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Oct 05
Love0
Couple with arms around each other on skateboard

5 Secrets to Rockstar Communication

By Relationship Basics No Comments

We could say a lot about the importance of good communication in relationships. And actually, on this blog, we have! You’ll find a lot about the basics of assertiveness and active listening and the importance of communication overall. You’ll also find insights on some of the things that prevent us from communicating well and can even cause conflict as a result. If it seems like a lot to remember while also trying to apply in real life, you’re right. So we’ve distilled our tips down to the most essential – and effective – secrets to rockstar communication. Read More

Sep 28
Love0
Man and Woman Sitting on Green Sofa discussing money

3 Conversations to Have When You Clash Over Money

By Conflict, Relationship Dynamics 2 Comments

Congrats! You just got a huge bonus at work. You’re already envisioning how you’ll spend it – replacing that ratty old couch with new furniture for the family room. You’ve been working hard and waiting for a little windfall to spend on something nice that you can both enjoy. You can hardly wait to tell your spouse.

What?! Your spouse just told you they got a big bonus at work – that’s great! But they’re already planning on spending it all – which you can’t really fathom. Logically, you know you could spend the money and be fine financially. But deep down, you feel like you just have to sock at least some of it away.

If you can relate to this situation, then you probably know what it’s like to have conflict with your spouse over money. You probably also know there’s no easy solution. That’s because money issues run deeper than being a spender or a saver. So how do you start getting to root of your differences? Here are three conversations to have when you clash over money. Read More

Sep 21
Love0
Couple relaxing on the beach

4 Tips for a Fight-Free Vacation

By Conflict, Quality Time 4 Comments

This is it. You’re finally doing it. You’re going on vacation, just you and your spouse. You can’t even remember the last time, it’s been so long. Will it be everything you dreamed of? Or will you get into a fight on the way to the airport, setting the tone for the rest of the trip?

If you’re like a lot of couples, taking a vacation just the two of you is a rare treat. So when it happens, the last thing you want is for this cherished time to be spoiled by unnecessary conflict. With that in mind, here are some tips for ensuring you and your spouse have the best time possible on your next getaway. Read More

Sep 14
Love0
A Couple Sitting on Chairs Holding Hands over the Table

4 Things That Happen When You Truly Listen

By Relationship Basics 4 Comments

Shhh. Listen. No, really listen. Do you hear it? That’s the sound of some amazing things happening in your relationship.

As you probably know, being a good listener and continuing to work on that skill throughout your marriage is one of the basic tenets of great communication. But its positive effects have a way of rippling out into other areas of your relationship as well. Here are some of the things that happen when you truly listen to each other. Read More

Sep 07
Love0
Couple laughing together on a date

4 Reasons to Keep Laughing Together

By Connection, Resilience 2 Comments

When it comes to the most-wanted qualities in a partner, a good sense of humor often falls somewhere near the top of the list. It makes sense. When you’re just getting to know someone, it’s an attractive quality. It helps you feel at ease and makes the person seem charming and fun. When you share a sense of humor, it gives you a sense of chemistry and connection.

Once you’re married, humor takes on a different role. Although you’re no longer trying to impress each other in hopes of another date, it provides even more important benefits to your relationship. Here are four reasons to keep laughing together. Read More

Aug 31
Love0
A Couple Standing in the Farm Field

3 Secrets to Being Better Teammates

By Relationship Basics 9 Comments

We say it often: remember that you and your spouse are on the same team. The advice seems straightforward enough, but let’s be honest – it’s not always easy to follow through. You don’t always feel like teammates. If you’re not aligned on what you’re hoping to achieve, it can seem like you’re actually working against each other. Sometimes it might even feel like you have to take things on alone. Fortunately, there are ways you set yourselves up to be better teammates to each other. Here are three secrets to make this happen: Read More

Aug 24
Love0
A happy couple sitting together on the floor

5 Signs You Could Benefit from a Relationship Check-In

By Connection 6 Comments

It’s time to check in! Nope, this isn’t a notification about an upcoming flight. But you could consider it a reminder to have your daily relationship check-in – or take it as a sign to start one.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a relationship check-in, it’s a designated time for you and your partner to touch base on the status of your relationship. You might talk about what’s working or not working, how satisfied you both are in various areas of your relationship, express gratitude and appreciation, air grievances, or even just talk about your day. The beauty of a check-in is that there are many ways you can do it, as long as it works for you as a couple and benefits your relationship.
Are you and your spouse in need of a check-in? Here are five signs you could benefit from one: Read More

Aug 17
Love0
Couple playing with their dog while painting during renovation

Simple Tips for Tackling Tasks Together

By Connection One Comment

Every couple has them. Those tasks neither of you wants to do. They hang over you, needing to be done. But they’re tedious, annoying, intimidating, or simply unpleasant. Sometimes they even cause tension in your relationship.

However, marriage is about being a team. There’s no reason why that formidable to-do list has to get the best of you. Here are some simple ways you can tackle those tasks together. Read More

Aug 10
Love0
Romantic Couple Talking on blanket in the grass

5 Common Assumptions That Cause Conflict in Marriage

By Conflict, Relationship Basics 12 Comments

“So you made that dinner reservation, right?”
“What? No, I didn’t. I assumed you didn’t want to go because you were complaining about how busy this week was.”
“What?! Why would you think that? You said last week you were going to check availability, so I assumed you got a reservation.”
“Ugh!”

For most couples, this is a very relatable situation. Miscommunications and misunderstandings bubble up due to making assumptions about each other, as demonstrated in the conversation above. We don’t do it intentionally. We’re usually not itching for an argument to pop up at the most inopportune times. In fact, most of the time we probably don’t even realize we’re making assumptions. That’s what makes them so tricky – but not if you know what to watch out for. Here are five common assumptions we make about our spouse that cause conflict in marriage. Read More

Aug 03
Love0
Couple holding hands while strolling on road in woods

How to Stay Connected Without Shared Interests

By Connection, Quality Time 11 Comments

Do you and your spouse share interests or hobbies? If so, that’s great! Spending quality time together doing things you both enjoy probably comes easily to you. This is a relationship strength that will help you stay connected and nurture your friendship throughout your marriage. But what if your interests don’t converge? Are you doomed to drift apart? We don’t think so. In fact, maintaining separate interests and your individual sense of identity can be good for your relationship, too. It’s all about balance.

Let’s explore some tips for staying connected when you don’t share many interests. Read More

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