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Ann Malmberg

Cheerful couple walking together across a bridge

4 Reasons You’re Misunderstanding Each Other

By Relationship Basics13 Comments

“Why would you say that?”
“That’s not what I meant. I never said that!”
“Well, that’s what it sounded like to me!”

Have you ever found yourself in a similar argument with your spouse? You were trying to communicate with each other – great! But somewhere along the way, wires got crossed. Now someone is mad, frustrated, or got their feelings hurt – not great. Where did things go wrong? Let’s explore a few reasons why you’re misunderstanding each other – and how to cut through the noise. Read More

January 26, 2022
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Couple hugging and laughing

How To Talk About Your Relationship (Without Feeling Awkward)

By Relationship Basics2 Comments

If you’ve read a few of our blog posts, you’ve probably noticed that we often encourage couples to talk to each other about their relationship. Feeling dissatisfied? Talk about it. Dealing with an unresolved conflict? Talk about it. Want to be a better spouse? Talk about it. And it’s true – honest, consistent communication about what’s working (or needs work) in your relationship is vital to staving off complacency and strengthening your connection. But sometimes, it just doesn’t come naturally. Read More

January 19, 2022
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Cheerful couple jogging outside

4 Healthy Habits to Commit to Together

By Connection, Relationship Dynamics8 Comments

Whether you’re into making New Year’s resolutions or not, one thing we can agree on is that creating healthy habits, no matter what time of year, is a worthwhile endeavor. And what’s even better than establishing healthy habits on your own? Committing to them with your spouse. You’re not only able to hold each other accountable, you’re also able to encourage and motivate each other to stick with it. This makes the a perfect combination for long-term success! Here are four healthy habits to commit to together: Read More

January 12, 2022
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Couple holding hands, looking at each other walking down snowy street

What We Learn From Looking Back

By Resilience3 Comments

They say you shouldn’t live in the past, and that’s probably true. But learning from the past – that’s a different story. In fact, taking time to reflect on the year gone by – whether it’s a calendar year or another year of marriage – is a great way to learn more about yourself, your partner, and your relationship. So cozy up together and talk through some of these questions, maybe even grab a piece of paper to jot down some notes. Consider them from both an individual and couple perspective. We’ll provide some context for what we can learn and how they can help you gain valuable insight. Read More

January 5, 2022
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Couple warming hands by the fire in front of cabin surrounded by snow

5 Meaningful “Now & Later” Gift Ideas

By Connection, Quality Time4 Comments

What makes a gift meaningful? Honestly, it probably depends on the person. It could be expensive or free, functional or frivolous, as long as it’s given with intention and thoughtfulness – and makes the recipient feel known, loved, and/or holds sentimental value.

There’s no shortage of meaningful gift ideas out there; you’ve probably given and received some yourself. So we decided to put a spin on it with these two-part gift ideas for your partner. Each one has a component to enjoy right now and another to be saved for later or carried into the future. Let’s get started: Read More

December 22, 2021
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couple cuddling on their bed

3 Ordinary Situations That Catch Your Relationship Off Guard

By Conflict, Resilience7 Comments

Some say that life is made up of all of the ordinary moments and ho-hum days, the run-of-the-mill, mundane stuff that comprises our day to day. The peaks and valleys tend to get a lot of attention, but the majority of time is spent in the middle. It makes sense then, that these are the times that most often test your relationship in small ways, and usually when you least expect it. Here are three ordinary situations that can catch your relationship off guard: Read More

December 15, 2021
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couple sitting on top of car hood laughing together

3 Habits That Are Stealing Your Memorable Moments (& How to Reclaim Them)

By Quality Time7 Comments

Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays – our lives are sprinkled with special moments of celebration, joy, sentimentality, and love that we want to remember years down the road. The ironic thing is, it seems like the more we try to make them a picture-perfect memory, the less present we actually are in the moment. Have you experienced this? It’s understandable – we want to remember the details of a special vacation with our spouse, a first holiday as a family, or a dreamy anniversary date. But there are some sneaky habits that can steal away our memorable moments. Here’s what to look out for – and how to reclaim those moments. Read More

December 8, 2021
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Couple walking into sunset, arms around shoulders, kiss on forehead

5 Times Patience Pays Off In Marriage

By Relationship Dynamics4 Comments

Patience is one of those things that tends to fly under the radar. Its presence can be overlooked or taken for granted, but if you’re on the receiving end of impatience, you’ll probably feel it. The truth is, whether you’re consciously putting effort into exercising patience or it comes naturally to you, it’s important. It’s not only an extension of empathy and respect, but a way to convey unconditional acceptance and commitment. Here are five times patience pays off. Read More

December 1, 2021
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woman hugging man and kissing him on the cheek in front of green cacti

You Can Be Both Grateful And…

By Resilience8 Comments

I should be grateful.

Have you ever found yourself thinking these words on the heels of experiencing some negative emotions? Maybe you’re angry with your spouse or going through a tough time in general. You attempt to change your perspective and pull yourself out of your funk by focusing on gratitude instead. It’s a noble cause. After all, we talk about the positive effects of gratitude on this very blog.

The issue arises when we use an obligation to be grateful as a way to tamp down or invalidate other legitimate feelings. Here’s the deal: gratitude is not cancelled out by other emotions. You can be both grateful – and other things, too. Read More

November 24, 2021
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Smiling woman jumping into man's arms in brightly lit doorway

How Gratitude Helps Fend Off Fights

By Conflict, Connection10 Comments

When you think of the way you express and experience gratitude in your relationship, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s kind words, heartfelt gestures, or a loving smile or touch. These are momentary expressions of the sentiment, but the fact is, the influence of a grateful mindset has a way of echoing throughout your entire relationship in a positive way that promotes a sense of harmony. We’re not saying it will prevent you from ever fighting again (conflict can be healthy, after all) but it can help you avoid the unnecessary ones that do more damage than good. Not sure what we mean? Keep reading. Read More

November 17, 2021
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