humiliation in a king's presence ....

Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence,
and do not claim a place among great men;
it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
~Proverbs 25:6

Put this verse in the context of relationships. Have you found yourself in a 'friendship' where you cannot go to with ease and acceptance? Do you find yourself fearing the outcome of trying too hard to keep a relationship going? Do you find yourself avoiding the hurt you feel inflicted upon you by a friend? Do you find that you cannot rectify or seek forgiveness so that you can do better?

Relationships should not ever be in the king and mere commoner mode or it isn't a real connection. There is a placement in the presence of the king and it is NOT near the ear!

When seeking a friendship, pay close attention to your placement. Are you allowed into their inner sanctum? Even here be very aware. You may get close their dreams and passions but watch and see if there is something he won't share or if there are 'rooms' he won't let you enter. It is wise and test him on this. (1 Thess 5:21) Hold to what is good and good riddance to what is fishy! This is valuable knowledge to protect your own deep waters. (Prov 4:23)

May this be STRONG counsel in accepting marriage! Don't ever think it will change. You want another mere commoner who is your condiment and team player in your 'bed' than to be bedded in the finest kingly robes of fear of a king's whims. You being at a king's mercy is unstable because with fear comes loathing...