I must admit one of my guilty pleasures is relationship-focused reality TV. I am hooked on Married at First Sight. It is such an interesting concept and yet an opportunity to learn so much about relationships. In a recent episode, the newlywed couples rated their marriages. Of course, there were hurt feelings and surprise reactions to the responses. But it is an interesting … [Read more...]
Communication
5 Easy Marriage-Care Tips Your Relationship Needs Now for a Happy Married Life
Self-Care has basically been the theme of 2020. We have needed to be more intentional and aware of our emotions than ever before. For married couples, however, we have also had to be mindful of our marriage-care. A happy married life doesn’t happen by coincidence; an investment is required. The following 5 easy marriage-care tips your relationship needs now will help you better … [Read more...]
Are You Unhappy in Marriage? How to Love Your Marriage When It’s Hard to Love Your Spouse
The first step to resolving any issue in a relationship is to admit that it exists in the first place. Though it might be difficult to admit you are unhappy in marriage, nothing changes if you aren’t willing to own that truth. Many couples have found themselves unhappy in marriage at some point in their relationship. And many couples have asked the question “is it time for a … [Read more...]
3 Reminders for How to Cope with Empty Nest Syndrome Now That Your Kids Have Gone to School
I like to think of the end of summer as a new beginning. Children go back to school and some leave home for the first time, creating an empty nest and the necessity to learn how to cope with empty nest syndrome. For those of you who have children leaving for college, you might be going through a wide array of emotions; I know I did when my oldest daughter went away to school. … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Know if You Are Immature in Your Marriage and What to Do if You Are
When Jada Pinkett Smith admitted to her past "entanglement" she used the term "emotional immaturity" and it left us all talking and wondering how to avoid emotional immaturity in marriage. When you are or have an immature spouse, your relationship requires more energy and effort from both you and your partner. Being emotionally immature can lead to stress, frustration and even … [Read more...]
Should Couples Fix Communication Issues While in Quarantine or Later with Professional Help?
Communication is an essential key to a successful marriage. Couples must have the ability to sit down and listen to each other even if the topic is terrible. However, this is easier said than done. In some cases, couples can resolve issues on their own. Some decide to pray together, spend more time together, or even decide to make love more often. As we are ordered to stay … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Conquer Conflict and Master Communication in Marriage
No one likes conflict. No one. Some people go out of their way to avoid it as much as possible. If you're a conflict avoider by nature, it makes it difficult to get your needs met no matter where you are. When you fail to communicate what's bothering you, your relationships, whether at work or at home, definitely suffer. But, if this behavior takes root in your marriage, it … [Read more...]
Unhealthy Relationship Habits You Didn’t Know You Had
They say that if you do anything for 21 days straight you are on the road to developing a habit. The rule is known as the 21/90 rule. Hit the gym for 21 straight days and then follow that up for another 90 days and you're off to a good start. This bodes true for both personal and professional goals. It also applies to both good and bad relationship habits. Sadly, there are some … [Read more...]
10 Signs Unresolved Pain is Taking a Toll on Your Marriage
How do you know that unresolved pain has taken over and your marriage is suffering? It’s not very difficult. The most important part of making this assessment is the ability for you and your spouse to be completely honest with yourselves. 10 Signs Unresolved Pain is Taking a Toll on Your Marriage In this article: How unresolved pain shows up 10 signs unresolved pain … [Read more...]
6 Behaviors to Avoid When Dealing With Conflict in Your Marriage
Have you wondered, in the heat of a battle, what you were really fighting about? When it comes to conflict in your marriage, it’s not usually the surface issue you're discussing. The inner work begins the moment you are able to go beneath the surface and uncover what it is that really bothers you about what’s happening. 6 Behaviors to Avoid When Dealing With Conflict in Your … [Read more...]
Practice These 5 Communication Levels to Boost the Intimacy in Your Marriage
We know communication is vital to any relationship. Communication is the heart of the human connection. It can be verbal, or it can be nonverbal. Either way, rest assured, communication exists whether you are saying anything or not. It is the pathway by which we get to know one another better. Our likes and dislikes, joys and sorrows, similarities and differences are all shared … [Read more...]
Is Your Marriage Struggling Because You Won’t Let Go?
Marriage is absolutely wonderful. It’s also incredibly hard. No matter how much you love your spouse, there will be rough patches—moments that you are struggling to survive. It’s inevitable. Any couple that tells you things are always rosy either hasn’t been married very long, or they are lying. Is Your Marriage Struggling Because You Won’t Let Go? Struggling to hold … [Read more...]
10 Very Specific Questions to Ask Your Spouse
You might be thinking your spouse doesn’t like being questioned. The truth is, not very many of us do. Each individual has their own communication style, including the way they listen, respond and process information. The majority of us have trouble processing information that arrives via nagging, negative energy or even too many questions. 10 Very Specific Questions to Ask … [Read more...]
Don’t Ask for Divorce! Ask These 20 Questions When Your Marriage is in Trouble
I usually receive really honest feedback from the articles I write for BMWK. I respond whenever I receive one of those “how can this help me now” comments from someone who thinks divorce is their only choice. When your marriage is in trouble, divorce is the nuclear option but there are many questions that should be asked before you hit that button. Ask these 20 Questions When … [Read more...]
6 Critical Questions to Ask Before You Think About Divorce
I wish we lived in a world where everyone is happily married, but in real life, I know that is far from true. Many people are unhappily married and the reasons why are plentiful. Some unhappy marriages can turn into happy ones if both parties are willing to put in the work. Others will fail even if measures are taken to save what once was. Sadly, in some cases, divorce is … [Read more...]