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Ann Malmberg

Premarital Counseling - Why Mindset Matters

Premarital Counseling: Why Mindset Matters

By Premarital4 Comments

You wake to the buzz of your alarm clock. You stub your toe trying to peek out the window, where you find rain pouring from a dark, gloomy sky. You’ve got a long to-do list for the day. Do you shift into grump-mode, already deciding the day is going to go poorly before it’s even begun? Or do you feel thankful for a break in the dry spell and ready to have a productive day despite the weather? You may not realize it, but your mindset truly does matter. And the same idea applies to premarital counseling.

Going into counseling with your head and heart tuned to the right frequency can be the difference between wasting your time on another pre-wedding task – and having a meaningful experience that sticks with you. Read More

June 24, 2026
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Anniversary Gifts with Staying Power

Anniversary Gifts with Staying Power

By Connection, Quality TimeOne Comment

When it comes to anniversary gifts for your spouse, where are you at? Do you feel energized and inspired to pick out the perfect gift? Or does it feel like yet another occasion to acquire more “stuff” that will end up in next year’s donate pile? Maybe you keep it minimal with a card and flowers (which also just end up in the trash). Maybe for this very reason you’ve decided not to do gifts at all – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Your wedding anniversary is a milestone to cherish and celebrate, but when it comes to the gift aspect, we’d agree – we can do better! Instead of gifts that seem generic, disposable or expensive with short shelf lives, what if you opted for ideas with a much longer payoff? If you’re wondering what we mean, here are 4 types of anniversary gifts with staying power. Read More

June 17, 2026
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4 Times Humor Saves the Day

4 Times Humor Saves the Day

By ResilienceOne Comment

They say laughter is the best medicine, and while it can’t solve all of your issues, it does have a way of creating a more harmonious dynamic within your marriage. Sure, laughing with your spouse and sharing a sense of humor is fun in its own right, but the ability to lean into humor at specific times can be the difference between conflict and connection. In fact, here are 4 times humor saves the day. Read More

June 10, 2026
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Making a Game Plan for Family Events

Family Events: 3 Assumptions to Avoid

By Family & FriendsNo Comments

Family reunions, weddings, graduation parties, 4th of July get togethers – how many family events do you and your spouse have on the calendar this summer?

For many couples, these types of events are a normal part of their life together. They can be a source of enjoyment, time you cherish and something you both look forward to. And they can be stressful and challenging, too. While you can’t predict everything that’s going to happen, you can set yourselves up to have a more positive experience. One way to do that is to steer clear of making certain assumptions. Here’s what to avoid: Read More

June 3, 2026
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Do You Need Shared Hobbies for a Strong Marriage

Do You Need Shared Hobbies for a Strong Marriage?

By Connection, Quality TimeOne Comment

“What things do you like to do together?”

“Oh, we like hiking, volunteering at our church, watching basketball, cooking…” Some couples have a whole slew of hobbies they enjoy together. Other couples have a harder time answering this question. If you fall into this group, you might wonder, “Is there something wrong with our relationship?”

While having shared interests is a great way to strengthen your bond and nurture your friendship throughout your marriage, maintaining separate interests and your individual sense of identity can be good for your relationship, too. The key is seeking a sense of balance and being intentional about staying connected in other ways. Looking for tips to do that? Keep reading. Read More

May 27, 2026
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Solution or Support - How to Stop Guessing

Solution or Support? How to Stop Guessing

By Relationship Basics, Resilience3 Comments

When your spouse is struggling, they probably come to you, and vice versa. Having someone to go with your worries, problems, and emotions is one of the big perks of being married. The tricky part is knowing exactly what your spouse is looking for in the moment. Are they looking for moral support or emotional validation? Or are they looking for your perspective or a practical solution? If you’ve ever given the wrong thing at the wrong time, then you know it doesn’t feel great for either of you. What can you do to avoid this? Here are three simple steps to remember. Read More

May 20, 2026
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Why It's Important to Walk the Walk

Why It’s Important to Walk the Walk

By Relationship Basics2 Comments

Do you follow through?

It could be something as simple as calling when you said you would or completing a task you started. Or perhaps it’s something bigger, such as working on your communication skills or spending less money to reach a financial goal. Whatever the specifics, walking the walk – following through on the things you initiate – has a big impact on your marriage. Here’s why: Read More

May 13, 2026
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Do You Still Know Your Spouse?

Do You Still Know Your Spouse?

By Connection2 Comments

Do you and your spouse need to get reacquainted?

You might think this is a silly question. You’re married, after all. Unless one of you comes down with a case of amnesia, why would you need to get reacquainted?

Perhaps the real question is: are you the same person you were when you first met? Do you have the same preferences, interests, and aspirations? How about your spouse? Chances are, you’ve both changed and evolved over time. Have you kept up with these changes in each other? Read More

May 6, 2026
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Annoyance - Your problem or mine?

Annoyance: Your Problem or Mine?

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

Everyone gets annoyed with their spouse from time to time. It’s a normal part of marriage, and any close relationship, really. Typically, the annoyance is minor, a blip here or there that usually doesn’t last too long. But every so often, the irritation strikes a bit deeper or lasts a bit longer. The result is a fight, an interaction you regret, distance, disconnection, or resentment. Needless to say, it’s not something you want to become a regular dynamic in your marriage. So what do you do? Is it up to your spouse to stop annoying you? Not quite. Let’s explore. Read More

April 29, 2026
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4 Areas of Good Tension in Marriage

4 Areas of Good Tension in Marriage

By Relationship Dynamics4 Comments

“Tension” often has a negative connotation. Whether it’s cringing your way through an awkward moment, walking on eggshells around unresolved conflict, or trying to hold it together in the midst of a high-stress or crisis situation, most people don’t want to be in a state of tension for too long.

But here’s the thing – there’s good tension, too. Read More

April 22, 2026
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