Jewish tradition gives us an important lesson for a good marriage.
When Eve was created, she was called a helpmate and an enemy.
Helpmate is OK, but enemy is strong language.
The words might be surprising, but they are also very wise.
If you add the saying, "If I am not for myself, who will be?" you have the three essentials for a good (and sane) wife.
The romantic concept of love is wonderful for pulp fiction and chick flicks but it often falls short in real life.
A good wife is often a best friend, but there are times when she needs to take a stand and oppose her 'best friend'.
There are also times when she needs to focus on herself so the marriage can stay strong.
Best Friend - Shared beliefs, interests and activities are essential in a lasting marriage.
If your only common interest is sex or money, the marriage is on very shaky ground.
Of course, you don't want to marry a carbon copy of yourself, but wanting to be together during the daylight hours is key.
If you love talking with each other and sharing your time on everyday activities your foundation is sound.
Advisory - Husbands make mistakes and sometimes need to be confronted in a very strong way.
Love is sometimes taking a stand and holding your ground.
It can feel awful and sometimes demands courage, but a loving wife will sometimes confront her husband, not for her benefit, but for his.
Her Own Woman - A person, who is submerged into another, loses herself.
A good wife is a whole woman.
If she can only define herself as a wife and mother, she needs to spend sometime being an individual.
She needs to explore other interests and take some time off.
When she comes back she will be a better wife and mother.