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Relationship Dynamics

Annoyance - Your problem or mine?

Annoyance: Your Problem or Mine?

By Conflict, Relationship DynamicsNo 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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4 Questions to Clear Your Marriage Clutter

4 Questions to Clear Your Marriage Clutter

By Relationship DynamicsOne Comment

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

March 4, 2026
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Be Great Teammates This Holiday Season

Be Great Teammates This Holiday Season

By Relationship Dynamics, Resilience2 Comments

It’s that time of year again, when we find ourselves staring at the calendar in bewilderment. How have the month’s flown by so fast? Is the holiday season really around the corner already?!

While it’s a favorite time of year for many, it’s also a season that brings lots of baggage along with it. Difficult emotions and negative experiences can ride right alongside the positive ones. It can be a lot to navigate individually, let alone as a couple or family. Fortunately, you can avoid letting the holidays strain your marriage. Here’s how you and your spouse can be good teammates throughout the season: Read More

November 12, 2025
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Have You Outkicked Your Coverage?

Have You Outkicked Your Coverage?

By Relationship DynamicsOne Comment

If you’re a football fan, you’re probably excited that a new season is upon us. If you’re not, you could be anywhere from apathetic to annoyed to completely unaware. Either way, we’ll cut to the chase – this post is not really about football. But it is about a figure of speech that originates from football: outkicking your coverage. Have you heard this phrase used in the context of relationships?

If you haven’t, it’s typically used to insinuate that a person’s spouse is more attractive or desirable than they are. Alternatives are (for some reason) similarly sports-themed – out of your league or batting above your average are common ones. The truth is, it’s not usually very helpful to judge or speculate about the dynamics of others’ relationships, although sometimes it can help us reflect on our own. So let’s take that road instead. Read More

September 17, 2025
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Bonus Marriage Compatibility Points

Bonus Marriage Compatibility Points

By Relationship Dynamics3 Comments

What are the most important things to agree on in marriage? Typically you’re going to consider things like your values and beliefs, overall meshing of your personalities, and the general picture of what you want your future to look like – whether that includes a big family, career aspirations, living in a small town or a big city, etc. If you and your spouse differ significantly on these topics, it’s going to be difficult to plan a life together – to say the least.

But if you’re aligned on these big things, does that mean it’s all smooth sailing? Eh, not quite. You and your spouse will probably still disagree, albeit on things with lower stakes. That got us thinking…

What are those things that you definitely don’t have to agree on, but that just might make day-to-day life a whole lot easier if you did? Consider them sort of like bonus compatibility points in marriage. Let’s explore some examples. Read More

September 3, 2025
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Ask These Questions When Things Are Feeling Off

Ask These Questions When Things Are Feeling Off

By Relationship Dynamics5 Comments

Sometimes you and your spouse can look at each other and have an entire conversation in just one glance. You’re in tune with each other and on the same page. Other times, this isn’t the case. It might feel like you’re a million miles apart – emotionally, mentally, and physically. You’re snippy and easily annoyed with each other. One misunderstanding leads to another. Neither of you feels like the other person knows where you’re coming from. You’re not necessarily mad at each other, but you can both admit that things feel… off.

Can you relate? Most couples go through periods like this from time to time – it’s normal! Next time things start feeling off between you and your spouse, take some time to ask these questions: Read More

July 23, 2025
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Creating Your Celebration Culture

Creating Your Celebration Culture

By Parenting, Relationship DynamicsOne Comment

Are you someone who celebrates their birthday all month, all week, one day, or not at all? Where does your spouse land?

Chances are you fall into one of these categories, and you probably know people who fit into the others. Are you and your spouse in the same group? If not, how are you navigating those differences?

It seems like a minor thing, but how you celebrate – whether it’s birthdays, holidays, milestones, or accomplishments – runs much deeper. Read More

July 2, 2025
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