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article · May 2013

Zig On... Being Nice

it's the little things husbands and wives do for each other on a regular basis, not the big things once or twice a year, that breed long-term, successful marriages and lots of honeymoons instead of just anniversaries.

Article-era portrait of Zig Ziglar
Contributor portrait

I'm seated in the Tampa airport on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 2005. A gentleman recognized me and approached me saying, "Greater love hath no man for his wife than to always open her car door." That's something of a takeoff on what I've been talking about for many years, that... it's the little things husbands and wives do for each other on a regular basis, not the big things once or twice a year, that breed long-term, successful marriages and lots of honeymoons instead of just anniversaries.

I believe quite strongly that is the approach we need to take. It's the little things. For many, many years I've been doing exactly that. As a matter of fact, since I first caught sight of her on September 15, 1944, at 9:08 p.m., at the YWCA in Jackson, Mississippi, I have been courting that woman of mine avidly. Two years, two months and eleven days of relentless pursuit later she finally said "yes." I'm convinced that the little things make the difference.

The Redhead and I take turns trying to outdo one another in being nice, thoughtful and helpful to each other. Simple example. On this trip, as in all trips when I'm gone for more than just the day, the Redhead has

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followed through on things we started doing years ago. I stopped carrying my cash in a wallet; I just fold it over and put it in one of my pants pockets. In the evening I lay the money on our bathroom counter. She counts my money and if she doesn't think I have enough to cover emergencies where cash is needed, she gets me more. Now that's not a big deal, but it's one of those little things that says an awful lot. It says, "Honey, I love you very much. You're very important to me. I will be more comfortable knowing that if there is an emergency and cash is needed, you will not be embarrassed, delayed, or perhaps endangered." That's a big thing. Little things, over the years, can make a big difference.

Husbands and wives, first be faithful to each other. Second, keep the romance going all of your life by courting each other every day.

Immediately after my encounter with this gentleman in the Tampa airport, I called the Redhead to tell her about it. Her response fascinated me because it emphasizes what I'm talking about. She said, "Honey, I just want you to know I'm in the process of making you your uncooked fruit cake," which just happens to be one of my favorite of all things for the Christmas season. I really love that fruit cake! It's the only one I really do enjoy. While I was gone, there she was, thinking about what she could do for me.

Yes, when husband and wife try to outdo each other by being nice, thoughtful and attentive, it's amazing what that does to the romance!

www.TheNetworkMarketingMagazine.com 2 Zig Ziglar is known as America’s Motivator. He is best known for his inspirational messages of hope through his 28 books and numerous audio and video recordings. To be inspired visit his website at http://www.ziglar.com Based on the principles of founder, Zig Ziglar, the Ziglar Way conveys powerful life improvement messages that transcend barriers of age, culture and occupation. Delivered through personal development training and corporate training programs, the Ziglar Way has impacted more than a quarter of a

billion lives.

The Ziglar Way—a philosophy is born The personal and professional development strategies you discover through Ziglar are all built on or related to a basic philosophy. A philosophy developed by Zig Ziglar more than 50 years ago.

A World War II veteran who grew up poor in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Zig worked in a succession of sales companies early in life. As his sales skills grew so did his interest in motivational speaking. During speeches, his messages of hope, encouragement and faith showcased his way of life— forming the Ziglar Way.

How the Ziglar Way makes a difference Taking action, common sense, fairness, commitment and integrity form the basis for this way of life. And when you live by this philosophy you’ll live a balanced life while achieving significance at both work and home.

All Ziglar programs focus on these key items - old and new. That’s why Ziglar programs from the past continually change lives while newly developed personal and corporate training programs at Ziglar remain consistent with this basic philosophy.

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