Appreciate & Request | Episode 239

Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 239 is entitled “Appreciate and Request”. We all want better relationships. We introduced a level up challenge a few weeks ago. Maybe there’s a simpler way. That’s what we’re talking about tonight! Pull up a seat at the table and join us!Level Up Challenge…an alternative* Spending time appreciating* List 6 areas where you appreciate the other person* Be specific. looking particularly for things you may have come to take for granted* Examples* I’m grateful for your diligence as a provider for our family.* I’m thankful for your faithfulness and loyalty as a wife.* I’m thankful for the way you show you care with words and touch.* I appreciate your sensitivity to others feelings* Request your needs to be met* Things you might like to see concerning improvements and changes in this relationship* Be specific and positive as you look for major items of importance to you* Examples* I’m hoping you can become more comfortable initiating affection.* I’d like to see all cursing and abusive language stop.* I wish we would not criticize one another in front of others—particularly our children.* I’d hope that you might speak respectfully to those in authority.* Share your lists with one another* Be genuine, showing interest, emotion, and good eye contact, dedicated, private, and unrushed time alone* Be positive, encouraging, and looking to the future with hope.* Examples* It would be important to me if* It would mean a lot to me if.* I’m looking forward to the time when* Benefits* Sharing your requests helps avoid the destructive cycle of:* Having expectations and anticipations (i.e. requests) of another person.* Not communicating these requests.* But, becoming hurt or angry when these expectations aren’t met! This isn’t fair to either of the parties.* Exchange lists if it will help you remember some of your partner’s “Requests”* Practice Appreciation* Make no further mention of the “Requests” during the next month. (To do so would be to approach “nagging” and actually hinder progress.)* Make consistent effort to share praise for your “Appreciation” List plus other appreciation that come to mind.* Look for opportunities to share praise and appreciation* Privately with one another during daily conversations and private times* Publicly when in the company of others. like family members, children, or friends*  In writing with special notes, cards, or gifts Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe