During some point in many marriages things get common. It becomes the same routine day in and day out. Some occasionally get comfortable with the ordinary and neglect to keep the excitement and fire burning. The dating stops, spontaneity halts and both partners end up just being in their marriage instead of living in the marriage. During that time is when many couples are … [Read more...]
What Did You Learn From The Be A Better Spouse Challenge?
It's May now - do you feel like you have a better marriage? Our goal with the Be A Better Spouse Challenge was not to completely erase any troubles that are plaguing your marriages, but rather, to focus on those little steps you can take every day to take your marriage to the next level. If you enjoyed the series, please let us know - we'll strive to bring you more content … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #21: Participate In Their Favorite Activity
Just because you're married doesn't mean you always share the same interests. One of you might like tennis, the other might think it's the most boring sport around. One of you might love jazz clubs but the other complains about the loud noise. For this tip, it's time to get with the program. For one day or night, take the time to participate in your spouse's favorite solo … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #20: Write Them A Love Letter
We know you love your spouse. You pledged before God and all your friends and family that you would forsake all others and be faithful to your spouse until death parts you. But sometimes, that love gets buried under past-due light bills, the needs of your kids, new tires for the car, and a dozen other things that take the focus off the two of you. Instead of reaching … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #19: Do An Impromptu Photo Shoot Together
How many pictures do you have of just the two of you, when you're not at your wedding, or with the kids, or dressed up to go to someone else's wedding? Where are the fun "we were just hanging around the house" pictures that you can look back at and laugh? Go look - we'll wait. If you can count on one hand the number of pictures you have, it's time to incorporate the camera … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #18: Massage Their Cares Away
Tension is bad. Really, really bad. When we're tense, we're not as easygoing, not as carefree, not as willing to laugh at a corny joke, or give our spouse the benefit of the doubt. While any number of things can cause the tension, there's one surefire way to help relieve it: busting out the lotions and body oils and getting a serious head-to-toe rubdown. If done properly, … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #17: Make Peace With Your In-Laws
Be honest: Could your relationship with your in-laws use a little work? Are you as nice as you could be? Do you let past events dictate your current behavior? If you didn't get off to the best start with your in-laws and you know that friction is causing headaches for your spouse, make some adjustments in your attitude - starting NOW. Now that you are married, YOU are part … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #16: Turn Off The TV (And The Cell Phone…And The Computer)
We spend so much time online these days it's a wonder we still remember how to interact with each other without a keyboard in front of us. Think about it. How often are you hanging out at night, one of you on the couch, the other in his or her favorite chair, and one or both of you is doing work, or watching TV, or laughing out loud at a joke someone posted on Facebook? How … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #15: Go On A Genuine Date Again
Remember the anticipation that was built into going on a date with the person that is now your spouse? The mixture of excitement and effort put into how you looked, working out to keep that body tight because you know he or she loved the fact that you cared about yourself. Finding the newest, hottest spots to hang to make that lasting impression --- making sure the car was … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #14: Have Your Own Friends
It's nice to be one of the girls or one of the guys or whatever combination of friends your spouse has. But when you don't have your own stash of friends, these experiences can create an imbalance in your relationship with your spouse which has the potential to cause you to become resentful of your spouse's friendships and if left unchecked even suspicious and jealous of … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #13: Volunteer
Sometimes it's good to do something for someone else. You might be thinking right now, I do something for these kids and [Insert Spouse's Name Here] every day! But that is what you're supposed to be doing. Serving others through volunteerism is a quick and easy way to gain perspective on yourself, your world and the people closest to you. Should you be open to the … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #12: Live As Though It’s Your Last Day Together
How often do we take our loved ones for granted? It's human nature to grow accustomed to how things are and become comfortable. But in doing so, we can let pettiness and small insults fester. We harbor resentments and hold our apologies, all because we know there will be time to resolve the situation later. "I'll show my appreciation another time," we tell ourselves. … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #11: Cook Dinner Together
Doesn't it seem as if life moves at a roller coaster pace? We're so busy racing to take care of our obligations that we often don't take the time to connect with loved ones. How many times do we rush past each other, talking but not communicating? Our minds are never fully in the conversation, always thinking about the next problem, task, or responsibility that needs to be … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #10: Pick One Goal To Work On As A Couple
Let's face it: sometimes married life can be a little ho-hum. Go to work, pay bills, play with the kids, watch TV, wash dishes, go to sleep....do it all over again. When we were dating, it was exciting because we knew there was a "next level" to achieve. Places to take our relationship and make it stronger than ever. After the flush fades a bit from the "I do," we tend to … [Read more...]
{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #9: Be Spontaneous – And Not Just In the Bedroom
If variety is the spice of life, spontaneity is the kick. It keeps the relationship fresh, fun and lively "“ kind of like it was before life started to happen. We often hear about keeping it spicy in the bedroom, which is a definite need. Let's face it, you're sleeping with the same person the rest of your life; keeping it hot is practically a requirement. But the same … [Read more...]