Being Right Can Still Cost You Your Marriage
In this brief segment, Blake R. Templeton argues that insisting on being right in a marriage can damage the relationship. He frames the issue as an identity problem and proposes adopting the "shepherd" role rather than the "warrior" role when communicating with a spouse. The shepherd approach emphasizes validation and safety: instead of immediately correcting a partner’s interpretation, acknowledge their feelings (e.g., "that makes sense, why do you feel that way?") to create a space where they can speak openly. This validation opens dialogue that logic alone cannot. Templeton ties the principle to a biblical reference, quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:14, which calls believers to encourage the faint‑hearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone, presenting the advice as both relational and spiritual guidance.
