Receive graciously, so that your spouse can be a giver.

When you receive a gift or assistance, really receive it; it is a sign of gratitude and respect to the giver.

The giver wants to give you something. Refusing the gift or assistance denies the giver the joy of giving.

If you don’t (yet) receive graciously, reflect on it.

Is it possible that you don’t want to feel that you need anyone else in your life, that you are perfectly capable on your own?

Do you feel like you are imposing or inconveniencing them?

Is it that you think that they have ulterior motives? Or that they think that they are superior to you in some way?

Do you feel that you are not deserving of their kindness or generosity? That you couldn’t possibly pay them back in the way that they are giving to you?

Do you have insecurities? There are a million things that get in your way, and pride is at the root of many of them.