Good couple friendships don’t happen by accident. Like any relationship, they require nurturing – putting in the thought and effort to keep them strong. In fact, the strongest circles of couple friends tend to show up for each other in a few key ways. Let’s explore. Read More
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
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
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
© Prepare/Enrich
