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Ann Malmberg

couple holding hands on bed

Navigating a Family Emergency Together

By Resilience3 Comments

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

November 2, 2022
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Young couple having picnic on sandy beach

6 Dates to Master Throughout Marriage

By Connection, Quality Time3 Comments

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

October 26, 2022
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Couple Walking in Shallow Water and Smiling expectations

The Lowdown on Expectations

By Relationship Dynamics3 Comments

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

October 19, 2022
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Couple holding hands in love

3 Hurdles to Asking for Help (& How to Reframe Them)

By Relationship Dynamics4 Comments

An extra set of hands around the house. Physical assistance during recovery from an illness or injury. Emotional support when feeling overwhelmed or dealing with grief. Financial assistance during tough times. Everyone needs help now and then, but it’s not always easy to ask for it. Do you struggle with this? Within your marriage, do you and your spouse ask each other for help?

If this is an area you could use some help with (no pun intended), then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we explore some of the reasons it can be difficult asking each other for help – and how to reframe those hurdles to benefit your relationship and help you grow. Read More

October 12, 2022
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Couple with arms around each other on skateboard

5 Secrets to Rockstar Communication

By Relationship BasicsNo Comments

We could say a lot about the importance of good communication in relationships. And actually, on this blog, we have! You’ll find a lot about the basics of assertiveness and active listening and the importance of communication overall. You’ll also find insights on some of the things that prevent us from communicating well and can even cause conflict as a result. If it seems like a lot to remember while also trying to apply in real life, you’re right. So we’ve distilled our tips down to the most essential – and effective – secrets to rockstar communication. Read More

October 5, 2022
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Man and Woman Sitting on Green Sofa discussing money

3 Conversations to Have When You Clash Over Money

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

Congrats! You just got a huge bonus at work. You’re already envisioning how you’ll spend it – replacing that ratty old couch with new furniture for the family room. You’ve been working hard and waiting for a little windfall to spend on something nice that you can both enjoy. You can hardly wait to tell your spouse.

What?! Your spouse just told you they got a big bonus at work – that’s great! But they’re already planning on spending it all – which you can’t really fathom. Logically, you know you could spend the money and be fine financially. But deep down, you feel like you just have to sock at least some of it away.

If you can relate to this situation, then you probably know what it’s like to have conflict with your spouse over money. You probably also know there’s no easy solution. That’s because money issues run deeper than being a spender or a saver. So how do you start getting to root of your differences? Here are three conversations to have when you clash over money. Read More

September 28, 2022
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Couple relaxing on the beach

4 Tips for a Fight-Free Vacation

By Conflict, Quality Time4 Comments

This is it. You’re finally doing it. You’re going on vacation, just you and your spouse. You can’t even remember the last time, it’s been so long. Will it be everything you dreamed of? Or will you get into a fight on the way to the airport, setting the tone for the rest of the trip?

If you’re like a lot of couples, taking a vacation just the two of you is a rare treat. So when it happens, the last thing you want is for this cherished time to be spoiled by unnecessary conflict. With that in mind, here are some tips for ensuring you and your spouse have the best time possible on your next getaway. Read More

September 21, 2022
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A Couple Sitting on Chairs Holding Hands over the Table

4 Things That Happen When You Truly Listen

By Relationship Basics4 Comments

Shhh. Listen. No, really listen. Do you hear it? That’s the sound of some amazing things happening in your relationship.

As you probably know, being a good listener and continuing to work on that skill throughout your marriage is one of the basic tenets of great communication. But its positive effects have a way of rippling out into other areas of your relationship as well. Here are some of the things that happen when you truly listen to each other. Read More

September 14, 2022
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Couple laughing together on a date

4 Reasons to Keep Laughing Together

By Connection, Resilience2 Comments

When it comes to the most-wanted qualities in a partner, a good sense of humor often falls somewhere near the top of the list. It makes sense. When you’re just getting to know someone, it’s an attractive quality. It helps you feel at ease and makes the person seem charming and fun. When you share a sense of humor, it gives you a sense of chemistry and connection.

Once you’re married, humor takes on a different role. Although you’re no longer trying to impress each other in hopes of another date, it provides even more important benefits to your relationship. Here are four reasons to keep laughing together. Read More

September 7, 2022
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A Couple Standing in the Farm Field

3 Secrets to Being Better Teammates

By Relationship Basics9 Comments

We say it often: remember that you and your spouse are on the same team. The advice seems straightforward enough, but let’s be honest – it’s not always easy to follow through. You don’t always feel like teammates. If you’re not aligned on what you’re hoping to achieve, it can seem like you’re actually working against each other. Sometimes it might even feel like you have to take things on alone. Fortunately, there are ways you set yourselves up to be better teammates to each other. Here are three secrets to make this happen: Read More

August 31, 2022
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