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Ann Malmberg

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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3 Mindset Shifts of a Supportive Spouse

3 Mindset Shifts of a Supportive Spouse

By Resilience4 Comments

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

April 15, 2026
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4 Big Things Kids Observe in Your Marriage

4 Big Things Kids Observe in Your Marriage

By Parenting2 Comments

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

March 25, 2026
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