The term dance is not new in the field of psychology. Many counselors have referred to the emotional patterns of our interpersonal relationships as a dance. Most of the time, the term is used to describe a negative cycle of interactions – something people need to change. However, we will be taking a very different approach: that a couple dance is something that can be done well. For that to happen, we must be attuned to God’s Word and to one another.
In fact, a couple dance, such as a waltz, is the perfect example of what makes a romantic relationship work. The man takes the lead, and the woman follows. He guides and protects her. She influences him, even as she admires him … and makes him look good to anyone who is watching.
But many of us enter marriage never having learned to dance well as a couple. We often fail to even recognize what type music is playing! The perfect music is heavenly, of course. Ephesians 5 provides the melody, and our partner’s needs, desires, and responses help us know which steps are in tune and which ones we need to adjust. The success of our couple dance depends on our willingness to learn from one another with tenderness, sincere interest, love, and respect for who God created us to become as members of the Body of Christ.