Howdy there, friends! Now, before you get all excited and thinking that ol’ Mary’s got some magical elixir to fix every marital spat and make your relationship smoother than a fresh jar of Smucker’s, let me tell ya – there ain’t no such thing. But what I do have today is a little secret, and I’ll bet a crisp dollar bill it’s something everyone can learn a bit from. But you have to promise me one thing – don’t skip to the end. Stick with me here. Trust me, it’s gonna be worth it.

The Beauty of Simple Words

Now, we’ve all been there. There’s the little disagreements about who forgot to take out the trash or why the toilet seat was left up again (and which one of us needed to check our glasses prescription). But dagnabbit, sometimes it’s the words we use that make all the difference. Believe me, I’ve been married to my sweetheart Larry for over 40 years, and let me tell ya, we’ve learned a thing or two about talkin’ nice to each other.

Let’s Talk About the “P” Word

No, I’m not talking ’bout the kind of P-word that’s not appropriate for a good ol’ Christian blog. I’m talking about an everyday word that we sometimes forget to use. It’s “please.” I know, I know – you’re likely rolling your eyes and saying, “Come on, Mary, that’s nothing new.” But aha! That’s where you’d be wrong. See, it’s not about the word being new; it’s about using it, and using it often, like it was butter on your Sunday morning pancakes.

The Small Niceties Matter

Using “please” is like adding a little honey to your tea – sweetens things right up. When we ask our partner to do something with a please tacked on the front, it shows respect and appreciation. Larry’s never been one to turn down a request when it starts with “please.” Shoot, he’s more likely to help than if I order him around like a drill sergeant. And believe me, I ain’t no Sergeant Slaughter.

The Art of Appreciation

Now, don’t you forget about saying “thank you” either. Sure, it’s not the magic one-word wonder here, but it’s just as important. We often take our better halves for granted, forgetting the little things they do. When Larry fixes the leaky faucet or helps in the garden, a heartfelt thank you goes a long way in showing him that I appreciate his hard work and dedication.

When in Doubt, Pray It Out

And let’s not overlook our good Lord in this conversation. Have you and your partner taken a moment to pray together about your relationship? Our late Pastor Tom used to say, “A family that prays together, stays together.” You’d be surprised how laying your worries, squabbles, and thankfulness at the feet of Jesus can change the atmosphere at home – it’s like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night, comforting and reassuring.

Communication Isn’t Just About Talking

Oh, I can hear you now, “Mary, you’re preaching to the choir!” Well, maybe so, but sometimes we need that reminder. Communication isn’t just about yakking away – it’s also about listening. Do you hear your partner’s needs, worries, hopes, and dreams? Larry and I have had more nighttime chats on our porch swing than I can count, just listening to each other’s hearts. And you’d be amazed at how just being heard can soothe even the stormiest of seas.

Putting It All Together

Alright now, if you’ve stayed with me this long – pat yourself on the back. We’ve talked “please,” sprinkled in some “thank you’s,” and added a good helping of God’s good grace. But don’t go rushing to start using these words like they’re going out of style. Do it with sincerity. When you ask your partner to do something, use “please” genuinely as a way of showing respect. And when they do something nice, follow it up with a proper “thank you.” Add in a dash of listening and a pinch of prayer, and you’ll have a recipe for better communication.

Closing Thoughts

So, what’s the big takeaway here? It’s really simple – kindness, humility, and faith are the keys. Whether it’s a “please” when asking for the remote or a “thank you” for a chore done without fuss, these little words can mean the world. Sometimes the smallest gestures carry the most profound impacts. So why not give it a whirl and see if this small word can change your relationship for the better?

Remember, y’all – don’t take each other for granted. Show some appreciation, communicate with love, and keep our good Lord at the center. Enjoy the sweeter moments of life, cherish your partners, and y’all come back now to see ol’ Mary real soon.