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Ann Malmberg

5 Things to Decide Heading into the Holiday Season

5 Things to Decide Heading Into the Holiday Season

By Quality Time4 Comments

November is here, and that means the holiday season is suddenly upon us. Soon you’ll be confirming travel plans, RSVPing to festivities, and tackling gift lists. It can all feel like a whirlwind, with little control over how your holidays actually play out. Decisions are made at the last-minute or by defaulting to what’s always been done. If you and your spouse want to be more intentional about what your holidays look like this year, then now is the time to sit down for an informal planning meeting. So grab a notebook, get cozy, and discuss these five topics together. Read More

November 4, 2026
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7 Times to State The Obvious in Your Marriage

7 Times to State the Obvious in Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics2 Comments

You know if you’re tired and burnt out from a long week. You know today is a big day at work. You know exactly what would help you feel better. You know all these things, so your spouse should too, right?

Not necessarily. Often things feel obvious to us because we’re living inside our own heads. Meanwhile, your spouse is living in theirs – with a full plate of their own thoughts, worries, and to-do’s. You can’t see theirs, and guess what? They can’t see yours either. When you expect them to just know, you set up a guessing game that’s hard for either of you to win.

The solution? Actually saying the “obvious” thing out loud. It can feel unnecessary, or even like you’re somehow falling short in your marriage. The truth is, it’s actually helping you avoid a lot of unnecessary frustration and conflict in your marriage. Here are 7 times it’s worth stating the obvious. Read More

October 28, 2026
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The Invisible Roles of Marriage

The Invisible Roles in Marriage

By Relationship Dynamics3 Comments

When it comes to roles in marriage, our minds tend to drift to the practical side of things, like who’s in charge of paying the bills, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, cooking the meals, and all the other responsibilities that go into keeping your household running smoothly. But there’s a more abstract side to this as well.

Amidst all the day-to-day tasks, there’s a good chance you’ve taken on some roles that are more social or emotional in nature. These roles are unique in that they’re constantly running in the background – they can’t be checked off a to-do list and marked complete. The result? These roles are often invisible – you may not even realize you’re fulfilling them, even though they require ongoing mental and emotional energy. Let’s explore some examples and what to look out for with each one. Read More

October 21, 2026
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Why Getting Called Out Is a Good Thing

Why Getting Called Out is a Good Thing

By Conflict, Relationship BasicsNo Comments

No one likes getting called out. Whether it’s your spouse pointing out that you’ve interrupted them three times in one conversation, or noting that your “quick errand” turned into a two-hour disappearance, it can sting – even if it’s true and delivered in a kind way.

At first glance, it might seem like one of you is dropping the ball, one of you is being critical, or both. But here’s the thing: a marriage in which both partners are comfortable calling each other out and willing to hear it, is a healthier marriage than one where no one ever does. This might seem counterintuitive, so let’s dive in. Read More

October 14, 2026
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Morning Marriage Habits That Set the Tone

Morning Marriage Habits That Set The Tone

By Connection4 Comments

Oh no, you slept through your alarm! You leap out of bed and have ten minutes to get yourself out the door. You glance outside – it’s pouring. Traffic will be worse than usual, and that means there’s no time to grab a bagel for the road or even find your umbrella. You’re hungry, frazzled, and now soaked – this is not a great start to the day.

Sometimes, the way you start your day can lay the groundwork for the rest of it – for better or for worse. And when you think about it, this applies to your marriage, too. If you want to set a positive tone between you and your spouse as you each go about your day, here are 4 habits to adopt. Read More

October 7, 2026
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Money and Marriage - Getting on the Same Page

Money & Marriage: Getting on the Same Page

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

Money has a way of bringing up issues in a marriage that have nothing to do with dollars and cents – ingrained family dynamics, differing values, and unspoken expectations. It’s one of the most common sources of tension between couples, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few key principles to help you and your spouse better understand how money affects your marriage and get on the same page. Read More

September 30, 2026
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5 Tips to Avoid Stress Spillover

5 Tips to Avoid Stress Spillover

By ResilienceNo Comments

There’s a crisis within your extended family. It has you feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and you snap at your spouse out of nowhere. A close friend is going through a rough time. Supporting them has left you emotionally spent, and you have nothing left in the tank for your marriage. Impending layoffs at work make every day feel tense and uncertain; when you come home it’s hard to be fully present.

Stress often originates from external sources and situations. You might think you can compartmentalize it, but the reality is it often spills over into your marriage. While it’s impossible to avoid these curveballs life throws at you, there are ways you can minimize the negative affects on your relationship. Here are 5 tips to help you do that: Read More

September 16, 2026
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The Same Old Fight

The Same Old Fight

By Conflict3 Comments

Do you and your spouse keep having the same fight?

We’ve heard the story consistently over the years. An area that stood out as a growth area in couples’ Prepare/Enrich assessment results is still a hot spot five, ten, and even 20 years later. An issue that you argued about before you were married still strikes a nerve for both of you now. It can be frustrating, maybe even discouraging. You might think, “Shouldn’t we have resolved this by now?” Not necessarily. The truth is, it’s not uncommon for couples to continue to fight about the same thing throughout their entire marriage. Will it be something that strains your relationship more and more over time? Or can it actually bring you closer? It all depends on how you learn to navigate it. Read More

September 9, 2026
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How Half Listening Undermines Your Marriage

How Half-Listening Undermines Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics3 Comments

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

September 2, 2026
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