Practice Makes Perfect in the Batting Cage and in Marriage

This date is brought to you by the sport of baseball.  Whether you played little league growing up or you throw like a girl, with dedication and practice you can improve.  Yes, it takes time and determination, but you can get better!  It is important to realize that no one can do the work for you.  For some reason, oftentimes we feel like we want to change or fix our spouse for them…  Good luck!

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You may hate how much time your husbands spends on Netflix or the habit your wife has of eating ice cream every night before bed.  You may want your spouse to exercise more, do more around the house, or not crack their knuckles.  However, the more you try to change your spouse, the more resistance and push back you will get.  Don’t let this be something that creates a wedge of separation between you.

What can you do to encourage your spouse to want to be better and work towards self-improvement?  Love them as they are.  Show them you have faith and confidence in their ability to succeed.  You can also take a look at yourself and find ways to improve yourself.  It is inspiring and encouraging for others to do the same.  For example, I got a Fitbit for Christmas.  I would frequently check how many steps I had at different points in the day and people noticed.  It encouraged a friend who wants to improve his health to also buy a fitness tracker and become more aware of his activity level and food choices.  We need to take responsibility for changing our own behavior and lead by example.

We can practice the baseball skills we have at the batting cage at the Family Fun Center in Tukwila.  While you practice, only comment on what your spouse does well.  You will notice they will build upon the skills and strengths they already have.  They may even ask for your opinion on how the can improve, in which case you should offer some helpful feedback.

(This article is based on one written for the Great Dates Houston Blog.  For more dating ideas and tips, visit: greatdateshouston.blogspot.com)