Meal-A-Day’s New Director
January 12, 2023 – Meal-A-Day, a non-profit organization, welcomes its newest director Amanda Dietlin. She hit the ground running and is being welcomed with open arms. Dietlin has taken up the mantle of her predecessors Cecil Toenniges and Tina Philips, with determination and commitment to helping all those in need.
Dietlin was originally from Phoenix, AZ before moving to Texas in March 2022. Amanda started working as the director of the Program on January 6th, 2023 and has since expressed her excitement to help those who need help. Dietlin has also expressed her need to spread the word to the community to attempt to find those willing to help with volunteer work. She plans to run the program to the full extent of her abilities and insure the continued success of Meal-A-Day.
Dietlin has shared her feelings of enjoyment to work with her team members. They all work together to make meals and deliver food into the hands of those who need it.
The Meal-A-Day program delivers meals to seniors in the Sulphur Springs area. If you want to apply for this service call the Sulphur Springs Senior Center at (903) 885-1661 and ask to be connected with the Meal-A-Day Director.
Thursday Gameday Brings Both Soccer Squads Beginning Tournaments
Thursday, Jan. 12 sees both soccer teams from Sulphur Springs beginning three-day tournaments.
Coach Alexi Upton and his Wildcats kickoff first on Thursday, Jan. 12 in Palestine at the 13th Annual Wildcat Classic Soccer Tournament.
No. 15 in 4A Sulphur Springs soccer gets an action-packed three days started when they play group A foe Mexia, #19 in 4A, at 1 P.M. at Wildcat Stadium.
Game two does not come until Friday, Jan. 13 but the Wildcats take on host #16 in 4A Palestine (according to Lethal Enforcer) at 2 P.M. on their home turf. Game three, also on Friday, has men’s soccer playing Lindale at 5:30 P.M.
Saturday definitively brings one game, but if Sulphur Springs has a solid outing throughout their time in Palestine they could play for second third place overall, or even for the championship.
Wildcats soccer takes on Mabank at 1 P.M. on Saturday, Jan. 14 with potentially another game to be played that day.
Coach Upton’s squad is 2-1-1 after a solid outing last weekend hosting the 4A Elite Invitational. Sulphur Springs fell in the semifinals in their lone loss in the tournament.
Lady Cats soccer also plays in a three-day tournament, heading to Longview for the 2023 Pine Tree Lady Pirate Showcase.
Their first game in the tourney has the Lady Cats playing Spring Hill at 2 P.M. at Field 2 of Lear Park.
Game two on Friday, Jan. 13 has Sulphur Springs taking on Tyler Legacy’s JVA.
That game takes place at Field No. 3 (or Lear Park 2) with a 2 P.M. kickoff like their Thursday match.
Make no mistake though, with the Lady Raiders at #8 in 6A according to Lethal Enforcer, even their JV team could give a solid showing.
The final game for Lady Cats soccer comes Saturday, Jan. 14 as Sulphur Springs takes on Lancaster at Field 3 again, but with a later kickoff of 5 P.M.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad come into the tournament ranked #3 in the state in 4A. Last weekend saw the Lady Cats go 1-2 against three strong challengers in Carthage, Hallsville and Jacksonville.
Sulphur Springs is 1-3 overall.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Government Considering Regulating Your Gas Kitchen Stove
In December 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an agency charged with protecting the public from dangerous household products, determined that natural gas stoves are bad for the environment. The report points to indoor air quality concerns.
Inside the home, stoves are prone to leaking methane into you house. Poorly maintained valves, pipes and hoses and pilot lights that don’t remain lit are atop the list. Besides the fact that burning natural gas produces carbon dioxide.
I’ll NEVER give up my gas stove. If the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands. COME AND TAKE IT!!
Ronny Jackson Congressman for #TX13 | Former White House Physician & Retired Navy Rear Admiral | Texan, Veteran, Physician, Leader
Ask any chef or would be chef about their choice between gas or electric for stop tops, and the majority will always say gas. Gas gets hotter faster, and with experience provides better cooking results.
This latest environmental focused report comes just as power grids across the nation are being tested. Mandates for all electric cars and now a vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to ban the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters beginning in 2030 are leading the charge. California homes will be required to install zero-emissions alternatives, like electric heaters.
