Skip to main content
All Posts By

Ann Malmberg

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
Love0
Morning Marriage Habits That Set the Tone

Morning Marriage Habits That Set The Tone

By Connection3 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
Love0
Money and Marriage - Getting on the Same Page

Money & Marriage: Getting on the Same Page

By Conflict, Relationship DynamicsOne Comment

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
Love0
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
Love0
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
Love0
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
Love0
The Upside of Being Alone Together

The Upside of Being Alone Together

By Connection, Quality Time2 Comments

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

August 26, 2026
Love0
3 Guiding Principles For Tough Times in Marriage

3 Guiding Principles for Tough Times in Marriage

By Resilience2 Comments

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

August 19, 2026
Love0
Close Menu