Be Faithful

I can not believe that it is August already.

It’s actually one of my favorite months for a few reasons. My two oldest sons celebrate their birthdays, as well as my sister. I also begin making girlfriend dates for my September birthday. And, usually, it’s time to prepare sending these hungry young men back to school. We generally squeeze out that last beach vacation and wind up summer fun with a few shopping trips. But this Covid-19 season has made all of us pivot back and forth. 2020 has not been a typical year for anyone.

So, are you ready for Fall? I am. But not before I celebrate my A-N-N-I-V-E-R-S-A-R-Y!

We are making tentative plans for a date night...woohoo. No cooking!

After thirty-one years of marriage, I can honestly say (with a huge smile) that I love my husband more than I did on our wedding day. I also confess that being married, sharing a life with someone, raising a family together, building a wonderful legacy, is very much hard work. No one really tells you that before you get married. But it's so worth it!

For me, LOVE is a verb. It’s love in action. I try my best to honor and serve my family faithfully.

My marriage, by far, is the greatest investment I have ever made. This endearing relationship is a gift that keeps on giving and loving and living. It requires a deep level of commitment. Sacrifice. Patience. Forgiveness. And endless love toward your spouse. But most of all- it requires one to be faithful. And we, meant our vows to “forsake all others”. If you truly love someone, being faithful and resisting temptations is necessary for a successful and healthy union.

Being faithful is demanding, there is no way around this. It demands you make that relationship a priority. Period. But too often, we are selfish, not self-less. We have to be faithful when... that ex- calls out of the blue; when the job requires extra hours spent alone with someone you are attracted to; the fellas meet up at happy hour hangout; or you get invited out with the single ladies. You get the picture.

Cheating is not a choice- it’s a mistake.

If you can’t stay faithful... stay single.

Attitude Adjustment

You are either faithful…or you’re not.

There’s no in-between. Just like you can'y be a little bit pregnant…

Whether you are married, or in a committed relationship, make them a priority.

Don’t cheat them out of love, time or respect.

Here are ten things you can do to foster faithfulness:

1-Accept that you are not single. Ditch destructive behaviors and be accountable to each other.

2-Agree to trust each other. Or work on rebuilding trust if it was lost.

3-Set clear relationship boundaries with those of the opposite sex. Be aware of jealousy.

4-Always keep your word and be HOT- humble, open and transparent.

5-Focus on fixing the relationship, not ending it. Seek counseling , if necessary.

6-Be honest about what you need and communicate daily.

7-A wedding ring is not a leash. Wear it, at all times, as a visible symbol of your union.

8-Do something together, even if it’s not your thing, just to spend quality time together.

9-Don’t intentionally do or say something to hurt the other person. Handle arguments maturely.

10-Don't go places, associate, or communicate with people who tempt you to be unfaithful. Choose the company you keep very carefully.