How have you done as a couple this week? Have you been able to realize why the items on the list you were working on are valid concerns? Have you made an effort to continue practicing what you've learned from the previous weeks? Are you ready to tackle the last list of complaints and get your marriage back on track?
Pull out the notebook that you didn't use for last weeks exercise and flip to that terribly challenging page of items of concern for one person that the other didn't feel were valid. Have a frank and open conversation about these items without laying blame or becoming defensive. You have learned a lot about each other and about your relationship in the past weeks and you are ready to handle this discussion calmly. Just as you did last week for the other list.
The difference is that once you finish this conversation and begin your week of working on the items on the list, you won't have any more assignments. That's right, you've completed a marriage renovation. Now doesn't it feel good to have all those little annoyances and larger instances of turmoil settled and dealt with? There is no need to ever rehash these items as long as you each participate in living the things you've learned.
Each of you have a job that will last the rest of your lives if you plan to stay together and work for your marriage. Each of you must work to keep the lines of communication open between you and your spouse, work to put into practice all that you've learned through this 6 week period and work to maintain the stable relationship which you have created. Each of you should feel confident telling your spouse when something is bothering you, and the two of you should be able to discuss these things rationally and calmly to work through them.
Best of luck and congratulations on completing the Marriage Renovation Series.
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