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Relationship Dynamics

The Invisible Roles of Marriage

The Invisible Roles in Marriage

By Relationship DynamicsNo Comments

When it comes to roles in marriage, our minds tend to drift to the practical side of things, like who’s in charge of paying the bills, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, cooking the meals, and all the other responsibilities that go into keeping your household running smoothly. But there’s a more abstract side to this as well.

Amidst all the day-to-day tasks, there’s a good chance you’ve taken on some roles that are more social or emotional in nature. These roles are unique in that they’re constantly running in the background – they can’t be checked off a to-do list and marked complete. The result? These roles are often invisible – you may not even realize you’re fulfilling them, even though they require ongoing mental and emotional energy. Let’s explore some examples and what to look out for with each one. Read More

Money and Marriage - Getting on the Same Page

Money & Marriage: Getting on the Same Page

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

Money has a way of bringing up issues in a marriage that have nothing to do with dollars and cents – ingrained family dynamics, differing values, and unspoken expectations. It’s one of the most common sources of tension between couples, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few key principles to help you and your spouse better understand how money affects your marriage and get on the same page. Read More

4 Newlywed Assumptions to Leave at the Door

4 Newlywed Assumptions to Leave at the Door

By Premarital, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

As newlyweds, you probably have lots of ideas of what your marriage will look like. Maybe you have certain expectations about the way holidays will look or how you’ll run your household. Perhaps you think you know the areas on which you agree and the things you’re still figuring out. The reality is, many newlyweds carry sneaky assumptions with them as they cross the threshold into married life. Often, these assumptions are at odds with reality – and the result is conflict that catches couples off-guard. If you want to avoid the common newlywed arguments, here are 4 assumptions to leave at the door: Read More

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

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

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

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