Growing up, my parents may have had disagreements, but I didn’t see them.

My dad didn’t raise his voice at my mother, and he never, ever cursed her.

As children, we were expected to respect her. We were not allowed to talk disparagingly of her – we still are not.

This is the standard I expect. It’s the standard I grew up with.

When promise to love and to cherish, there is no cussing and disrespectful talk. It’s because there is self control.

It doesn’t matter if the other person pushes all your buttons. There are lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

Being committed to marriage means putting your spouse first. Loving them and honoring them means not yelling at them.

I leaned this the hard way through previous abusive relationships.

I will not accept that again.

I hope my children won’t, either.