Do you have your wedding anniversary celebration down to a science? While it’s obviously great that you’re consistently giving your marriage the recognition it deserves, you might welcome some ways to add some novelty and fun to your next anniversary. Whether you are celebrating 5 years or 50, it’s never too late to try something new. Read More
“What should we have for dinner tonight?”
It’s an innocent question, yet it’s one that couples everywhere can probably relate to dreading at some point. Your spouse poses the question and your immediate feeling is UGH. Maybe you get disproportionately annoyed and take it out on them. Or perhaps it feels like just another thing piled on your already full plate (no pun intended). What is so triggering about it? Is it really about figuring out dinner? More often than not, it’s tied to a broader issue. Read More
A great sense of humor often ranks near the top of the list of desirable traits in a potential spouse. And for good reason – who doesn’t want to be married to someone who will keep you in stitches throughout your marriage? Not only that, but humor can help you maintain a positive perspective during challenging situations or seasons of life, making your relationship more resilient. In other words, your marriage will be better equipped to handle the unpredictability that life throws your way.
And that’s not all! Leaning into laughter can also create a more peaceful dynamic in your marriage. Here’s how humor leads to harmony: Read More
When it comes to conflict in your marriage, it can sometimes feel like you’re the only couple who regularly deals with certain issues. It might seem like other couples have a much easier time resolving conflict or that it shouldn’t be so hard for you and your spouse. That can feel pretty isolating. But we’re going to let you in on a secret: most couples, even those that are skilled in conflict resolution, deal with a common set of conflict-related problems in their marriage.
That’s right. Prepare/Enrich data has pinpointed five of the most common conflict issues reported by a majority of couples. Here’s what they are: Read More
Are happy couples just built different? Are they more compatible or agreeable and have a happier marriage as a result? Or are they doing something differently? It turns out it can be a combination of both. While this might seem like a cop-out answer, it’s actually good news. It means that while some couples might have a certain level of “meant to be” going for them, you have the power to improve your marriage if it’s not where you’d like it to be. It means that you’re not simply doomed to unhappiness if you and your spouse are facing some challenges or going through a tough season.
So what are these characteristics that set happy couples apart from unhappy couples? Here’s where we can actually provide some specific answers. Over the last 40+ years, Prepare/Enrich has gathered mountains of data on this very topic and found that these are the five keys to a happy marriage: Read More
Engagement is often touted as one of the most exciting times of your life. Sure, the actual act of getting engaged might live up to the hype. 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 not careful, it can ruin the whole experience – and strain your relationship, too. We’re not trying to scare you, but we do want to help you be prepared to face these common sources of stress as you plan your wedding. Let’s dive in. Read More
You wait for the bus. You wait for a package to be delivered. You wait for the toast to pop up. It makes sense to wait for some things, and in certain situations, waiting for the “right time” is important. But adopting this mindset across every aspect of your life can paralyze personal growth and prevent you from reaching and enjoying your full potential. If you want to make the most of your marriage, then stop waiting for these things: Read More
You know you love your spouse… but have you have ever found yourself wondering if you actually like them? Maybe it was just a fleeting thought, when they did that thing that annoys you again. Or maybe it lasted longer, during a rough patch in your marriage where you couldn’t seem to get in sync. Or perhaps you’re confused by the question: Isn’t loving and liking your spouse one and the same? Surprisingly, it’s not.
It might seem contradictory, but loving and liking someone are actually two different emotions. Think of love as a reflection of how you feel internally about someone, while liking them is more of an appreciation for who they are. Ideally, these two emotions are aligned. But marriage can be complicated, and sometimes they’re not. You might feel like you’re constantly critical, annoyed, or negative with each other, or even dislike spending time together – even though you know you love each other dearly. So what gives? Are there things you can do to get back to liking your spouse as much as you love them? Keep reading. Read More
We’ve all been there. You have fight with your spouse. Maybe the actual fight itself didn’t last longer than ten minutes, but the aftermath drags on for days. Days of cold interactions, stewing, and silence. How long can it go on? How long should it go on?
While a “cooling off” period after an argument can be necessary and helpful, letting disconnection linger on for days without working toward repair can be more damaging to your relationship than it’s worth. Do you feel like your fights last longer than they should? Let’s explore a few reasons why this might be true and how you can start to resolve things sooner. Read More
Whether you participate in “spring cleaning” or prefer a monthly or year-round approach, there’s something to be said for the satisfaction that comes with clearing away the dust and clutter that builds up over time. While it’s not the most romantic way to visualize it, marriage can have it’s own grimy corners that might benefit from regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are five ways to clean up your marriage this spring. Read More
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