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A woman has vowed to be submissive in her wedding vows to her husband during their wedding ceremony. The woman, whose video was posted to Twitter, stated that she would submit to her husband during their marriage as she kneeled in front of him. A bridesmaid held the microphone as she made this promise, stating that she would follow her husband and build the home as a submissive wife. She referenced their faith in God and said that their marriage went beyond love and was part of a covenant made before God.

While cheers, applause, and whistles can be heard from the crowd, others on social media do not agree with the bride's vows, kneeling, or promises to be submissive. Many felt that the kneeling was excessive and that the couple should be seen as equal partners in their relationship. 

Proverbs 31 Wife

Supporters of the bride's vows to be submissive feel that they reflect the Biblical idea of how a wife should act. These supporters mainly reference Proverbs 31, which describes characteristics such as nobility, eagerness to work, generosity, selflessness, and prioritizing the needs of others.

They also cite the New Testament, where wives are told to submit to their husbands, and husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church.

What Does It Mean To Be Submissive?

People may have different interpretations of what the term "submissive" means. For a person who wants to be submissive to their partner, it typically means they want their significant other to be in charge. How extensive this can be will vary on a case-by-case basis.

For example, some individuals may want to be submissive only in the bedroom, while others want their partner to make all major life decisions for them. Examples of this include:

  • Asking for permission to make big purchases
  • Seeking your partner's approval before making changes to the home's decor or style
  • Letting your partner decide what foods you eat
  • Giving your partner control over how the kids should be raised

Consent Is Key 

As long as both partners willingly and comfortably participate in this type of relationship, it can be healthy and fulfilling. However, many marriage experts agree that a relationship like this is not sustainable long term. Not only will the submissive partner likely start to suffer from low self-esteem and depression, but they may also begin to harbor bitter feelings toward their partner. For this reason, if either participant is uninterested in taking a submissive position or feels uncomfortable with their role in the relationship, they must speak up. Again, it will only be a healthy relationship if it is fulfilling for both parties. 

If a submissive person changes their mind or someone doesn't want to be submissive in the first place, then it is imperative that their partner respect and support their decision. Otherwise, the relationship can cross the line into abusive territory. The most critical aspect of these relationships is having consent from everyone involved.

Signs of an Unhealthy Submissive Relationship

A dominant partner can sometimes become too controlling toward their spouse, causing fear and anxiety. Because there can be a fine line between acceptable dominant behavior and abuse, it's important to know the signs of an unhealthy submissive relationship. A submissive person who frequently appears timid, displays body language indicating discomfort, or seems insecure is likely not in a healthy relationship.

For now, the husband and wife featured on Twitter are on the same page about her submission to him. However, only time will tell whether this will work long-term or if the relationship will have to shift from a submissive relationship to a partnership.

Category: Marriage

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