Alexander Hoehn-Saric is Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hoehn-Saric said. “But to be clear, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
When And What Approaches To Consider When Pruning Shade Trees
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, m-[email protected]
All landscape and shade trees require pruning at some time during their life. Trees may be pruned to:
- Promote plant health by removing dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage such as crossing and rubbing branches; maintain the intended purposes in a landscape, by encouraging flower and fruit development, maintaining a dense hedge, or maintaining a desired tree form or special garden forms;
- Improve aesthetics by controlling plant size or removing unwanted branches, waterspouts, suckers, and undesirable fruiting structures;
- Protect people and property by removing dead or hazardous branches such as weak or narrow-angled tree branches that overhang homes, parking areas, and sidewalks;
- Increase visibility by eliminating branches that interfere with street lights, traffic signals, overhead wires, or obscure vision at intersections; and
- Improve security around the home by removing branches that obscure the entry to your home.
Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Pruning for form can be especially important on open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning. All woody plants shed branches in response to shading and competition. Branches that are poorly attached may be broken off by wind and accumulation of snow and ice. Branches removed by such natural forces often result in large, ragged wounds that rarely seal. Pruning as a cultural practice can be used to supplement or replace these natural processes and increase the strength and longevity of plants.
Pruning Approaches
Proper pruning cuts are made at a node, the point at which one branch or twig attaches to another. In the spring of the year growth begins at buds, and twigs grow until a new node is formed. The length of a branch between nodes is called an internode. The most common types of pruning are:
- Crownthinning primarily for hardwoods, is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement throughout the crown of a tree.
- Crown raising is the practice of removing branches from the bottom of the crown of a tree to provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, buildings, lines of site, or to develop a clear stem for timber production.
- Crown reduction pruning is most often used when a tree has grown too large for its permitted space. This method, sometimes called drop crotch pruning, is preferred to topping because it results in a more natural appearance, increases the time before pruning is needed again, and minimizes stress.
Pruning Cuts
Pruning cuts should be made so that only branch tissue is removed and stem tissue is not damaged. At the point where the branch attaches to the stem, branch and stem tissues remain separate, but are contiguous. If only branch tissues are cut when pruning, the stem tissues of the tree will probably not become decayed, and the wound will seal more effectively.
Pruning Live Branches
To find the proper place to cut a branch, look for the branch collar that grows from the stem tissue at the underside of the base of the branch. On the upper surface, there is usually a branch bark ridge that runs (more or less) parallel to the branch angle, along the stem of the tree. A proper pruning cut does not damage either the branch bark ridge or the branch collar.
A proper cut begins just outside the branch bark ridge and angles down away from the stem of the tree, avoiding injury to the branch collar. Make the cut as close as possible to the stem in the branchaxil, but outside the branch bark ridge, so that stem tissue is not injured and the wound can seal in the shortest time possible. The second cut should be outside the first cut, all the way through the branch, leaving a short stub. The stub is then cut just outside the branch bark ridge/branch collar, completing the operation.
Pruning Dead Branches
Prune dead branches in much the same way as live branches. Making the correct cut is usually easy because the branch collar and the branch bark ridge can be distinguished from the dead branch, because they continue to grow. Make the pruning cut just outside of the ring of woundwood tissue that has formed, being careful not to cause unnecessary injury.
Drop Crotch Cuts
A proper cut begins just above the branch bark ridge and extends through the stem parallel to the branch bark ridge. Usually, the stem being removed is too large to be supported with one hand, so the three cut method should be used. With the first cut, make a notch on the side of the stem away from the branch to be retained, well above the branch crotch. Begin the second cut inside the branch crotch, staying well above the branch bark ridge, and cut through the stem above the notch. Cut the remaining stub just inside the branch bark ridge through the stem parallel to the branch bark ridge.
To prevent the abundant growth of sprouts on the stem below the cut, or dieback of the stem to a lower lateral branch, make the cut at a lateral branch that is at least one-third of the diameter of the stem at their union.
For more information please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign Funds New Critical Care Bed
By Kayla Price, Executive Director, Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is offering a huge thank you to the local community for its support of this year’s Snowflake Campaign! The campaign raised over $7,500 and recognized over 75 individuals with snowflakes.
As a means of saying “thank you,” the Foundation is using funds raised through the Snowflake Campaign as well as a matching gift of $10,000 from the CHRISTUS Foundation and a $7,700 gift from the health care providers to purchase one new state-of-the-art critical care bed to be used by CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs’ ICU department.
