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3 Mindset Shifts to Make Before Your Next Fight

3 Mindset Shifts to Make Before Your Next Fight

By Conflict 8 Comments

It’s easy to have idyllic ideas about how you’ll handle conflict with your partner…when you’re not in the middle of it. Throw in a triggering comment and rising emotions, and suddenly all your best intentions seem to go right out the window. Before you know it, you’re stewing in anger and dwelling on the wrong things. Instead of working on repairing your connection, you’re doing the exact opposite and freezing each other out.

Suddenly trying to change the way you approach conflict with your spouse in the heat of the moment is a challenge for many reasons. That’s why it can be beneficial to reflect on the changes you’d like to make ahead of time – when you’re not in the midst of an argument. Does it mean you’ll be perfect in the moment? Probably not. But it can help you course-correct more quickly, setting the stage for more productive discussion and resolution.

Here are three mindset shifts to make before your next fight. Read More

Marriage in a New City

Marriage in a New City

By Resilience 4 Comments

Well, it’s official. You’re leaving your family, friends, and everything familiar for an adventure in a new city. You don’t know anyone there. You’re excited – and nervous, too. Can you relate?

Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity, a temporary relocation for school, a new station in the military, or even just an itch to experience new things together, it’s not uncommon for couples to find themselves moving to an unfamiliar place where the only person they know is each other. On one hand, it can be a really unique opportunity to bond and strengthen their connection. However, it can have its challenges, too. Let’s explore some tips for navigating them. Read More

Growing as Individuals, Together

Growing as Individuals, Together

By Relationship Dynamics, Resilience 7 Comments

Is the person you married on your wedding day the same person you’re married to today? This might come as a surprise, but for most people the answer is “no” – whether they realize it or not.

The reality is, you are constantly growing and changing as a result of both intentional effort and the passage of time. That means the person you are today is probably not the same as who you were then. Of course, if you just got married a few months ago, you probably won’t see too much of a difference. After a bit more time, however, you’ll likely be able to look back and see how you’ve grown.

So what factors contribute to this growth? How do you it together? And what might that look like over the course of your marriage? Let’s dive in. Read More

5 Ways Curiosity Improves Your Marriage

5 Ways Curiosity Improves Your Marriage

By Relationship Dynamics 4 Comments

When you think about being curious, what comes to mind? Cats? Kids? George? All joking aside, curiosity is a trait that we don’t often put a lot of thought into, especially as adults. While some people are naturally more inquisitive than others, striving to be more curious is not as common as say, working on being more punctual or organized. That’s why you might be surprised to learn that curiosity can improve your marriage. Keep reading to find out how. Read More

6 Essential Tips for Opposites

6 Essential Tips for Opposites

By Relationship Dynamics 8 Comments

Are you and your spouse a case of “opposites attract”? Being married to someone whose personality is very different from yours, whether it’s in almost every way or even just a trait or two, has its challenges. It’s easy to get wrapped up in those differences, especially when they cause friction in your relationship. Learning to manage your personality differences in productive ways that draw you closer to each other instead of driving you apart is key. Here are six essential tips for opposites: Read More

5 Marriage Boredom Busters

5 Marriage Boredom Busters

By Connection 5 Comments

Boredom can seem like a pretty harmless emotion. By definition, it gives the impression that’s there’s not a lot going on, which in some cases it might even sound like a luxury – especially if you’re in a relatively chaotic season of life. Feeling bored from time to time throughout your daily life is pretty normal. You probably just find something to occupy yourself and before you know it things are back to being busy.

What about boredom in marriage? Is it a foregone conclusion? A normal stage to go through after you’ve been together for a long time? While periods that lack the same level of excitement and passion common during engagement and early marriage are definitely to be expected, feeling consistently bored in your relationship can be a slippery slope toward disconnection. When you’re no longer interested in each other or your marriage, you’re likely not putting in the effort or intention required to sustain a fulfilling relationship. Luckily, you can avoid this path with these five marriage boredom busters: Read More

Couple painting a wall doing a DIY project

5 Projects to Take On Together

By Connection, Quality Time 3 Comments

Do you have a list of projects on your mind at all times? There’s the self-initiated ones that just never seem to get done. The unwanted-yet-necessary ones that pop up unexpectedly. The pipe-dream projects that only live in your head and the should-do’s that hang over it. It can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to let these seemingly endless tasks take over all your free time and energy.

Luckily, there are ways to feel more balance and less stress when it comes to those “projects”. Read More

Your Go-To Date Night Guide

Your Go-To Date Night Guide

By Quality Time, Relationship Basics No Comments

How would you describe your date style? Is it more “tried and true” or “try something new?” Or maybe it’s more along the lines of “whatever we can squeeze in.” The truth is, there’s not really just one correct way to do date night – the most important part is that you’re doing it!

That being said, sometimes your usual thing just isn’t what you want or need. Other times you might find yourselves in situations or seasons of life that require a different kind of date. Then there’s the matter of actually making date night happen amidst the realities of your busy day-to-day. Oh, not to mention how to keep the conversation flowing and meaningful!

No need to stress. We’ve got your back with this go-to guide for all things date night. Read More

The Secret to Going on More Dates

The Secret to Going on More Dates

By Quality Time 3 Comments

It’s no secret we believe in dating your spouse all throughout your marriage. We’ve shared lots of tips to help you make that happen – from planning ahead to making it a habit to being creative about fitting more dates into your current flow of life. But there’s one simple tip to help you and your spouse go on more dates. Start tracking them!

That’s right. Whether your goal is to go on a weekly date or to hit a certain number within a certain time, coming up with a way to visibly track your dates is a great way to turn a nice “idea” into a concrete, achievable goal. It could be a grid you color in, calendar-style boxes you cross out, or a list of dates that you check off. Get as creative as you want, or keep it simple – whatever floats your boat.

Need more reasons to get onboard? Keep reading… Read More

4 Underrated Ways to Prioritize Your Marriage

4 Underrated Ways to Prioritize Your Marriage

By Relationship Basics 3 Comments

When you think of prioritizing your marriage, what comes to mind? Raise your hand if date nights and quality time is your gut response. Don’t get us wrong; it’s a great answer. Continuing to date each other and devoting intentional time to connect is crucial to nurturing intimacy and friendship. However, this isn’t the only way. There are other – often underrated – ways to prioritize your marriage every day. Read More