Home » Partners & Parents » Marriage Advice » The View from Across the Table

The View from Across the Table

© Mike Woods

I don't know if this is a trait exclusive to long time relationships, but have you noticed how you can live with someone and never seem to look at them?

You've heard the classic line, "Honey, does my hair look alright?" and to be honest, the other mate may have forgotten that their spouse even HAS hair.

Or, "Do this outfit make me look fat?", to which the other mate responds, "No, you look great", even though they hardly bothered to glance in their direction.

How do we get there? It's said that familiarity breeds contempt. I'm thinking maybe it breeds blindness. The longer we know the other person, the more we think we we don't need to pay close attention, after all, people don't change do they? Of course they do! We ALL do.

One of the exquisite pleasures in any relationship, and especially a marital relationship is to unplug everything else...job, kids, etc., and take the unhurried time to simply gaze at the other person across a restaurant table.

To look long into those eyes that captured your heart perhaps a long time ago. To listen, really listen to that voice that can still thrill your heart when you really listen. That voice can be like a favorite song - one that has brought such joy, but you've forgotten to listen closely to the best parts.

So how about it? Is it time to take in the view from the other side of the table? Is it time to reconnect with that one that you THINK you know so well, only to discover the joy of new 'knowings'? Give it a shot...dinner out with the one you know and can know even better. So go ahead...enjoy the view!

The copyright of the article The View from Across the Table in Marriage Advice is owned by Mike Woods. Permission to republish The View from Across the Table in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.