“Did you know that you can tell a lot about the current status of a couple’s marriage (relationship) by the way they greet one another? You can see it in her smile, hear it in his voice, and sense it in the tenderness of their touch. Or lack thereof” (Love Dare, Kendricks, p. 41)

That says it all I think.

The Kendricks explain the loving investment to your relationship when you greet warmly:

“Throughout history, the Jewish people demonstrated an understanding of the power of an effective greeting. Used more than two hundred times in the Bible, the word shalom (meaning peace or tranquility) was a word intentionally employed to greet others. In the story of the prodigal son we learn ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.’ (Luke 15:20). What kind of greeting would cause your mate to feel like that? Countless widows and widowers could tell us with tears in their eyes what it would mean for them to have one more chance to greet, kiss, and hold their spouses again. Since we each have no guarantee of tomorrow, every new day with our spouse is a gift from God for us to cherish and enjoy.”

“Think about your greeting. Do you use it well? Does your partner feel appreciated? Do they feel loved? Even when you’re not getting along too well, you can lessen the tension and help turn things around by the way you bless them when you greet them. Remember, love is a choice.”

It is a wonderful thing for someone to express they have thought about you, miss you and are excited to see you. It speaks love. It builds trust.

Challenge:

Decide ahead of time a way your partner would love to be greeted. Try it and see what happens. Continue it and I think it will strengthen your relationship.

It is an amazing feeling to feel wanted by the person you want, and that no matter how long you have been together, you love when they are in your presence once more.

Kim Crawford