Your spouse is telling you about their day. There was a big announcement at work that the company is restructuring. You’re listening – mostly. But your phone just dinged with a text from a friend you haven’t heard from in months, and that pot is almost boiling over on the stove. You’re trying to pay attention to what your spouse is saying – they seem a little stressed. But the reality – whether it’s intentional or not – is that you’re only half-listening. Read More
We talk a lot about spending time together and apart. Both are integral to a healthy relationship – it’s all about finding the right balance that meets each of your needs at the particular phase of life you’re in. But have you ever considered being alone…together?
No, we don’t mean feeling lonely while you’re in each other’s presence (that’s a blog post for a different day). We’re talking about sharing a space while doing your own separate things. It sounds pretty basic, right? You might even say it doesn’t seem very conducive to good quality time. After all, sitting on the couch scrolling on your phones for hours is a habit many couples are trying to break these days. So let’s dig deeper into this idea. Read More
It’s inevitable: you and your spouse will face tough times throughout your marriage. Whether it’s just a bad day, a trying couple of weeks, or a challenging season that lasts months or years, there’s no instruction manual to tell you how to get through it in one piece. Plus, every situation – and couple – is different. That’s why we’re sharing three universal principles to guide you through the adversity you’re bound to encounter. Read More
You love your spouse. You just wish they’d be a little more social. Or organized. Or ambitious. If only they did things this way, everything would be so much easier. You really do love your spouse, but are you still trying to change them? Here are 4 signs to watch for: Read More
As newlyweds, you probably have lots of ideas of what your marriage will look like. Maybe you have certain expectations about the way holidays will look or how you’ll run your household. Perhaps you think you know the areas on which you agree and the things you’re still figuring out. The reality is, many newlyweds carry sneaky assumptions with them as they cross the threshold into married life. Often, these assumptions are at odds with reality – and the result is conflict that catches couples off-guard. If you want to avoid the common newlywed arguments, here are 4 assumptions to leave at the door: Read More
Do you tell your doctor everything is great while concealing that weird rash? When you bring your car into the shop, do you say it’s running fine when it’s actually been making some very concerning noises? If the dentist asks if you’re feeling any pain, do you pretend that molar hasn’t been bothering you lately?
Sometimes it’s tempting to gloss over problems or pretend they don’t exist. It feels like the easier option in the moment, but ultimately, you’re only shorting yourself. Neither your doctor nor your auto mechanic or dentist can help you if you paint an inaccurate picture of what’s going on.
Unfortunately, when it comes to premarital counseling, many couples make this very mistake. They present an idealized version of their relationship, wearing a mask to hide perceived flaws or imperfections. Read More
Some of the best marriage advice is pretty ubiquitous – prioritize good communication, address issues instead of avoiding them. Other tips are less obvious, but just as impactful. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite underrated habits that add up to a stronger, more connected relationship. Read More
Summer road trips. Pizza and a movie on Friday nights. Family vacations big and small. Special one-on-one experiences with each kid. Birthdays and holidays that feel magical. If you have children, it’s very likely that one of your main missions in life is creating positive core memories they’ll look back on throughout their lives with a sense of comforting nostalgia. In so many ways, your world revolves around them, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But where does your spouse fit in? Are they hovering somewhere outside this orbit? Read More
We often talk about appreciating the little things – the sound of your kids laughing, your favorite comfort meal, or a hug from your spouse after a long day. What’s harder to notice? The small things we pass by when our sights are set on something bigger. A rainbow is beautiful, but what if there was a pot of gold at the end of it? Would you still take time to appreciate the colorful path leading up to the treasure?
Marriage is a work in progress. Ideally, you and your spouse are continuously working to keep your relationship strong, growing together both as individuals and as a couple. Striving to be your best is admirable, but are you acknowledging the small markers of progress along the way? Let’s explore some examples and why it’s important. Read More
Engagement is often touted as one of the most exciting times of your life. You’re giddy in love with your new fiancé, and you’ve just marked a momentous turning point in your relationship. You know lots of really special moments lie ahead – moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life. In the meantime, you’ve got a wedding to plan.
Little do you know that hiding on the other side of that emotional high is a potential mountain of wedding-related stress. If you’re expecting everything to be breezy and fun, this reality can ruin the whole experience – and strain your relationship, too. We’re not trying to alarm you, but we do want to you to be prepared to face these common sources of stress as you plan your wedding. While we’re at it, we’ll cover some ways to prevent them from ruining your planning experience. Let’s dive in. Read More
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