Tapestry of Faith: Principled Commitment: An Adult Program on Building Strong Relationships

Activity 5: Helping Your Relationship Age With Dignity

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Optional: Newsprint, easel, and markers

Description of Activity

Introduce the activity with these or similar words:

It's easy to see why we would want to be honored, respected, and treated with dignity. In the early phases of a relationship, partners may put a great deal of emphasis on doing so. But as relationships mature, is it natural for honor and esteem to be replaced by a pattern of taking each other for granted?

Invite participants to give examples of ways partners may come to take each other for granted. As a group, come up with some ideas for reversing those patterns of behavior and encouraging mutual honor and dignity. Record ideas on newsprint, if desired.