Is conflict with your spouse putting a damper on your holiday spirit? If you and your spouse are arguing more than usual lately, it’s understandable. There’s something about this season that can stir up issues for even the most harmonious of couples. Here are five common sources of holiday conflict – and how to resolve them. Read More
The holiday season can be a bit of a conundrum for many couples and families. You might envision cozy, relaxing time spent with loved ones, slowing down as the year wraps up and you prepare for the start of a new one. Reality can look quite different, as the holidays can often end up busy, chaotic, and stressful.
Between prepping for (and then attending) all the gatherings, parties, and celebrations, trying to squeeze in all the activities and traditions, while also traveling or hosting family and friends… phew, it’s a lot! On top of that, there is the pressure to make all of these things memorable and meaningful instead of just things to be done.
A strong sense of connection with your spouse and family is the glue that holds everything together. Without it, it can seem like you’re just going through the motions. So how can you cultivate connection amidst the holiday chaos? We’ve got some tips. Read More
Do you ever feel like your marriage is in a funk? It’s sort of the equivalent of when you’re in a bad mood, but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Maybe you’re both crabby and short with each other a lot lately, you feel like you’re speaking different languages, or there’s just a vague tension between you that has you both feeling like you’re walking on eggshells. What’s the deal?
First things first, it’s normal to have ups and downs throughout your marriage. Sometimes things are clicking and you feel connected and at ease with each other. Other times, your relationship can feel like a struggle that requires effort and intention from you both. If you’ve been experiencing an extreme sense of disconnection in your marriage for a long time, it may be wise to seek professional guidance to help you navigate any deeper issues. If this is more the exception than the norm for you, then keep reading. We’ve got some tips to help you break out of the funk faster – and prevent bigger problems from taking root. Read More
“They really balance each other out.”
Do you know any couples like this? Do you feel like this describes you and your spouse? Does it simply mean that you’re opposites? While that might be part of the equation, there is more to it. After all, being vastly different could easily result in endless fighting, never seeing eye to eye on things both big and small. However, this often is not the case. Even if you consider yourselves opposites in many ways, something else is happening that actually makes your relationship stronger and more dynamic. Read More
This time of year we talk a lot about gratitude and thankfulness, which are great concepts to keep top of mind year round. Research has shown that feelings of gratitude alone can have positive effects on a person’s wellbeing. But that doesn’t mean it has to stop there! Have you considered how you might turn simply being grateful into something more? You probably already know the answer.
Giving back, donating, volunteering, pitching in – whatever you want to call it – is not only great at an individual level, it’s also an experience you can share with your partner. Beyond the obvious benefit of doing something good for others or for your community, here are five more reasons to give back together. Read More
Ah, gratitude. It’s a common word these days, especially at this time of year – and for good reason. Gratitude is associated with some pretty powerful effects, such as lower stress, higher resilience, and greater happiness overall. Research has found that these benefits extend to marriage as well, fostering positive feelings and stronger connection between spouses. Who wouldn’t want that?
Of course, actually feeling gratitude within you is a very important part of the equation, as opposed to just going through the motions of expressing it. But let’s be real – sometimes you’re just not feeling it. Have you experienced this disconnect? If so, we’ve got some tips to help you cultivate a mindset of gratitude in your daily life and marriage. Read More
The holidays are a-knocking. Are you and your spouse ready to answer the door? Or are you hiding in the basement with the lights off?
That might sound dramatic, but the reality is, holidays can be a source of conflict for many couples. One of the most common issues revolves around how, where, or with whom they’ll celebrate. Can you relate? Do you have different ideas for how you should spend them? Does it feel like you’re caught in the middle of both of your families? Is it causing conflict between the two of you? If you’re interested in how you can reach a compromise, we’ve got some practical steps for working through it together. Read More
A middle of the night phone call bearing bad news. A family member in crisis. An unexpected hardship. Are you and your spouse prepared to handle a family emergency?
The reality is, no one is really fully prepared when something like this happens. Not only is the event scary and stressful in itself, but it can potentially throw your relationship with your partner and other family members for a loop. With that in mind, we’re sharing some tips and insights to help you better navigate a family emergency together. Read More
You and your spouse will go on a lot of dates throughout the course of your marriage – at least we hope you will! After all, continuing to date each other helps you nurture connection, friendship, and intimacy in your relationship, which can wane over time if you’re not careful.
Depending on the season of your marriage, maintaining a habit of dating will require varying amounts of effort and intention. Sometimes, it’ll be easy. You’ll have plenty of time for dates and few considerations to plan around. Other times, you might feel as if you barely have time to sip a cup of coffee together in the morning.
Luckily, different kinds of dates can meet the changing needs that arise as you navigate various life and relationship phases together. If you’re unsure what we mean, keep reading as we explore six kinds of dates to master throughout your marriage. Read More
What’s something you control that can completely change your perspective, even when you don’t realize it exists? This might sound like some sort of brainteaser riddle, but it’s actually a key to feeling happier and more satisfied in your relationship. The answer? Well, if you guessed expectations, then you’re right!
Yep, our very own expectations have the power to make us feel disappointed or pleasantly surprised, as if we’re failing or succeeding, unfulfilled or content. If you’re curious about why, and how this insight affects your marriage, keep reading. Read More
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