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Relationship Dynamics

Make Your Marriage a Sanctuary

Make Your Marriage a Sanctuary

By Relationship Dynamics3 Comments

At the end of a difficult or stressful day, is your marriage a soft place to land? Is it a comforting place you can turn to when you’re feeling down and out, vulnerable, or overwhelmed?

Of course we’d like to say the answer is always “yes,” but the reality is that sometimes marriage itself can be a source of stress and tension. While this is totally normal – and can actually be a positive sign of relationship growth – it’s definitely not a permanent state you want your marriage to be in.

Most of the time, we want our marriage to be that comforting home base we can turn to. So how can you make yours more of a sanctuary? Here are a five key tips. Read More

December 4, 2024
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Your Unique Language of Love

Your Unique Language of Love

By Connection, Relationship Dynamics6 Comments

Your alarm goes off, you silence it quickly so it doesn’t wake your spouse, and creep out of bed. You close the door quietly and head downstairs to get the coffee going. You set out their favorite mug alongside yours, then go jump in the shower. As you open the bathroom door, the aroma of the breakfast your spouse just cooked wafts in. You head to the kitchen and they greet you with a smile and ask how you slept. They hand you a steaming cup of coffee with just the right amount of cream and sugar.

This might seem like just a typical morning, but you’re actually saying “I love you” in many different ways – even though neither of you have spoken the words aloud. How many examples can you pick out? Read More

October 2, 2024
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How Humor Leads to Harmony

How Humor Leads to Harmony

By Relationship Dynamics6 Comments

A great sense of humor often ranks near the top of the list of desirable traits in a potential spouse. And for good reason – who doesn’t want to be married to someone who will keep you in stitches throughout your marriage? Not only that, but humor can help you maintain a positive perspective during challenging situations or seasons of life, making your relationship more resilient. In other words, your marriage will be better equipped to handle the unpredictability that life throws your way.

And that’s not all! Leaning into laughter can also create a more peaceful dynamic in your marriage. Here’s how humor leads to harmony: Read More

May 15, 2024
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Start Liking Your Spouse as Much as You Love Them

Start Liking Your Spouse As Much As You Love Them

By Relationship Dynamics4 Comments

You know you love your spouse… but have you have ever found yourself wondering if you actually like them? Maybe it was just a fleeting thought, when they did that thing that annoys you again. Or maybe it lasted longer, during a rough patch in your marriage where you couldn’t seem to get in sync. Or perhaps you’re confused by the question: Isn’t loving and liking your spouse one and the same? Surprisingly, it’s not.

It might seem contradictory, but loving and liking someone are actually two different emotions. Think of love as a reflection of how you feel internally about someone, while liking them is more of an appreciation for who they are. Ideally, these two emotions are aligned. But marriage can be complicated, and sometimes they’re not. You might feel like you’re constantly critical, annoyed, or negative with each other, or even dislike spending time together – even though you know you love each other dearly. So what gives? Are there things you can do to get back to liking your spouse as much as you love them? Keep reading. Read More

April 10, 2024
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Couple talking on a scenic overlook

5 Reasons You Don’t Feel Like a Team

By Relationship Basics, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

Do you and your spouse feel like a team? Or does it seem like something is getting in the way of that lately? It’s not unusual to go through periods where things are just out of sync between you. It can feel like you’re constantly at odds or working against each other, even if it’s not intentional. What’s going wrong? The reality is, sometimes you can fall into habits that shift the dynamic of your relationship in ways that gradually dissolve a team mentality. Here are five reasons you might not be feeling like a team and some tips for renewing that bond: Read More

February 28, 2024
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The Hidden Complexities of Household Tasks

By Relationship Dynamics6 Comments

Figuring out who does what around the house can sometimes seem like the more practical, straightforward part of a marriage. You can write down a list of tasks, divide them up, and check them off when you’re done. Simple as that! Or is it?

For some couples, a harmonious division of household responsibilities comes naturally with few issues. For others, it can be an ongoing source of conflict and resentment. For many, it falls somewhere in between. It turns out that several factors make running a household more complicated than it seems. Let’s dive into some of them. Read More

November 29, 2023
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5 Underrated Ways to Validate Your Spouse

5 Underrated Ways to Validate Your Spouse

By Relationship Dynamics13 Comments

“I couldn’t believe he said that to me! I was so mad!”

“I think you’re overreacting, he probably didn’t mean it that way.”

Have you ever shared your thoughts with your spouse, but their response left you feeling dismissed, criticized, or unheard? It can make you feel small or invisible – the opposite of how you should feel in interactions with your partner. This speaks to the importance of validation, of helping each other feel heard, understood, and that your thoughts and feelings are valued. It’s usually not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of the crucial components of a healthy relationship but without it, trust and intimacy will be largely lacking. So here are five underrated ways to validate your spouse. Read More

October 18, 2023
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8 Signs You Bring Out the Best in Each Other

8 Signs You Bring Out the Best in Each Other

By Relationship Dynamics8 Comments

They bring out the best in each other. Maybe you’ve said this about another couple or people have said it about you and your spouse. It’s a great compliment, but what does it mean, really? Is it something that only comes naturally or can you work on it? Does it fade over time? How do you know if you’re still doing it? While there’s no scientific formula for what it looks like, here are eight surefire signs that you and your spouse bring out the best in each other. Read More

August 23, 2023
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4 Big Reasons to Stop Avoiding the Issue

4 Big Reasons to Stop Avoiding the Issue

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics12 Comments

You don’t want to rock the boat. It’s probably not that big of a deal. Maybe you’re overreacting. You’ll bring it up another time.

It’s easy to come up with lots of reasons to avoid bringing up an issue with your spouse. Most people don’t want to start a fight or cause conflict when things seem to be rolling along smoothly. It’s understandable to want to keep the peace. But here’s the thing: avoiding dealing with issues in your marriage has a way of coming back to bite you later. Most problems don’t just go away on their own. So let’s explore four big reasons to stop avoiding the issue. Read More

July 26, 2023
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6 Peacekeepings Tips for Annoying Habits

6 Peacekeeping Tips for Annoying Habits

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics6 Comments

Do you always have to leave the cabinet doors open? You’re hogging all the covers again! Shhh, can you just watch the movie instead of asking a million questions? Oh my gosh, you are so indecisive!

If you and your spouse don’t have habits that annoy each other, are you even married? Just kidding… kind of. The truth is, while the habits can vary greatly, the irritation can get real. Sometimes we could all use some extra help in handling them in positive ways. Here are six peacekeeping tips for dealing with those annoying habits. Read More

April 12, 2023
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