A marriage should be an example of integrity.

Go to www.todayshow.com and watch Sandra Bullock's interview on the Today Show. Do not form an opinion on what she said according to the media. The difference between the headlines the media pulls out and her comments are startling, and she actually addresses this issue as she is speaking almost as if she had a premonition that she would be misquoted. Sandra speaks about integrity as she relates the story of adopting her new child. She comments that many people have integrity but it doesn't seem to be newsworthy so it's seldom reported. Who really cares whether Paris Hilton had cocaine in her purse or not. Bill Gates challenge to Rotary International, contributing $200 million towards eradicating polio in the world, one of rotaries projects, did not receive anywhere near the press Paris generates. What does any of this have to do with a blog on healthier, happier marriages?  Well, when I observe the disagreements which occur in a marriage, including mine, many half truths or distortions seem to firm up one side of the argument. We interpret the headlines rather than finding out what the whole story is. A marriage should be an example of integrity. We should be able to dialogue with our partner and let the whole truth come out before we jump to opinions and start battles which no one wins. Sometimes, in a marriage, we spend less time in research and more time in reacting when it should be the other way around. Loving on purpose gives us the opportunity to talk with that person we committed to for the rest of our lives without being judged. If there is a difference in opinion or action we need to come to a reasonable compromise, always assuming that there is nothing illegal, immoral, or harmful. Most often the compromise will leave each partner with an even deeper respect for the other and an increase in the love felt by both.