Make Her Fall In Love With You Again

 I narrated a book that has a line in its title that I've thought about often. The title is The Best Husband Award Goes To Me: How To Be A Better Husband And Learn To Recognize The Mistakes You Make, Change The Way You Treat Your Wife And Make Her Fall In Love With You Again

It's a mouthful of a title, and a sentiment that I've seen a lot of people looking for. And overall, I think there are some useful things for husbands to think about in this book. But the one part that keeps me up at night is the final phrase, "Make her fall in love with you again."

I'm all for treating your spouse with kindness, respect, honesty, and as an equal partner. But I am wary of trying to make her or anyone else do anything. Your spouse has a choice. Now, when we get married, that choice is formalized. Two people commit to each other. You both make your choice known. It's an agreement that is meant to last.

But that agreement is not always permanent. If one or the other of the party chooses to leave the relationship, no matter how painful it is to either one, that choice is always available. And it is not one spouse's choice to make for the other.

We should treat our spouses with honor and love. Be honest and kind. Be open and communicative. Do our best to listen, and to be heard.

And we should also allow them to make the choice about whether or not they love us.

The intimacy of the marriage relationship is the ultimate form of vulnerability. You trust someone else completely to make choices that could hurt you. But that trust is in their individual agency. Don't try to make anyone, let alone the person you want to spend your future with, fall in love with you. That cheapens the relationship. Let them choose to love you. Encourage them to choose you. Do your best to be your best and the best for them.

While the commitment of marriage is more important that our current culture makes it out to be, it is a bond that is best made through choice.

So, instead of "make her fall in love with you again." Find satisfaction in yourself. Love her, and let her choose to love you in return.

Audio Book Extravaganza

At the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020, I tried my hand at audio book narration. I love audio books. And I loved narrating. Unfortunately, life circumstances have dictated that I put narration on hold. I'll write up the tips that I found the most useful, but that might take a while. If you like listening to audio books, here are the four books that I managed to produce during that time. If you have considered signing up with Audible, you can sign up and get one of these books as part of your free trial.

If you're already on audible, then I'd be flattered if you gave any of these books a listen. I think any of them are worth your time.

2,489 Motivational Inspirational Quotes to Change Your Life Forever for Teens, Adults and Thinkers

This book is just what it says. nearly 2500 motivational quotes. I really enjoyed recording this book and the quotes from C.S. Lewis, Ghandi, Maya Angelou and many other historical and popular figures. One unexpected result was that  it inspired me to listen to others a bit more. I've since recorded many powerful quotes from people that I know and love around me.

The Miraculous Power of Butter Cookies

This fun story about three sisters healing their relationship through cooking and competition was one of the last books I recorded. It's got some great comic moments, and if you're a fan of cooking shows like Nailed It, or Chopped, then you'll probably find something here you enjoy.

Communication Secrets: How To Be Your Best Self And Build Fruitful And Lasting Relationships With Others

When I started narrating, I felt like it would be a good chance to read some positive motivational and self help books. I was right. This one was easy to read and has an approachable style. Definitely some great information here. 

The Best Husband Award Goes To Me: How To Be A Better Husband And Learn To Recognize The Mistakes You Make, Change The Way You Treat Your Wife And Make Her Fall In Love With You Again

This final book is a hard one for me. I narrated it as I was going through a difficult divorce. That makes the subject matter and title a bit awkward, I'll admit. I didn't write it. But I did read it. I chose this book because I wanted to know, "What's wrong with me?" and "Where did I screw up?" It was a powerful read for me, and difficult under the circumstances. I think I'm a better person now, and can easily recommend this book for those who are looking at themselves introspectively.

Video Idea:

Ok, I want to see this video. Go and create:

A child watching a bodybuilder do a deadlift. "Woah"

Father, "Yes, he is strong. But perhaps we should not judge a man's strength by what he picks up, but how he lays it down."

Montage:
- Man not lighting a cigarette and putting it down.
- Man Putting down a power tool to help a child.
- Man putting down a phone to listen to his wife.
- Man putting down his keys when he is clearly intoxicated
- Man counting to ten and taking deep breaths, putting down his anger.
- Man setting a plate on the table
- Man putting food into a homeless person's hands
- Man Putting down a baby to sleep.

Deadlifter drops the bar with a crash.

Child, "Dad, you're weird."

Dad, "Yeah" Puts hand down on child's shoulder as they walk away.