from the group. âIn addition to tone, there are non-verbal actions which often negate whatâs being said. âFor example ... â Phillip stopped speaking, and in a swift movement, he stood behind Shelby and hooked his arm around her neck in a headlock, acting as if he were going to choke her.
The women jumped in their seats in surprise. The menâs eyes widened at the display.
Phillip smiled, and in a calm loving tone said, âIf I told you right now that I love my wife unconditionally and would never harm a hair on her head, would you believe me?â
âNope,â Travis said.
Phillip released Shelbyâs head and gave her shoulders a tight squeeze. âYou okay, baby?â
âYeah. Thanks for forewarning me about your experiment, or else I might have elbowed you or something,â Shelby said.
âSo as you can see, actions speak louder than words. Even though I was syrupy sweet with my words, the choking didnât make me too believable.â
âUm-huh.â Beryl heartily nodded in agreement.
âSo the words we use and how we use them can make the difference between our loved one fully understanding our true feelings or intentions. But they can also contribute to a love misunderstanding if there is a conflicting tone and/or body language associated with what we are saying.â
Beryl looked at her husband, Travis. Her non-verbal stare said that sheâd been through similar displays many times before.
Chapter 9
Travis Highgate
Monday: 3:29 P.M .
In their bedroom during their free time, Travis attempted to hug Beryl, but she pushed him away. âBeryl, honey, will you please sit down for a moment so we can talk? Can I show you my love language abilities?â Travis was referring to the seven love language skills Phillip had taught them in their most recent session.
âTravis, werenât you listening at all during the last session?â Beryl huffed in exasperation.
âYeah, I was listening. I heard everything Phillip said.â
Beryl was always accusing him of not paying attention. So he decided to prove to her that he had been listening in the previous session. He rattled off the list of things heâd memorized. âThere are seven different ways people show their love to others: words, touch, serving, quality time, gifts, providing physical wellbeing, and making a special opportunity.â Travis grinned wide, showing his crooked teeth. He was proud of himself for memorizing the list in such a short time.
âUmph,â Beryl said. âI guess you were listening.â
He took Berylâs hand and pulled her over to his twin bed. âSee, baby. So please just sit down for a second so we can talk.â
Even though there was reluctance in her eyes, Beryl did as Travis requested and sat down next to him. He then turned toward her, taking her hands into his.
âBaby, donât you see how committed I am? You asked me to come up here with you for this retreat, and I did. And let me tell you, I can already see that we donât need this counseling.â Travis looked deep into Berylâs eyes. âI know things havenât been the best lately, but we donât need someone else telling us how we can get our relationship back on track,â Travis said.
Beryl pulled away. âTravisââ
âBaby, let me talk.â Travis pulled her back, squeezing her hands as he pleaded.
She pursed her lips together and allowed him to speak.
âI know what your concerns are, and I promise to try even harder to find a job when I get back home. And I am going to try to do better with helping out around the house and with the kids. Baby, I promise Iâll do better about keeping the grass cut.â As Travis spoke, he felt his words must have been getting through to his wife. Tears welled up in her eyes. He took this as a good sign.
âSo baby, I know you spent a lot of money for us to come here,â
James Kakalios
Tara Fox Hall
K. Sterling
Jonathan Maberry
Mary Balogh
Elizabeth Moynihan
Jane Hunt
Rebecca Hamilton, Conner Kressley
Jacquie Rogers
Shiloh Walker