Marriage Mondays with “The Fierce 5”; Teri Milton

Hey ladies! Today is the DAY!!! It’s finally here! Marriage Mondays with ‘The Fierce 5″! These are the 5 women who, over the past few years, have poured into my life as a young women and as a wife. I’ve learned so much from each of them, and thankfully have avoided many mistakes due to the wisdom they’ve shared with me. So you know I had to share the wealth! Yaaaasss!! Today, we’ll hear from Teri Milton. Whether this advice is hitting you for the first time, or coming as a timely reminder, be sure to chime in and let us know! Be encouraged! – Reese

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How many years have you been married? What has being married taught you?

July 23, 2018, will be 30 years as Mrs. Milton.  Being married has taught me, marriage is not for the faint of heart and that it is not about me, but about becoming one with my husband.

What are 3 key ingredients that have helped you build a healthy marriage?

Communication – not allowing fear to stop you from discussing the difficult things.

Laughing – not taking things or each other too seriously.

Having a no divorce option at heart.

What word of advice/wisdom do you have for the young wife?

Be careful of telling your marriage business to your family and friends. When you diminish your husband in the eyes of your family and friends, it is hard to get them to see him beyond what you have portrayed.  As a wife, I believe my major role is to help my husband be the best version of himself.  It is not my role to control him or change him, but to bring the best out of him. 

What about the singles? What word of advice can you share to help the single women, who desire to be married?

“A man that doesn’t bring out the best in you is not the best for you.”

Don’t ignore the red flags and settle for what you honestly know is not acceptable or comfortable for you.  I firmly believe to trust a person when they show you who they are; continue to ask yourself what are your “deal breakers”. And watch how they interact with their mother and family. “You are what you tolerate.”  Don’t give up the best years of your life dating someone for 3 – 5 years.  I believe a man knows within a year if he wants to marry you. To quote Kristen Fry,  “Never compromise with a man who treats you like one of his options, but wait for the one who will make you a priority”. 

Anything else/advice/wisdom you feel led to share?

I think people focus too much on building careers, education and wealth which are all good things but miss the important things of the heart.  Be true to yourself and the woman God has fashioned you to be.  Allow God, and not the opinions of others, to shape who you are and influence your relationships.  Focus on building values and character in people, especially in your dating relationship. 

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