English
EspañolSpouses protect each other. They reserve their intimacy and nudity exclusively for themselves. They avoid leaving each other out in the open. They do not criticize each other behind their backs. This is an essential part of their conjugal loyalty and fidelity. Husband and wife belong to each other. They are no one else’s.
Text
“Married couples joined by love speak well of each other; they try to show their spouse’s good side, not their weakness and faults. In any event, they keep silent rather than speak ill of them. This is not merely a way of acting in front of others; it springs from an interior attitude.” (The Joy of Love, n.113)
Commentary
I love my husband, and for me, he is my idol, the best. I do not love his mistakes or defects, but I love him with his errors and flaws. I also show my affection for him by always speaking well of him, even if he makes mistakes. I cannot rejoice in his mistakes, but I will set them aside to talk to him about them when we are alone. I would never expose him in public or leave him without my protection. I would rather die than criticize him behind his back, seeking the support and complicity of others.
The same goes for my children. To them, their father is also the best. As they become adults, they see our flaws and realize our mistakes and limitations, but I taught them to shield their father´s errors from public scrutiny and unveil them when alone with him. That way, without humiliating him in front of others, it is possible to help him improve himself. If this is done alone and with a blatant loving treatment, the opportunity opens up for him to be himself and the author of his correction and improvement.
We belong to each other. We are each other´s, protective guardians. It is a core part of our loyalty and fidelity. Moreover, the security in being so is the source of intimate trust and companionship.
