got around to posting the photos.

Dress: Max Studio (from March)

Earrings: c/o Lavishy at LuckyFABB

Hummingbird Necklace: c/o Dogeared Jewelry at LuckyFABB

Solitaire Necklace: Gift from Dad (old)

Bracelets: Fossil & Lauren Ralph Lauren; Ring: Kate Spade via eBay

Tote: Rebecca Minkoff; Scarf: BCBGMaxAzria

Sandals: Cole Haan

What is your advice to the world? Link up with Jenni here.