Give them the better toast.
When a family member asked our great-grandfather the secret to being happily married for over 50 years, he said, “Well, if there are two pieces of toast, and one looks better than the other, I give her the better toast.”
Maybe it really is that simple. In the stress of running a house, working jobs, and raising kids, our spouses can often get the worse of us. When we have nothing left, we tend to feed ourselves instead of each other.
But what if we give our husbands and wives the better portion of what we do have? What would happen if we offer up the better toast, the bigger dinner helping, the better wine pour, the first shower, the last piece of cake, the best spot on the couch?
Maybe if we consistently give more of our small things, it will open up room for bigger things to grow; we’ll see more grace, more affection, and ultimately build a stronger love.
If we put our spouses’ happiness above our own, both husband and wife get fed. Well fed people are happier people, happier people have happier marriages. I think that’s what great-grandpa meant.
Give them the better toast, you’ll be thankful you did.