“We are so excited to have this new bed in ICU! This bed really helps patients to heal and improves outcomes. Thank you to the Foundation and all the donors who have made this possible,” shared Alyssa Flatt, ICU director of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
This new bed will provide the latest technology for patient care and safety. Not only does it protect the patient by reducing bedsores and fall risks, but it also keeps both patient and hospital associate safe by aiding with turning and repositioning of the patient. In addition, it helps to calm the patient by playing music, and it can speak to the patient in 26 languages.
The Foundation will continue to raise funds for four additional critical care beds. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is also purchasing five new beds so that all ten ICU rooms will feature a new critical care bed.
Foundation Board Chair Maleta Reynolds offered her appreciation to the community for its support. “No matter how great our needs have been the past twenty-five years, the citizens of Hopkins County have provided funds and encouragement. Thank you to those who donated to the Snowflake Campaign this year. Each of those gifts has made this new ICU bed possible.”
The Stryker Critical Care Bed normally costs $34,900 each, however CMFH-SS was able to negotiate a discount bringing the cost to $21,900 each. With the funds raised through the Snowflake Campaign, the matching gift and the health care providers donation, Hopkins County citizens will benefit from a new ICU bed.
If you are interested in donating toward the purchase of the remaining four critical care beds, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, at 903-438-4799.
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Wildcats Basketball Falls in Dallas, Begins District Season at Paris Friday
Sulphur Springs did not finish their pre-district season as they may have hoped, going 0-2 over their final two games prior to start of district play.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team fell in Anna last Friday, before losing in Dallas on Tuesday to Pinkston 80-71.
Wildcats basketball traveled to Dallas on Tuesday, Jan. 10 for a big match-up with Dallas Pinkston. The Vikings came into the matchup ranked #8 in 4A, with Sulphur Springs three spots behind at 11.
Men’s basketball fell behind early and kept it tight, staying within a 10-point game for the majority of Tuesday’s contest in Dallas.
A late run though by the Vikings cushioned their lead though as they went on to win versus Sulphur Springs, 80-71.
Shooting was vastly better in their Tuesday loss in Dallas. The Tuesday before, in Anna against a similarly highly ranked 4A squad, the Wildcats could only put 54 points on the scoreboard. In their loss to Dallas Pinkston, Coach Shaver’s team put up almost 20 more points.
But after two straight losses, Sulphur Springs goes back to the drawing board to try and recapture the magic that saw them win 18 of their first 23 games.
The loss on Tuesday in Dallas brings men’s basketball’s season record to 18-7, a second straight loss prior to the start of district play.
Going 0-2 to wrap up their non-district season is less than ideal. Considering the Wildcats did so against the #8 team in 4A in Pinkston, and their 60-54 loss to #10 Anna, Coach Shaver’s team should not hang their head.
They look to get back to their winning ways on Friday, Jan. 13 when they travel to Paris for their first district game.
The district opener for men’s basketball tips off in Paris on Friday at 7:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
First Phase Of Construction Begins On New Jail Trusty Housing Facility
The first phase of construction has begun on the new jail trusty housing facility on Houston Street, across from Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center which houses the current jail and sheriff’s office.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, the sheriff, chief deputy and jail administrator met with SEDALCO Construction Services Superintendent Brad Huber, Project Manager Will Burgess, Wayne Gondeck with DRG Architects, and other members of the project team, most of whom joined in via Zoom, to discuss progress, get some clarification for some items for construction of the facility.
Huber reported so far the focus has been on earthwork and public safety. County officials who visit the site are asked to check in at the construction trailer with the supervisor so he can provide them with a hard hat, then walk with them safely through the site, and discuss or answer any questions they may have.
A few changes were made to the plan, and a different contractor was brought in after it was learned the original contractor would not be able to start work until this week because their workers are already committed to other projects; that would push the start back three to four weeks on what is projected to be an 11 month job. With the rainy season coming in the next couple of months and potential for extreme cold through at least February, getting earth work started as soon as possible was determined to be an important part of getting the project finished on time and within budget.
A few small changes discovered included addition of a bullet resistant panel from the lead in door, an accessible bench, and a plumbing fixture had to be relocated.
