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A Marriage Meeting That Works

A Marriage Meeting That Works

By Relationship Basics3 Comments

Does it ever feel like you and your spouse are operating from different playbooks? Do you feel like you need to call a time-out so you can get on the same page? When you’re stressed out about the budget, but your spouse is focused solely on meal planning for the week, how do you move forward productively as a team?

We’ve long touted the benefits of a regular relationship check-in. After all, a strong marriage is the foundation and heart of your family. But we also recognize that a lot more goes into keeping a household running smoothly, and when you’re not aligned on those other things, it affects your relationship, too. That’s where a regular marriage meeting comes in. While a typical relationship check-in is all about – you guessed it – your relationship, a marriage meeting can be a more all-encompassing chance to get aligned on the other things that make up your daily life together. Here are some tips to creating a marriage meeting that works. Read More

October 1, 2025
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3 Times to Ask for a Do Over

3 Times to Ask for a Do-Over

By Relationship BasicsOne Comment

Have you ever had an interaction with your spouse that unexpectedly turned into a fight, all because of a communication mistake? You might know it’s happening even as the words are leaving your mouth. You can feel your spouse’s vibe change in response. You wish you could take it back and start over, but it’s too late. What’s done is done. Or is it?

While life is full of situations in which you only get one shot, marriage offers up many opportunities when a second chance can be just what you need to turn an otherwise negative outcome into a positive. When you know you’ve just made a poor choice in communicating with your spouse, requesting a do-over in the moment is an impactful way to quickly course-correct the interaction. Here are 3 times to ask for one: Read More

September 24, 2025
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Ask These Questions When Things Are Feeling Off

Ask These Questions When Things Are Feeling Off

By Relationship Dynamics5 Comments

Sometimes you and your spouse can look at each other and have an entire conversation in just one glance. You’re in tune with each other and on the same page. Other times, this isn’t the case. It might feel like you’re a million miles apart – emotionally, mentally, and physically. You’re snippy and easily annoyed with each other. One misunderstanding leads to another. Neither of you feels like the other person knows where you’re coming from. You’re not necessarily mad at each other, but you can both admit that things feel… off.

Can you relate? Most couples go through periods like this from time to time – it’s normal! Next time things start feeling off between you and your spouse, take some time to ask these questions: Read More

July 23, 2025
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5 Areas Practice Pays Off in Marriage

5 Areas Practice Pays Off in Marriage

By Relationship Basics4 Comments

What things could you use some practice in? Maybe you’re picking up a new hobby or want to develop a particular skill for your job. Perhaps you’re giving a speech at your best friend’s wedding or you’re trying to perfect that special family recipe before the next big gathering. Whatever the case, practice typically leads to some degree of improvement, whether it’s immediate or more incremental.

What about in your marriage? “Practice” might seem odd in this context. Maybe you think about “working” on or prioritizing your marriage, but where does practice come in? Well, there are actually several areas in which practice pays off. Let’s dive into some. Read More

July 16, 2025
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Do You Need a Marriage Debrief?

Do You Need a Marriage Debrief?

By ConflictNo Comments

Have you and your spouse ever been in a situation that you know for certain requires a discussion, but that’s simply not possible in the moment?

Even if you’re masters of resolving conflict, there are times when getting into it right then and there isn’t the best choice. These are the times that call for a marriage debrief. Read More

July 9, 2025
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3 Types of Expectations That Cause Conflict

3 Types of Expectations That Cause Conflict

By Conflict7 Comments

Whether we realize it or not, our expectations have a big impact on how we perceive and experience life. Was your day good or bad? Did that new restaurant hit the mark or fall short? Was your long awaited vacation everything you hoped it would be? It all depends on what type of expectations you had. And the same applies to your marriage.
Unmet expectations are the root cause of many marital disagreements, and they can come in several forms. Here are 3 types of expectations that can cause conflict between you and your spouse. Read More

June 18, 2025
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Weathering Weekend Mindset Differences

Weathering Weekend Mindset Differences

By Conflict, Quality TimeOne Comment

The weekend lies ahead of you – a blank slate of possibilities. Are you and your spouse on the same page about how to spend it? Think of the phrase, “That’s what the weekend is for.” To you, what is that, exactly? Is it for doing all the fun activities and outings you don’t have time for during the week? Is it for tackling your to-do list of chores and projects? Or is it all about relaxing and recharging at the end of a busy week and before starting the next?

The truth is, the way you want to spend the weekend might differ from what your spouse has in mind. You might have very different weekend mindsets overall, or even just from one weekend to the next. On their own, these preferences can cause conflict. Throw in a few unspoken expectations and less-than-stellar communication, and it’s a recipe for a disappointing weekend. If you and your spouse have experienced this before, then these tips are for you. Read More

May 21, 2025
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5 Tips for Setting the Right Tone

5 Tips for Setting the Right Tone

By Relationship Basics5 Comments

It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.

Chances are, you’ve been on the receiving end of a snarky tone. You’ve probably even been the one dishing it out on occasion. The words themselves can be completely innocuous, but the tone with which they’re delivered can be the difference between a friendly, affectionate exchange and an escalating argument. We might think that our actual words should be most important, but the truth is, tone matters.

When it comes to communicating with your spouse, there are multiple ingredients that need to come together in the right way. If your words are the main protein, then things like tone and body language are the spices and seasonings you add that can make or break the dish. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when it comes to setting the tone: Read More

May 7, 2025
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The Losing Side of Keeping Score

The Losing Side of Keeping Score (& What to Do Instead)

By Relationship Dynamics6 Comments

You track the stats of your favorite athletes and sports teams. You monitor your daily sleep and activity score on your watch or phone. Heck, you even tally points during a friendly game of Scrabble. Wouldn’t it also make sense to keep score in your marriage?

Most of us probably know the correct answer is no, but that doesn’t mean we don’t do it from time to time, even subconsciously. Maybe you’re keeping a mental tally of how often you’ve done one of your spouse’s usual chores, logging how much time they’ve spent on a solo hobby, or tracking how many times they’ve gotten up with the baby. Scorekeeping comes in many forms, but they all have one thing in common: Read More

April 30, 2025
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Helping Each Other Recharge

Helping Each Other Recharge

By Relationship Dynamics3 Comments

Do you have people in your life who require a lot of energy? Maybe it’s a friend who always has lots of drama going on and emotions to match, a family member who is always going 100 miles an hour, or a coworker who has always made you a little nervous. Whether you realize it or not, spending time with these individuals tends to leave you feeling a bit drained. It’s fine in small doses, but you’re always ready for an opportunity to recharge afterward.

And people aren’t the only things that can drain you. Your job, daily responsibilities, and the world around you can tap out your energy reserves in various ways, whether it’s emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually. At the end of a long day, you’re both ready to decompress. Are you and your spouse a source of renewal for each other, or do you unintentionally demand more energy from each other? How can you help each other recharge? How does this benefit your relationship? Here are some aspects to consider: Read More

March 12, 2025
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