They say laughter is the best medicine, and while it can’t solve all of your issues, it does have a way of creating a more harmonious dynamic within your marriage. Sure, laughing with your spouse and sharing a sense of humor is fun in its own right, but the ability to lean into humor at specific times can be the difference between conflict and connection. In fact, here are 4 times humor saves the day. Read More
Family reunions, weddings, graduation parties, 4th of July get togethers – how many family events do you and your spouse have on the calendar this summer?
For many couples, these types of events are a normal part of their life together. They can be a source of enjoyment, time you cherish and something you both look forward to. And they can be stressful and challenging, too. While you can’t predict everything that’s going to happen, you can set yourselves up to have a more positive experience. One way to do that is to steer clear of making certain assumptions. Here’s what to avoid: Read More
“What things do you like to do together?”
“Oh, we like hiking, volunteering at our church, watching basketball, cooking…” Some couples have a whole slew of hobbies they enjoy together. Other couples have a harder time answering this question. If you fall into this group, you might wonder, “Is there something wrong with our relationship?”
While having shared interests is a great way to strengthen your bond and nurture your friendship throughout your marriage, maintaining separate interests and your individual sense of identity can be good for your relationship, too. The key is seeking a sense of balance and being intentional about staying connected in other ways. Looking for tips to do that? Keep reading. Read More
When your spouse is struggling, they probably come to you, and vice versa. Having someone to go with your worries, problems, and emotions is one of the big perks of being married. The tricky part is knowing exactly what your spouse is looking for in the moment. Are they looking for moral support or emotional validation? Or are they looking for your perspective or a practical solution? If you’ve ever given the wrong thing at the wrong time, then you know it doesn’t feel great for either of you. What can you do to avoid this? Here are three simple steps to remember. Read More
Do you follow through?
It could be something as simple as calling when you said you would or completing a task you started. Or perhaps it’s something bigger, such as working on your communication skills or spending less money to reach a financial goal. Whatever the specifics, walking the walk – following through on the things you initiate – has a big impact on your marriage. Here’s why: Read More
Do you and your spouse need to get reacquainted?
You might think this is a silly question. You’re married, after all. Unless one of you comes down with a case of amnesia, why would you need to get reacquainted?
Perhaps the real question is: are you the same person you were when you first met? Do you have the same preferences, interests, and aspirations? How about your spouse? Chances are, you’ve both changed and evolved over time. Have you kept up with these changes in each other? Read More
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
“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
Are you a truly supportive spouse? What does it mean to be supportive?
Is it validating your spouse’s thoughts and feelings? Is it encouraging them to pursue their dreams and cheering them on along the way? Is it being someone they can lean on, both physically and emotionally? Yes, it’s probably a bit of all these things at some point.
But here’s a bit of a reality check: It often isn’t about the big gestures and loud cheering that everyone else notices. It’s not just doling out uplifting comments and a pat on the back as you roll along doing your own thing. Being a truly supportive spouse can look and feel different than you might expect, and that can be difficult to navigate. If you’re struggling in this role, here are some mindset shifts to make. Read More
What role does accountability play in your marriage? Do you and your spouse hold yourselves and each other accountable? Ideally, the answer is yes. Accountability not only builds trust, it also helps you be the best version of yourself possible – and it does the same for your marriage. Here are four general areas in which your marriage benefits from accountability: Read More
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