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Ann Malmberg

5 Ways You Fight For Your Marriage

5 Ways You Fight for Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics3 Comments

A heroic duel to defend your true love… An epic battle to prove you’re meant to be together, against all odds… These scenarios might sound like the ultimate way to fight for each other, but we typically don’t see too many sword fights in honor of love these days. So is it even necessary to fight for each other on any given day? We have to admit, it does sound a bit dramatic. But the truth is, fighting for your marriage means caring enough – and doing what it takes – to make it last a lifetime. And with that in mind, there are ways to fight for your marriage every day – they just don’t look how you’d expect. Here are a few: Read More

5 Marriage Moments That Humble You

5 Marriage Moments That Humble You

By Resilience2 Comments

You’ve got this whole marriage thing down. You feel close and connected to your spouse, you communicate well, and handle minor conflicts in healthy, productive ways. Who says the honeymoon has to end?

But out of nowhere, something happens that knocks you down several pegs. You wonder if you really have it all figured out after all. Your confidence is shaken, and you feel vulnerable. The reality is, everyone experiences this from time to time. Let’s explore a few common marriage moments that humble you, and why it’s actually a good thing. Read More

Create a More Meaningful Valentine's Day

Create a More Meaningful Valentine’s Day

By ConnectionNo Comments

If Valentine’s Day gives you a vague sense of dread, you’re not alone. For many couples, it feels like a contrived “holiday” in which there’s extra pressure to show love through grand gestures, expensive gifts, and over-the-top dates. All of this can make even heartfelt expressions of feel inauthentic or forced. You might wonder, “Are they doing this because they want to… or just because it’s Valentine’s Day?”

The truth is, it can be both. And if you’re someone who loves celebrating love and looks forward to February 14th every year, that’s great! There is nothing wrong with that by any means. However, if you find yourself feeling jaded, we’re here to offer some tips for creating a more meaningful Valentine’s Day experience. Read More

Embrace the Season You're In

Embracing The Season You’re In

By Resilience8 Comments

You’ve probably heard the slogan, “Love the skin you’re in.” It’s a positive mantra that encourages you to love and embrace yourself as you are – there’s no need to try to change yourself or strive for some unattainable ideal.
When it comes to where you’re at in life, does the same sentiment apply? Interestingly, it seems more acceptable to strive to be in a different place – achieving more, getting further ahead, taking the next step, or working toward an easier phase. The problem with this mindset is that you’re never really appreciating what’s in front of you here and now, and that’s why it’s important to embrace the season you’re in. Get started with these tips: Read More

Me Time or We Time

Me Time or We Time: Squeeze More Into Each Day

By Quality Time2 Comments

How much time should you and your spouse spend together? How much time should you spend separately, doing your own thing? Like so many things in life, it’s all about balance. There’s no perfect equation, and every couple is unique. The sense of balance you find during one season of life may also look a lot different during another – that’s normal!

So what happens when you know you’re out of balance? Recognizing you need more “me” or “we” time is one thing, but how do you make the necessary adjustments, in a practical sense? We can’t help you add more hours to the day, but we can share some practical tips to help you fit just a bit more “me or we” time into each day. Read More

Parenting Struggles You Can't Prefer For

Parenting Struggles You Can’t Prepare For

By Parenting6 Comments

When you’re soon-to-be new parents, people can’t wait to tell you all about what to expect. Get as much sleep as you can now! They grow up so fast. The days are long, but the years are short. Just wait until they’re toddlers! Kids are so much work, but they bring so much joy!

If you’re like most people, you probably try to balance realistic expectations with your own rose-tinted ones, tucking away select pieces of advice and letting others go in one ear and out the other. You research and purchase baby gear, prep freezer meals for when you’re busy with a newborn, and maybe even take a parenting class.

There’s a lot you can do to prepare for parenthood, but some things you simply can’t anticipate. Let’s explore 4 common parenting struggles that you often can’t prepare for. Read More

4 Areas to Take Initiative in Your Marriage

4 Areas to Take Initiative in Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics2 Comments

When you see a problem, do you take the initiative to fix it?

It’s typically pretty easy to point out issues: an ineffective process at work, a constantly messy room in your house, or a higher than usual electric bill. It’s more difficult to actually take action to solve (or improve) the situation at hand. This also applies to your marriage.

Are there aspects of your relationship you know could be better? Instead of waiting for your spouse to take the lead or hoping things magically improve on their own, it’s time to be proactive. Here are areas to take initiative in your marriage this year. Read More

4 Reasons to Set Goals Together

4 Reasons to Set Goals Together

By Relationship Basics, Resilience2 Comments

Do you set personal goals at the start of a new year? You might have your own unique motivations, but there’s a reason it’s a common time for people start a journey towards some kind of self-improvement. January is both a literal and metaphorical fresh start, making it a perfect time to set off with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Setting goals offers many universal benefits, and when you do it with your spouse – even more positive effects are unlocked. Curious what they are? Keep reading. Read More

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025

Our Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025

By UncategorizedNo Comments

Another year has come to a close, and that means we’re rounding up the top blog posts of the past 12 months. The top themes this year revolved around navigating unresolved tension, gaining perspective and clarity for handling challenges across all areas of marriage, and of course – date ideas! Keep reading as we count down the top 10 posts of the year. Read More

Making the Most of the Moment

Making the Most of the Moment

By Connection, Quality TimeNo Comments

Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries – our lives are sprinkled with special moments of celebration, joy, sentimentality, and love that we want to remember years down the road. Ironically, it seems that the more we try to make them perfect, the less present we actually are in the moment. Have you experienced this? The truth is, It’s easy to let the goal of “making memories” distract us from what’s truly important. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the moment – in the moment. Read More