Hey everyone, it’s Hope here! I’m so glad you’re tuning in to another episode of Ron and Hope Unfiltered. I can’t believe how much we’ve been sharing lately—it feels like we’re peeling back the layers of life, marriage, and faith, and today is no exception.
So, let’s dive right in! First, for those of you who are wondering, Ron is just over a week post-surgery, and I have to say, he’s been doing pretty well, although he’s definitely been a bit stubborn. You should see him strutting around in his baggy pants—he’s supposed to be on crutches, but we all know how he is! He even tried to convince me to take him to the gym two days after surgery. I had to call his doctor just to make sure I was hearing things right! But hey, at least he’s in good spirits, right?
Now, today’s topic is a serious one: how a wife can unknowingly—or sometimes knowingly—abuse sex in marriage. Just saying that out loud feels heavy, but it’s something we really need to address. We often think of abuse in terms of physical or emotional harm, but what about the ways we can manipulate intimacy? It’s a tough subject, but one that’s important for healthy relationships.
In our conversation, Ron brought up 1 Corinthians 7, which talks about how couples should not deprive each other of intimacy. Honestly, when I read that verse, it hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of using sex as a bargaining tool—whether consciously or subconsciously. Maybe we withhold affection when we’re upset, or perhaps we use it to get what we want. That’s not what God intended for our relationships.
It’s all about mutual respect and understanding. We belong to each other in marriage, and that means taking into account our partner’s needs and feelings. And let’s be real, sometimes life gets in the way. Stress, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil can impact intimacy. For me, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that sex isn’t always my first thought. I crave connection, but sometimes I just want to watch a movie and relax. It’s important to communicate those feelings without guilt.
Ron also highlighted how men and women react differently under stress. While a man might seek intimacy as a release, a woman often retreats into her emotional world. It’s crucial for both partners to understand these dynamics and not take it personally. If Ron knows I’m having a tough day, he respects that and doesn’t push. It’s about being considerate, and honestly, that’s what love is all about.
We made a point that anything—especially something as sacred as intimacy—should never be used as manipulation or control. That’s when it can become abusive. We need to navigate these waters with care and love, ensuring that both partners feel valued and respected.
So, as we head into the holiday season, let’s be mindful of how we treat each other in our relationships. Let’s focus on generosity, love, and genuine connection, rather than using intimacy as a transaction.
Thanks for being here with us today! I hope you found some encouragement and insight in our discussion. Remember, it’s all about real, raw, and relevant conversations. Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other!