People are doing pretty well these days to say that they don't argue (much) and remain faithful to each other. But how well is pretty well? Comparing themselves to other couples, they may seem to be doing great. Comparing makes for a relative standard, though; it doesn't guarantee any kind of quality.
This is what eating the crumbs looks like: Being relatively happy, avoiding noticeable problems, and sometimes laughing together. Not doing even as well as that might be compared to slowly starving to death.
Can we imagine something better? Can we picture the whole banquet laid out on the table? Picturing something more than crumbs may be the first step.
What is the banquet like?
In relationship, it includes adoration. It includes acceptance of the husband as he is, but also a cherishing of him as a real person and a protecting, adoring partner in this world. It includes a feeling of being soul mates or two people who were meant for each other. It allows each person to feel as if they have a sacred role to play in the relationship; as if no one else could do or would ever be allowed to do what each does for the other. It has a feeling of eternity about it.
Sometimes these things can only be known by glimpses. It is hard to find role models of this type of relationship, but it can often be recognized when it is seen. We may all have at least one relationship in mind that appears to be more inspired, more devoted than other marriages.
It is also hard to find examples of this type of relationship in media. Movies and TV shows are more often characterized by disrespectful interactions than respectful ones. (In the comments section, please leave any examples that you can think of that show such a relationship.)
Mrs. Andelin pointed to Emma and Scarecrow and Mrs. King as examples, among others. The overarching message of Fascinating Womanhood, however, is that it must be lived. Each day it must be lived in all aspects or the banquet will not appear.
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