In this chapter, you will explore expectations.
You will learn about how to explore your spouse’s expectations and how to effectively communicate your own. We will talk about what to do when your expectations do not match your partner’s. Men and women have differences in their needs, so we will discuss gender differences in communication. Sometimes love can involve setting a standard. When you allow someone to give you crumbs of their love, you can start to believe that is all that you deserve. It is critical that you are proactive about self-love by being clear about your boundaries.
For example, if your spouse says something offensive, it is ok to firmly say, “It is not ok for you to speak to me that way”.
Research has linked egalitarian roles to higher marital satisfaction because it lessens the pressures related to raising a family and promotes family cohesion and strength (Boyd-Franklin, 2006; Denby, 1996). In addition, marital satisfaction is greater when both wives and husbands are androgynous or feminine (nurturing, caring, affectionate, sympathetic, gentle) in their gender role orientation (Larson& Holman, 1994).
In this chapter, you will gain knowledge about reaching a balanced partnership.
