Put Downs
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There is something that has bothered me for quite a long time. almost 25 years to be exact. Soon my husband and myself will have been married for 25 years. In that time I have heard his family criticize him and put him down over and over again.
I had been taught that family is supposed to help one another and to build one another up. I was taught that family was supposed to strengthen the other members throughout their lives. It has bothered me that this is not so for his family. His mother and his brother almost form a chorus of no’s and put-downs that rarely has any basis in fact. So far, I have been patient and tried to stop them from the damage they try to do. I have managed to help him see that - he is NOT junk.
Not too long ago I hit my limit and had to tell his brother to shut his mouth and stop his criticism. Both he and mom were surprised. Oh well, it was time and then some. I cannot see keeping the peace any longer with the hurt that they do to my husband. It is a shame that family which is supposed to be helpful, can be so vicious. It is not yet war, but I will no longer accept all of the bad mouthing that goes on. My husband is a wonderful man, and I am very proud that he decided to share his life with me. I just pray that God will give me the strength to not just unload both barrels (figuratively speaking), and be able to get this harmful behavior stopped. But, also to get them to see the hurt for what it is, in all of its ugliness.
Life is hard enough without anyone making it harder. If you find yourself with someone who will build you UP, and help you to achieve all of your potential, keep that person close. Helping one another is very important.
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