Are You Your Spouse’s Greatest Supporter?

“Small thing to a giant” is one of my favorite quotes spoken to me by my husband. He has this amazing way of reminding me just how resilient I really am; especially during the moments I find myself stressed about a situation. He knows it’s just what I need to hear to get me back on track and remain focused. My husband truly believes that I am able to do any and everything I imagine. He doesn’t waste any time telling me all that is possible. Even when I share a goal that might seem impossible at first, he assists me in thinking through the kinks so it’s feasible. This form of support is part of what strengthens marriages.

When I hear couples share what attracted them to one another, one of the most common responses usually centers on support. Most of the married men I know listed their future wife having their back as what ultimately led them to pop the question.

As children, our parents played the major role of supporter in our lives. Do you recall how proud your parents were of you when you performed well? Whether it was in school or during a game or dance recital, you could always find a proud parent somewhere behind the scenes. Parents normally never miss an opportunity to brag on their babies. Furthermore, when you questioned whether you were pretty enough or smart enough, parents never failed in reassuring you were all that and then some. Now that we are adults we still need that kind of support from time to time. It’s human nature to second guess ourselves occasionally. But if you have a mate by your side, who (in addition to loving you) recognizes and appreciates your greatness, you’ve struck gold.

One of the Webster definitions of support is “to keep from losing courage.” When the world is weighing heavy on our shoulders, there should be no safer place than within the confines of a marriage. I have found that a supportive relationship includes:

A partner who believes in your dreams no matter what and pushes you into making them a reality.
A partner who defends you and consistently speaks highly of you (especially when you aren’t around).
A partner who continues to trusts your decisions, even if you’ve made a mistake in the past.
A partner who is ready and willing to conquer the world with you and for you!
A partner who simply thinks you are all that physically and mentally.

Marriages where both partners demonstrate the type of encouragement above are definitely on the correct path toward relationship success.

BMWK, how do you show support for your spouse?


About the author

Tiya Cunningham-Sumter is a Certified Life & Relationship Coach, Founder of Life Editing. Tiya was featured in Ebony Magazine in the October 2008 and November 2010 issues. Tiya recently created and launched (Tuesdays with Tiya) Life Editing Radio show on blogtalkradio.com. She resides in Chicago with her husband and two children.



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Comments (14)

  1. Teresa Monday - 02 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    I feel like I am a very supportive person in general, but particularly with my spouse. He is a Christian, God-loving and very smart. He has been working on taking his food product business to the next level for quite some time now. I have been with him through it all, being supportive and trying to assist him as a "help-mate". I am prayerful and ask God to help me encourage him and listen when he has his not-so-good days, to days when he seals the deal! This article has given me some insight and encouragement on continuing on to be his #1 cheerleader and know that all will work according to God's plan but I do want him to know that I got his back too! 
    • Tiya Wednesday - 04 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      Teresa, that's what I'm talking about, being that cheerleader. Good stuff
  2. jbledsoejr Monday - 02 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    Great post and  great reminder for me! Thanks for sharing!
    • Tiya Wednesday - 04 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      Thank you!
  3. Anonymous Monday - 02 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    I am so very grateful for the husband God has bless me with .He is very supportive for anything that I may set out to do.He reminds me that we serve a living God , and because we are God's children anything can be accomplished.We are in agreement with each other that if there is something that either one of us want to do in spite of anyone even each other  if it is something we set out to do for the good to do it .Believe that God got you and everything else will fall in place
    • Tiya Wednesday - 04 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      Absolutely!
  4. Stephanie Roberts Monday - 02 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    Having the support of a loved one can be a tremendous asset to any relationship. thanks
    • Tiya Wednesday - 04 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      That's right. Support is always needed no matter what
  5. WL Murray Tuesday - 03 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    I love how your use the term PARTNER as in relationship.  Your spouse should be your partner and a strong advocate in your business dealings.  They should know your strengths and weaknesses - helping guide you to success.  They complete YOU...
    • Tiya Wednesday - 04 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      Well said!
  6. Chocolate Mom Tuesday - 03 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    A great book to read is the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  I'm learning how to be better at supporting and appreciating my husband.  The things I used to take for granted, I now see as ways of bringing us closer.  Very insightful and a recommended read for all couples.
    • Tiya Wednesday - 04 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      I love that book!
  7. Emakeba Saturday - 07 / 01 / 2012 Reply
    Love this!  This is one of those "Be it and you will see it" kind of articles.  It starts will working on being as supportive as you can be. Thanks for writing.
    • Emakeba Saturday - 07 / 01 / 2012 Reply
      I mean, it starts "with" working on being as supportive as you can be.

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