Equipment and utilities equipment are being moved in. Sand bags have been ordered to hold down appropriate signage, which will be placed in the area. A dumpster is scheduled for order from the city. While the construction trailer is in place, SEDALCO officials said they are still waiting for the Internet and have yet to get a copier set up. A fence is planned to go up around three-fourths of the project, designating the work area for approved personnel as a means to help keep the public safe from walking onto the site.
Crews have begun site work, and have completed about 75% of the sanitary and sewer work, including putting in two concrete manholes.
Sewer and sanitation lines on the west side of the facility has been put on hold temporarily because of how close it is to the are where workers are back filling the foundation.
Currently, workers are building the pad on which the foundation for the new trustee housing facility will be placed. The work involves select fill — digging out where the foundation will go and filling the area back up with a layer of select preferred dirt. The subgrade is being compacted, passing the test Monday to bring in the select fill in order to provide a better base upon which to pour the foundation.
County Commissioners plan to bring in equipment to remove the dirt pile themselves, and potentially use the soil elsewhere. This will save on trucking cost for a contractor to remove the dirt a truck load at a time and haul it elsewhere.
Additional discussion focused on fencing, particularly around a retention wall and detention pond, and signage. Sheriff Lewis Tatum said metal lockers were not needed in the bunk area for inmates to use. Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean explained ail trusties receive two containers to put their personal property in. Shelving to put boots and other gear the inmates would normally acquire in the sally port can be added later, potentially using the wood shop to have the inmates build their own shelving, Chief Deputy Tanner Crump added. The sheriff’s office officials noted plastic tables would suffice instead of metal tables, as the facility is designed as a low risk jail housing unit. The vendor selected to install the jail phone system and video visitation will put in that cable.
The county officials and construction team plan to meet every 2 weeks.
In November, the Commissioners Court approved a guaranteed maximum price contract for $4,799,477 for a 48-bed trusty facility, which is still within the $4.9 million budget for the project. Funding for the building comes from the $7 million allocated to Hopkins County in American Rescue Plan funding to construct a building to house male inmates who have been designated as trusties, and as such go out into the community to work daily, including on precinct crews, at schools, the Civic Center and other locations.
The trusty facility would better segregate the inmate trusties from the general inmate population at Hopkins County jail when they return from their work details. The county officials contend the measure should help reduce potential spread of COVID or other infectious illnesses from trusties who are out in the public or working alongside those who are around others in public, where they could be potentially exposed to illnesses.
By doing so, the county would be meeting the “response to COVID pandemic for public health and the health of the general inmate population of the Hopkins County jail,” an allowable use under the ARP guidelines, county officials said.
Lady Cats Basketball Starts District Season 2-0, Hosts Two Straight Games Starting Friday
Lady Cats basketball picked up their second straight district win on the road on Tuesday, Jan. 10
Sulphur Springs beat Pittsburg 58-38 to start off district play a stellar 2-0.
Coach Bryan Jones and his squad kept the Lady Pirates at arms’ length throughout the majority of Tuesday’s contest.
The closest Pittsburg came to the Lady Cats came right before the end of the third quarter, when Sulphur Springs led 41-33 heading into the final quarter of Tuesday’s game.
The hopes of a rallying, come-from-behind victory for Pittsburg ended shortly thereafter as the Lady Pirates managed a paltry five points in the fourth quarter, as the Lady Cats went on the win big Tuesday, 58-38.
Sulphur Springs is rolling through the first two games of district play, starting 2-0.
Women’s basketball is 19-4 overall with just eight games left in the regular season.
Starting off 2-0 to start district play has the Lady Cats in second in 15-4A, behind only North Lamar.
Next up, Coach Jones and his squad return home to the friendly confines of the SSHS Main Gym for two straight district contests at home.
The first of two straight home matches has the Lady Cats taking on third-place Paris on Friday, Jan. 13.
That game tips off in Sulphur Springs on Friday at 6:15 P.M.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 wraps up the two game home-stand for women’s basketball as they have a date with Liberty Eylau.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Chamber Connection — Jan. 11, 2023: Membership Banquet Will Celebrate Hopkins County With ‘A Night at the Gallery’
By Butch Burney, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
The 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet will celebrate Hopkins County with a theme of “A Night at the Gallery,” awards and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30 p.m., and awards beginning at 7 p.m.
You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays, as well as video recognition at the banquet.
