Welcome to the
Marriage Builders® Discussion Forum

This is a community where people come in search of marriage related support, answers, or encouragement. Also, information about the Marriage Builders principles can be found in the books available for sale in the Marriage Builders® Bookstore.
If you would like to join our guidance forum, please read the Announcement Forum for instructions, rules, & guidelines.
The members of this community are peers and not professionals. Professional coaching is available by clicking on the link titled Coaching Center at the top of this page.
We trust that you will find the Marriage Builders® Discussion Forum to be a helpful resource for you. We look forward to your participation.
Once you have reviewed all the FAQ, tech support and announcement information, if you still have problems that are not addressed, please e-mail the administrators at mbrestored@gmail.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 35,996
P
Member
OP Offline
Member
P
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 35,996
Here is my journal entry from Feb 1996... 1 month post D-day. I began by making a list of my "requirements for return" to send to my WH (who was staying at his mother's house).... and I started writing "I think that ...." ... when I read it aloud to myself, I realized how weak and UNcertain I was... so... I started the list over, this time beginning each item with "I am CERTAIN that....".

I post this here today to get some of you to think.... especially the BS who cannot commit to a plan .... What are you certain of?

I did finish this list and mailed it to my H ....it shows some of my ~~cough~~ firery nature at the time... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> .

Remember... this was before I had a computer, and had never heard of MB.... so, it's pretty rough.... but, I look at it as my Plan B letter.... of a sorts. Hence, there is a lack of "love letter" theme, and there are DJ's (for sure) .... but, I think it is an interesting and valuable exercise for the betrayed to make a list of things they are certain they require in order for the marriage to recover.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


1. I am certain I do not want a marriage partner who gives lip service to Christian values and behaves the opposite.

2. I am certain I do not want a chemically dependant partner.

3. I am certain I do not want my children to learn ethics and behaviors from a morally and spiritually bankrupt father.

4. I am certain I do not want sexual intimacy with a man who is not able to overcome the temptations of another woman, no matter how powerful they may be.

5. I am certain I deserve a faithful, loving, hard working partner who is capable of true intimacy and genuine love and respect.

6. I am certain that I will not tolerate weak excuses for immoral behavior such as "a bad childhood", or "it was an addiction", or "it was a mistake".

7. I am certain I will hold myself responsible for my own happiness, my own mistakes which occured as a result of my choices.

8. I am certain that I can step back from an unhealthy relationship.

9. I am certain I will not stay in a bad marriage for fear of being alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, what are YOU certain of?

Pep
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

<small>[ September 25, 2004, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: Pepperband ]</small>

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,435
B
Member
Offline
Member
B
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,435
Hihi dear Pep.. still <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> about your "déjà mooooh (meeeeuh?) joke".. but this is not the bull I have heard before <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> ...

This is what I have learned after D-Day: I am certain that
- life isn't a "certain" thing so we can only trust in God to do things Her way
- being a good person doesn't mean taking cràp
- I will be more careful who I will consider a "friend" (OW was my "best friend")
- good people can do stupid and selfish things
- fog exists, and not just in England <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />
- God works in very mysterious ways
- I'm glad I discovered MB (thanks all)
- I'm not crazy, just a little moooooooh
- this list isn't final
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 944
F
Member
Offline
Member
F
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 944
Pep,
You never cease to amaze. This is a great thread! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

1. In my pursuit for a happy M & family, bettering myself is the first step

2. I can control my emotions

3. LB's are not a personality trait, but a changeable habit

4. A servant leader is the model for a better husband and father

5. Laughter is indeed the best medicine

6. Intimacy and sex are NOT synonyms

7. I will not be a doormat or a dictator

8. Love may be unconditional, but remaining M is a choice

9. I'd rather be M than be right

10. A truly spiritual man is never lonely

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 35,996
P
Member
OP Offline
Member
P
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 35,996
This one...

10. A truly spiritual man is never lonely

simply took my breath away.......

I might add

11. A truly spiritual woman shall not fear.

Pep

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,380
O
Member
Offline
Member
O
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,380
Well I loved your list so much pep that I will just say....DITTO! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

O

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 972
S
Member
Offline
Member
S
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 972
hey Pep- nice list- nothing is certain but this moment but I liked your list. in THE WORD there is no guarantee of tomorrow but "God willing"... so onward I plow- in THE WORD, KNOWING and SURE that the Lord will see me through and HIS justice will prevail. I place the chaos and lies at the foot of the cross where I have placed my life and pray. for all of us here at MB-for my family and the planet. Each day I am astounded at HIS gifts and equally astounded at mans level of depravity- a double edged sword this earth we inhabit.

oh! there is something I am certain of...I would certainly like to hear from you! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

PEACE OUT...and IN!

