When you consider the unique design God used to create both men and women, it’s no wonder we don’t behave the same way! However, He did design us to complement one another. Take our relationship needs, for example. If we had the same needs in a relationship, we would become selfish and consumed with envy when our mate received something we wanted but didn't get. Instead, we need different things. In a relationship, women need to feel loved more than anything else, while men need to feel respected above everything else. Today's post explains why.

"Men Need Respect, Women Need Love" by Shaunti Feldhahn

Pray
Father, we are beginning to see how each of us requires and responds to love. Help us demonstrate our love and respect in a way that validates each other’s needs.

Reflect
Do I show love out of my needs or in response to my mate’s needs?

Respond
Discuss your love needs. Men, tell her what being respected looks like. Women, tell him what you need to be secure in his love for you.

Isn’t it interesting how uniquely each sex defines feeling valued? You might have tried to relate to your mate in the way that made sense to you, instead of in the way that he or she needed. Equipped with this knowledge, you and your mate can work through this obstacle if it arises in your relationship. Another obstacle that couples encounter has to do with the differences in their emotional makeup. With this in mind, our next post will begin to explore the complexity of a woman. It is a good message to listen to together; use it as a conversation starter to discover more about each other.