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
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
“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
Are you a truly supportive spouse? What does it mean to be supportive?
Is it validating your spouse’s thoughts and feelings? Is it encouraging them to pursue their dreams and cheering them on along the way? Is it being someone they can lean on, both physically and emotionally? Yes, it’s probably a bit of all these things at some point.
But here’s a bit of a reality check: It often isn’t about the big gestures and loud cheering that everyone else notices. It’s not just doling out uplifting comments and a pat on the back as you roll along doing your own thing. Being a truly supportive spouse can look and feel different than you might expect, and that can be difficult to navigate. If you’re struggling in this role, here are some mindset shifts to make. Read More
What role does accountability play in your marriage? Do you and your spouse hold yourselves and each other accountable? Ideally, the answer is yes. Accountability not only builds trust, it also helps you be the best version of yourself possible – and it does the same for your marriage. Here are four general areas in which your marriage benefits from accountability: Read More
Does it ever feel like you’re the one doing more in your marriage? From household and financial responsibilities, to parenting, to keeping your relationship strong, there are many aspects in which you might feel like you’re carrying more than your share. It begs the question: Should marriage be 50/50? Read More
If you have kids or hope to in the future, you probably envision teaching them certain things, from how to throw a baseball to perfecting your grandmother’s chocolate chip cookie recipe. What you might not realize is that you’ll teach them a lot unintentionally, simply through what they observe in your marriage.
For better or for worse, the dynamics, tendencies, and habits you exhibit in your own marriage will have a big influence on what your children bring into their own someday. Here are some of the things they pick up on. Read More
Does it ever feel like you and your spouse are speaking different languages? Your spouse says something, you interpret it a certain way, and they react to your reply in a way that leaves you baffled. It’s like a childhood game of telephone, but with higher stakes.
Now someone is upset, frustrated, or feeling hurt – where did things go wrong? Here are four habits to drop to understand each other better. Read More
When it comes to connecting with your spouse, you probably think of the intentional, anticipated chunks of time, like an anniversary date or the regularly-scheduled check-ins that keep your marriage rolling along smoothly. These are necessary and well worth the planning and effort. And while it can feel like these are the only real opportunities you have to truly connect, you might be surprised to find that there are other chances tucked throughout your day. It’s all about recognizing and making the most of them. Here are five often overlooked examples: Read More
Does clutter drive you nuts or do you not really notice it? A few knick-knacks here, some dirty dishes there, kids’ toys everywhere. If being surrounded by clutter makes you feel a little mentally frazzled, you might not be imagining it. In fact, research has found that excessive clutter can have a negative effect on your ability to focus and process information, as well as on your self-esteem and mood.
Now consider this: Can your marriage have clutter? And if so, what effect might it have on your relationship? Read More
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