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Relationship Basics

Solution or Support - How to Stop Guessing

Solution or Support? How to Stop Guessing

By Relationship Basics, Resilience2 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

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

Drop These Habits to Truly Understand Each Other

Drop These Habits to Truly Understand Each Other

By Relationship Basics5 Comments

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

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

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

Spread Holiday Cheer in Your Marriage

Spread Holiday Cheer in Your Marriage (All Year Long)

By Relationship BasicsOne Comment

Are you someone who loves the holidays? Do you have an extra spring in your step as you hum along to your favorite Christmas music? If you consider yourself the epitome of holiday cheer, do you find that your attitude carries over into your marriage as well?

For many, there’s something about the season that makes everything have more sparkle. The very fact that it’s temporary might be part of what makes it so special. In the blink of an eye, you’re packing away the decorations and getting back to the grind. But what if you carried that positivity and goodwill into your marriage all year long? Here are 4 examples to consider. Read More

How Gratitude Transforms Your Marriage

How Gratitude Transforms Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics4 Comments

You probably say “thank you” many times each day, but gratitude is about more than simply uttering these two words out of habit. It’s about feeling that sense of gratefulness deep within your heart, internalizing it in a way that shapes your entire mindset and perspective – and your marriage, as well. The positive effects of gratitude have the power to send positive ripples throughout your relationship – here’s how: Read More

5 Patterns to Establish in Your Marriage

4 Patterns to Establish in Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics17 Comments

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in negative patterns in your marriage? Maybe it’s a cycle of criticism and defensiveness, or resentment that builds until a blowout argument. You might feel discouraged – how did you even get into the pattern in the first place? All it takes is a couple of instances to set a precedent. A pattern forms, and it’s hard to break out of.

What can you do to avoid this? One way is to be more intentional about establishing positive patterns instead. Here are four examples: Read More