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Discussion Guide for Couples

5 Secrets to Better Conversations

5 Secrets to Better Conversations

By Connection, Relationship Dynamics2 Comments

It’s the end of a busy week. You’re out to a relaxing dinner with your spouse, and you’re both thrilled to be spending some quality time together. A few minutes of companionable silence pass by until one of you pipes up about – what else – the kids. You both chuckle over their antics, then move on to talking about their upcoming appointments and swapping drop-off/pickup duty on those days. Appetizers arrive, and you dig into those before changing the topic to this month’s credit card bill.

If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. These practical, surface-level conversations are often what make up a good chunk of daily communication between spouses, and for good reason. They keep your household running smoothly and prevent logistical crossed wires, which can mean fewer unnecessary fights over said topics. And if you have kids – well, you love them and talking about them brings you endless joy, so of course you’re going to do that.

At the same time, do you ever find yourself wishing your conversations were a little more… something? More playful and fun? More stimulating? Do you long for the days when deep discussions had you feeling closer than ever? We hear you. Here are our five secrets to better conversations with your spouse. Read More

8 Tips to Revitalize Your Conversations

8 Tips to Revitalize Your Conversations

By Connection7 Comments

There’s something to be said for being comfortable enough with your spouse that you don’t mind sitting in companionable silence. It doesn’t feel awkward. Neither of you feels obligated to fill the space. You’re content just being together.

On the flip side, your spouse is also the person with whom you talk to the most. You enjoy both serious and silly conversations about everything under the sun… or at least you used to. Lately, it seems like your exchanges have become more mundane than meaningful, more stale than stimulating. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Over time, as you settle into the routines and obligations of daily life, the quality of your conversations can take a hit. While this isn’t a problem on occasion, it can gradually have a negative effect on how connected you feel to each other. The good news is you can avoid this path! Let’s explore 8 tips to revitalize your conversations. Read More

Your Go-To Date Night Guide

Your Go-To Date Night Guide

By Quality Time, Relationship BasicsNo 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 Time3 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

Couple hugging and laughing

How To Talk About Your Relationship (Without Feeling Awkward)

By Relationship Basics2 Comments

If you’ve read a few of our blog posts, you’ve probably noticed that we often encourage couples to talk to each other about their relationship. Feeling dissatisfied? Talk about it. Dealing with an unresolved conflict? Talk about it. Want to be a better spouse? Talk about it. And it’s true – honest, consistent communication about what’s working (or needs work) in your relationship is vital to staving off complacency and strengthening your connection. But sometimes, it just doesn’t come naturally. Read More

Couple in the kitchen hanging out

How to Prepare for a Productive Discussion

By Connection4 Comments

Do you remember the last big discussion you had with your partner? Was it spur of the moment or planned in advance? Were you prepared for it?

We usually associate being prepared with things like taking a test, packing for a trip, or saving money in case of an emergency. Less often do we consider whether we’re prepared to talk to each other. But the fact is, preparing ourselves for an important conversation can be the difference between a game-changing, productive discussion or an argument leaving you both feeling frustrated and disconnected from each other.

The important discussions you have as a couple will likely cover a wide range of topics, whether it’s about managing money, growing your family, changing careers, or your relationship. No matter the topic, you can use the following checklist to make sure you’re both prepared to have the talk: Read More