|
A married couple came to a counselor for advice. No sooner
were they seated, than they began speaking at the same time
in a duel of criticisms. When they finally stopped for lack
of breath, the counselor suggested that now they tell each
other all the good they see in one another.
There was total silence.
Then each was given a ball-point pen and a sheet of paper
and told to write down something praiseworthy about the
other. Neither of them wrote. They both sat and stared at
the paper. After what seemed like a long time, the husband
started to write something. At once the wife also began to
write--fast and furiously. Finally, the writing stopped.
There was silence again.
The wife pushed her paper over to the watching counselor. He
pushed it back signaling that she was to give it directly to
her husband. She reluctantly shoved the paper halfway across
the table. He took it and in turn, slid his paper towards
his wife. Each began to read.
The counselor watched...Soon a tear slid down the cheek of
his wife. She crumpled the paper in her fist and held it
tight. That proved that she treasured the sudden revelation
of good things her husband had expressed about her. The
whole atmosphere of the room changed. There was no need for
anything to be said. Praise had healed a thousand wounds.
The husband and wife left arm in arm.
|
|
