Author Topic: Qualities of a good spouse (Read 3118 times)

Nadir · « **Reply #15 on:** June 16, 2012, 02:36:17 AM »

A good spouse must be able to manage money well and be thrifty. From day one of our marriage we have kept a record of our accounts and where our money has gone. We are now amazed that we have managed to live so well on a very small income.

The one time we needed a bank loan we were able to take this record to the bank manager who was so impressed that he said yes, in spite of our seemingly inadequate income. Not that I recommend bank loans. Keep away from them if possible.

alaric · « **Reply #16 on:** June 16, 2012, 07:35:57 AM »

Quote from: Ethelred

Quote from: catherineofsiena
I am wondering what the qualities of a good spouse are from the perspective of practicing traditional Catholics.
...
I think we have the obvious basics down as in -

- Catholic
- practicing the Faith, keeping the Commandments
- open to children

- good cooking

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

P.S. Whoever tasted our Austrian cuisine will already know this, I hope. :scratchchin:

Very true, and a way to a woman's is through her children.

Both me and my wife are Italians, food and children (family) are very important in our house.

Anyway as for the OP one of the best qualities you can have in a good spouse is someone who is unselfish and open to self sacrifice, that is usually always the beginning of the end in most marriages when someone just starts to care about themselves at the expense of the other and the children for that matter.

You must be totally committed to each other at all times.

Like the bible says, you become "one".

wallflower · « **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2012, 08:07:52 AM »

Quote from: catherineofsiena

Quote from: wallflower
Humility.

My husband had all the regular stuff, the Faith, a good job, good looks, but what tipped the scales for me was that I also saw a streak of humility in him that is very hard to find. I picked up on that and treasured it immediately.

I don't mean any kind of false humility where he never makes eye contact or something strange like that, I mean he has a true deep knowledge and appreciation for the fact that he needs help to get to heaven. Needs help from God, needs help from me, needs help from his family. He does not have that individualist mentality that revolves around himself. He is very oriented towards others and very giving of himself.

From there all other virtues have fertile ground on which to keep developing thoughout our marriage and he does nothing but get better every year which in turn helps me at least attempt to do the same. He has been an example for me in so many ways, all based in that streak of humility I first picked up on.

Since he does so little for himself it is very motivating for me to support him in all the little ways I possibly can. It makes me want to do more for him, for his happiness and his comfort. So really you want someone who can inspire you to better yourself. With God's grace of course but also with their practical day-to-day example.

That was really nice. You are fortunate to have him.

That I am.

Catholic Samurai · « **Reply #18 on:** June 16, 2012, 02:04:35 PM »

Quote from: alaric

Very true, and a way to a woman's is through her children.

I think I know what you mean by that, but as far as relationship maintenance goes, I think Bp.Williamson hits the nail on the head.

He said something like...

"Every now and then add a teaspoon of affection to the tank, and she's good for another 100 miles."

MrsZ · « **Reply #19 on:** June 16, 2012, 02:16:47 PM »

Forgiveness and fortitude.

It's really important that your spouse has the ability to forgive (and that you do as well) and that they understand that it's "a marathon, not a sprint race." It's about persevering until the very end.

Hobbledehoy · « **Reply #20 on:** June 16, 2012, 02:27:34 PM »

Quote from: SpiritusSanctus

While courting, both men and women should ask themselves "Will this person help me get to Heaven?"

An excellent question!

It could be posited in this wise too:

A man: "Will this woman help me and the children she is to bring forth as mother to know, love and serve Our Lord and His Blessed Mother together as a family so that we may together behold the beatific vision in Heaven?"

A woman: "Will this man guide me and the children I am to bring forth unto him in knowing, loving and serving Our Lord and His Blessed Mother together as a family so that we may together behold the beatific vision in Heaven?"

Traditional Guy 20 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 16, 2012, 04:12:22 PM »

I think both husband and wife should really live the Faith, or try to the best of their ability, to show a good role model for their children (a good role model is not being a genius or a famous person but striving to be a good Catholic.)

PenitentWoman · « **Reply #22 on:** July 14, 2012, 02:10:01 PM »

Quote from: Catholic Samurai

I think I know what you mean by that, but as far as relationship maintenance goes, I think Bp.Williamson hits the nail on the head.

He said something like...

"Every now and then add a teaspoon of affection to the tank, and she's good for another 100 miles."

This made me smile.

Marcelino · « **Reply #23 on:** July 15, 2012, 03:55:13 AM »

Quote from: PenitentWoman

Quote from: Catholic Samurai

I think I know what you mean by that, but as far as relationship maintenance goes, I think Bp.Williamson hits the nail on the head.

He said something like...

"Every now and then add a teaspoon of affection to the tank, and she's good for another 100 miles."

This made me smile.

yeah, that is funny