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Nov 16
Love0
4 Ways to Give Back (while growing closer)

Cultivating a Mindset of Gratitude

By Relationship Basics, Resilience 4 Comments

Ah, gratitude. It’s a common word these days, especially at this time of year – and for good reason. Gratitude is associated with some pretty powerful effects, such as lower stress, higher resilience, and greater happiness overall. Research has found that these benefits extend to marriage as well, fostering positive feelings and stronger connection between spouses. Who wouldn’t want that?

Of course, actually feeling gratitude within you is a very important part of the equation, as opposed to just going through the motions of expressing it. But let’s be real – sometimes you’re just not feeling it. Have you experienced this disconnect? If so, we’ve got some tips to help you cultivate a mindset of gratitude in your daily life and marriage. Read More

Nov 09
Love0
Family celebrating holidays

Your Family or Mine: Reaching Compromise on Holiday Celebrations

By Conflict, Family & Friends 2 Comments

The holidays are a-knocking. Are you and your spouse ready to answer the door? Or are you hiding in the basement with the lights off?

That might sound dramatic, but the reality is, holidays can be a source of conflict for many couples. One of the most common issues revolves around how, where, or with whom they’ll celebrate. Can you relate? Do you have different ideas for how you should spend them? Does it feel like you’re caught in the middle of both of your families? Is it causing conflict between the two of you? If you’re interested in how you can reach a compromise, we’ve got some practical steps for working through it together. Read More

Nov 02
Love0
couple holding hands on bed

Navigating a Family Emergency Together

By Resilience 3 Comments

A middle of the night phone call bearing bad news. A family member in crisis. An unexpected hardship. Are you and your spouse prepared to handle a family emergency?

The reality is, no one is really fully prepared when something like this happens. Not only is the event scary and stressful in itself, but it can potentially throw your relationship with your partner and other family members for a loop. With that in mind, we’re sharing some tips and insights to help you better navigate a family emergency together. Read More

Oct 26
Love0
Young couple having picnic on sandy beach

6 Dates to Master Throughout Marriage

By Connection, Quality Time 3 Comments

You and your spouse will go on a lot of dates throughout the course of your marriage – at least we hope you will! After all, continuing to date each other helps you nurture connection, friendship, and intimacy in your relationship, which can wane over time if you’re not careful.

Depending on the season of your marriage, maintaining a habit of dating will require varying amounts of effort and intention. Sometimes, it’ll be easy. You’ll have plenty of time for dates and few considerations to plan around. Other times, you might feel as if you barely have time to sip a cup of coffee together in the morning.

Luckily, different kinds of dates can meet the changing needs that arise as you navigate various life and relationship phases together. If you’re unsure what we mean, keep reading as we explore six kinds of dates to master throughout your marriage. Read More

Oct 19
Love0
Couple Walking in Shallow Water and Smiling expectations

The Lowdown on Expectations

By Relationship Dynamics 3 Comments

What’s something you control that can completely change your perspective, even when you don’t realize it exists? This might sound like some sort of brainteaser riddle, but it’s actually a key to feeling happier and more satisfied in your relationship. The answer? Well, if you guessed expectations, then you’re right!

Yep, our very own expectations have the power to make us feel disappointed or pleasantly surprised, as if we’re failing or succeeding, unfulfilled or content. If you’re curious about why, and how this insight affects your marriage, keep reading. Read More

Oct 12
Love0
Couple holding hands in love

3 Hurdles to Asking for Help (& How to Reframe Them)

By Relationship Dynamics 4 Comments

An extra set of hands around the house. Physical assistance during recovery from an illness or injury. Emotional support when feeling overwhelmed or dealing with grief. Financial assistance during tough times. Everyone needs help now and then, but it’s not always easy to ask for it. Do you struggle with this? Within your marriage, do you and your spouse ask each other for help?

If this is an area you could use some help with (no pun intended), then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we explore some of the reasons it can be difficult asking each other for help – and how to reframe those hurdles to benefit your relationship and help you grow. Read More

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

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