Day 5: Arguing Is Like Eating a Bad Hot Dog

50 Things To Say to Your Partner to Make Him Feel Great. 

For most of us, forgiving feels like something is being pried from us: our justice, our sense of self, our dignity. The offense someone has caused looms large and unforgivable. 

But forgiveness isn’t saying what the other person did was just, nor is it bypassing accountability for the offender. 

It’s a choice to bless in the face of an insult, like Jesus did for us; to continue pursuit of a loving relationship when we want to wash our hands of the other person. It’s a choice not to dwell on the offense. Instead, forgiveness opts to see a person as more than the sum of their errors.

Forgiven people forgive people. And the more we internalize the magnitude of how much we’ve been forgiven, the more those missing Mets tickets (or the equivalent) are eclipsed by mercy.

If you were to think about one area in which you haven’t forgiven your partner—or need to choose forgiveness again—what would it be? What stands in the way of your choice to forgive? Is it worth sacrificing the forgiveness you’ve been granted? (See Matthew 6:15.)

Ephesians 4:32 - Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.


1. Thanks for doing that. It means a lot to me when you serve me in little ways like that.


2. I am such a different woman because of the way you _____ (love me, gently lead me, make me feel secure, etc.).


3. I know you and I haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye lately. But I want to let you know that I accept you whether I agree with you or not, and I’m committed to working on our relationship so we both feel understood and secure.


4. I don’t have a bit of a headache tonight. Interested?


5. I can’t believe how _____ you are. You are so clearly gifted in that area.


6. I’m seeing lately that you may not feel very _____, but I hope you know I still respect you deeply.


7. The way you        is such a good complement to me. God knew what I needed when He gave me you.


8. I love it when you wear that.


9. You are my best friend.


10. I am more in love with you than ever.


11. I want to go out with you. Are you free on _____ night?


12. No matter how royally you mess up, I’ll always be glad you’re mine, I’ll forgive you, and I’ll love your socks off.


13. I got the car washed and serviced today, hoping it would just take a little of the load off of you.


14. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me for _____?


15. It is so cool to watch the man you’ve become since we’ve been married.


16. I’m proud of you.


17. What would sound great for dinner tonight?


18 I forgive you. And I won’t bring this up again, okay?


19. Got a minute? There’s something I want to show you in the bedroom.


20. You handled that incredibly well.


21. You’re right.


22. Got your favorite snack at the grocery store!


23. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you.


24. I trust you.


25. Let’s put the kids to bed early.


26. Go ahead and sleep in tomorrow.


27. I had no idea you could do that! You continue to impress me.


28. What do you think?


29. Can I give you a massage?


30. I love being around you.


31. To the kids: I love your dad so much. He is so _____.


32. I got a babysitter tonight!


33. I think you have so much to offer, and I can see it in the ways you _____.


34. I’m so glad you’re home.


35. Do you feel like I’m understanding you?


36. I saw this at the store, and it made me think of you.


37. I love doing _____ with you.


38. You are one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. I am so humbled God gave me you.


39. I stayed within the budget this month!


40. You and me this evening: Game on.


41. I got tickets!


42. Mind if I hold your hand?


43. I made your favorite _____.


44. Why don’t you take the night off? I’ve got the kids.


45. You are so well-disciplined in _____.


46. You still take my breath away.


47. I miss you. Have a great time!


48. Our kids are so blessed to have a dad like you. I love the way you _____ them.


49. You make me so happy just by being you.


50. I love you so much.

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