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,701
M
Member
Offline
Member
M
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,701
Hi Pepperband,

Loved your "I'm certain" list!

I'm certain that I want and deserve to be married to an honost, Christian, faithful man, a man who loves me enough to pursue AND keep me.

And no matter how lonely I feel at times, I really would rather be single than to settle for less than what I really want and deserve.

I'm also CERTAIN that I AM loved - by God.

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255
L
Member
Offline
Member
L
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255
Pep, brownhair & FM: thanks for sharing truly personal feelings. They are deep, spiritual, and should be values, morals, and direction of any human being. I sorta did the same--from a FWS side of things ("What I have learned in the last 2 1/2 months") but I feel I fall short from the spirituality that you have and continue to express on each of your posts. (Brownhair, I think you make a good point: " - this list isn't final." Reminds of a magnet my Mom still (after 20 years!) has on her fridge: pic of caterpillar, saying, "Be patient with me. God isn't finished with me yet!"
I admire all of you!

(Little threadjack: Hey FM! How have you been doing?!?! We have been wondering how things are going. Maybe an update thread? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> )

Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 10,060
W
Member
Offline
Member
W
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 10,060
Hi Pep -

among other things,

I am certain that I admire you.

I am certain that without this forum, I would not be where I am today (emotionally).

I am certain that nothing can prevent me from having a positive outlook on my life.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />
WAT
------------
No matter where you go, there you are.

Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,047
D
Member
Offline
Member
D
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,047
Great post pep....

Can't add much else except..

I'm certain that I am sick of hurricanes <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" />

I'm certain that I have been blessed waaaay beyond what I deserve.

God Bless,

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 613
F
Member
Offline
Member
F
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 613
The hurricane did it-sorry!

<small>[ September 26, 2004, 08:09 AM: Message edited by: Fishracer ]</small>

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 613
F
Member
Offline
Member
F
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 613
Hurricane Again!

<small>[ September 26, 2004, 08:12 AM: Message edited by: Fishracer ]</small>

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 613
F
Member
Offline
Member
F
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 613
Awesome Post PEP and others!

d_rose: Ditto these hurricanes! Winds are 50+ at the moment, gusts to 70. Supposed to get worse!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> Here are a few of my own:

1. I am certain that I do not want a marriage partner who is emotionally dependent on me.

2. I am certain that I do not know God's plan; despite my ridiculous efforts to do it myself!

3. I am certain that I will not allow this terrible, horrible experience to ruin my faith in marriage and all it stands for; and believe that is part of God's plan!

Thanks!

FR

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7,093
W
Member
Offline
Member
W
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7,093
What am I certain of -

I am certain that I will always have a close, loving relationship with my DD, and her future children <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I am certain that I never want to live without sunshine, music, my sisters and my girlfriends <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I am certain that I will spend the rest of my life giving back to the universe by offering help and support to any who might need it. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I am certain that I will have a loving relationship with a man who respects, honours and cherrishes me, and I him. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

And I am certain that "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now" Thank you Bob Dylan "My Back Pages" (I love that)

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 303
R
Member
Offline
Member
R
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 303
I am certain despite the As, DDay etc, I am still being watched over by God, and He gives me new blessings everyday.

I am certain as long as I follow Him, I will not be lost <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 605
I
Member
Offline
Member
I
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 605
This is too good to get buried on Page 3.

I am certain I want a partner who is able to be honest with me - in all aspects of life.

I am certain I will not "settle" for less than 100% honesty.

I am certain I am a good person, and while responsible for certain shortcomings in my marriage am not responsible for the fact that my H had an affair.

I am certain that I want a partner who enthusiastically wants to be my partner and who will be willing to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to make a successful and rewarding marriage.

I am certain that God has chosen this hurdle in my life to bring me closer to Him and to teach me valuable lessons.

I am certain that happiness is within me and not created by being with another individual.

I am certain that the friendships I have developed along this journey - in spite of this horrible personal experience - will change my life forever. In fact, they already have, and are, as I write this.

I am certain that Pep is one smart cookie for getting us to think about this stuff. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />


Moderated by  Fordude 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Search
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 255 guests, and 64 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Bibbyryan860, Ian T, SadNewYorker, Jay Handlooms, GrenHeil
71,839 Registered Users
Building Marriages That Last A Lifetime
Copyright © 1995-2019, Marriage Builders®. All Rights Reserved.
Site Navigation
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5