For more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Nominations open until Jan. 20
Thanks to everyone who has mailed or emailed nominations for the superlative awards that will be given out at the annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet on Feb. 16.
Here are some tips for those who want to nominate individuals, businesses, groups or clubs for the awards. This is a nomination process, not a voting contest. The nominations go to committees that very seriously look at the nominations sent in. So …
- Don’t just send in a name; instead, tell us why the person or business should be selected. That carries much more weight in the process.
- Get the nominations in before Jan. 20. That’s the deadline.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Blood Drive
Please join Carter BloodCare at Brookshire’s parking lot at 809 Gilmer St., sponsored by American Legion Post #66 and VFW Post #8560, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Retirement Reception
A retirement reception for Johanna Hicks will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 1200-B West Houston St. It is hosted by the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers.
Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Opening
- Shop the Springs and Deep Routes Coffee will have their Grand Opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, Jan. 20. Doors open at 8 a.m., with the ribbon cutting at noon, give-aways from 2-4 p.m. and live music from 5-7 p.m. Please join them on this special day at 215 Shannon Road East (behind Burger King).
- Frosted Whimsy will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, Jan.18, at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber.
- Werry Pools will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Chamber office. Please welcome them to the business community.
- The Vault fitness center held a ribbon cutting at noon on Monday, Jan. 9, at their gym in Hillcrest Square. Please welcome them to the community.
A Word of Advice For Engaged Couples
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected].
Yes, I know this is not the most prevalent wedding season. However, engaged couples have already started planning summer and fall weddings. I recently had the opportunity to visit with State Representative Bryan Slaton in his Greenville office, and his eyes lit up when I mentioned the Twogether in Texas marriage education workshops which I had been leading for the past 8 to 10 years. His belief (and mine, as well) is that a strong marriage leads to strong families, and strong families lead to strong communities.
Most of you know by now that I will be retiring at the end of January (more on that later!), but I have the approval to continue teaching the Twogether in Texas marriage education workshops in the interim period. I don’t have a date planned at this time, but keep posted! Engaged couples who take the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 (the state portion) upon applying for a marriage license.
With that being said, I wanted to share a few tidbits from the curriculum. Expectations about love and marriage can have a powerful impact on relationships. “To a large degree, you will be disappointed or happy in life based on how well what is happening matches up with what you think should be happening.” (Markman, Blumberg & Stanley, 1990)
There are three common pitfalls regarding marriage expectations:
- Couples are often unaware of their own expectations. Not until they already feel the frustration or disappointment of unmet expectations do couples realize they had made some assumptions about how things “should” go. For example: “My father always gathered up the trash in the house. I guess I just assumed my partner would, too.”
- Expectations are unrealistic. Hollywood, love songs, and pop culture have a way of promoting and romanticizing unrealistic expectations. There is nothing wrong with wanting a great relationship, but expecting perfection is a slippery slope. Phrases such as “you complete me” paint unrealistic pictures of relationships.
- Couples fail to discuss their expectations with one another. There is sometimes a risk in expressing expectations. It may open up disagreement or rejection, and is therefore a vulnerable thing to do. The risk of not expressing expectations, however, is to set your relationship up for disappointment, hurt, and anger. So, discuss who will gather up the trash, clean the bathrooms, wash the dishes, etc.
As a friend once said, “Your expectations get you to the altar. Once there, you must alter your expectations.”
Some common myths may lead some couples astray. These include:
- Myth #1: Marriage will help improve our relationship or will motivate my fiancé to change. (You accepted them as they are. Don’t expect change.)
- Myth #2: Marriage will make me feel complete. (You are complete just as you are.)
- Myth #3: Perfect marriages happen for perfect people. (There are no perfect people, so there are no perfect marriages. Communication and faith in God are crucial to a healthy relationship.)
- Myth #4: Happily married couples never have serious problems. (Troubles make marriages stronger if you handle them as a team. Again, effective communication is key.)
- Myth #5: Happy marriages are filled with romantic love and unwavering trust. (Romance may wane, but the love can continue to grow more deeply over time.)
All couples, whether engaged, seriously dating, or married, can be intentional about your time together. As Henry Ford says, “Coming together is easy; keeping together in progress, working together is success.”
Closing Thought
The more you understand your past, the more influence you’ll have over your future.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office, P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
