Make a DonationSponsorship OpportunitiesTeam Captain LoginHomeContact Us

 


The compatibility lie

George Levinger wrote some wise words: "What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility."

Next time you see an advertisement for an online dating service, notice what they're trying to sell – people finding compatibility, not learning conflict resolution. There's a crucial difference. Your marriage succeeds or fails on two things – communication and working through difficulties.

Learn how to put your marriage conflicts to R-E-S-T. Read this, and don't buy the lie that compatibility is all that counts.

Huddle up and ask your kids tonight:  Did I ever tell you how your mom and I met?

Date: 2009-03-30
Category: General Fathering
Transcript: The compatibility lie

Bookmark and Share

Comments

1.

Ed roberts (Mar 31st 2009, 03:38 PM)

 

It is very interesting and insightful how we get this information as we have struggles that relate to these topics. Even at my age of early forties, I am learning how to love like a child, patience and humbleness. I hope that it is not too late to show the ones I love. Family Minute and AllPro Dad are absolutely the best. Keep it up

Comment

 
2.

Paul S. (Mar 31st 2009, 10:45 AM)

 

Both are important, compatibility and the ability to resolve conflicts. Problems with either can sink a marriage. My wife divorced me after 20 years of marriage in part because she felt we'd grown incompatible as we didn't agree on some things and various conflict resolution processes with Christian counselors did not lead to us changing our viewpoints. I didn't mind the areas of incompatibility, as those can change over time too, but it really bothered her. Her new husband and she are very alike (he wouldn't be her husband if he wasn't like her).

Comment

 
3.

Reed Pendleton (Mar 30th 2009, 05:43 PM)

 

Compatibility is certainly a cornerstone in any relationship. Sharing the same views of Christ and His purpose in our lives helps my wife and I be equally yoked. Sharing conflicting views of daily life helps us forge a consensus where we can address new adversities that the world sends our way. The REST formula is one that we all can benefit from by taking a step back and look at our own lives, before we judge any others.

Comment

 
4.

NightSky (Mar 30th 2009, 01:58 PM)

 

While people will usually find someone they're compatible with, working through conflict is still essential because the old adage holds true: "Opposites Attract" . ...and when life's friction pulls off a few electrons, there will be hair raising surprises or the zap of static electricity !

Comment

 
5.

Lyle S. (Mar 30th 2009, 01:32 PM)

 

I don't think compatibility is a total lie and actually that it is an important consideration -- just not the only consideration. I believe that God gives His grace to deal with incompatibilities but I don't believe that opposites attract necessarily. We shouldn't presume on God's grace to overcome major compatibility issues.

Comment

 
6.

Jason Bornn (Mar 30th 2009, 12:48 PM)

 

By far, the greatest gift you can give your children is to love their mother and show them that as much as you can. It ain't easy at times, especially if your dealing with an issue between the two of you, but always come back and show your kids that while mommy and daddy might be disagreeing about something, they still love each other. Our kids need to see this and know that the two of you are in it for the long haul!!!

Comment

 

Leave a Reply

(E-mail)
Verification:
Type the characters you see in the picture below.
 

Please read our Terms of Use

 



Family First
All Pro Dad iMom Family Minute
© 2010 Family First. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.
PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF USE | WEBMASTER | DESIGN BY DIGITAL LIGHTBRIDGE