When you’re married to a partner who finds it difficult to open up and communicate with you, you have to get creative. Verbally expressing what you’re feeling, what you need, and what matters most to you, doesn’t come naturally for everyone. So, while you can’t force your spouse to open up and talk to you about anything, you can encourage them by introducing activities and a … [Read more...]
Communication
5 Lessons Learned from Malcolm & Marie
The Netflix movie, Malcolm & Marie, surely gave us all a lot to talk about. Though the film was cinematically beautiful and the acting was stellar, it highlighted so many of the toxic relationship habits that typically destroy a couple. This drama also left us contemplating, what love should really look and feel like? There are quite a few relationship lessons in Malcolm … [Read more...]
How to Deal With a Jealous Spouse
There are some emotions that show up in a marriage that can be detrimental; jealousy is one of them. Couples must take notice of the signs of unhealthy jealousy and prepare to address them immediately, as well as be mindful of how it shows up and impacts a marriage. How to Deal With a Jealous Spouse Jealousy has several definitions. The first is feeling or showing envy … [Read more...]
Bad Relationship Advice: Why These 5 Phrases Hurt Our Marriages
You can't take relationship advice from just anyone. Bad marriage advice can come from anywhere. For the good of your marriage, be selective by only taking advice from those you trust, who love you, and who’ve demonstrated the key behaviors for their own relationship success. People can unintentionally steer you wrong with their thinking of what a good marriage looks like. And … [Read more...]
Preparing Your Marriage for Success in 2021
As this year comes to a close, it is important to reflect, not on what we lost but what we gained. 2020 was not a complete loss. Most marriages weathered the storm and are better than ever. And though there are others who still find themselves struggling, all hope is not lost. I ask you to join me in being hopeful about what’s to come, and together let’s all look forward to a … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Keep Your Spouse Encouraged During Difficult Times
Life as we know it is harder than it has ever been for many of us. You have to worry about making sure your job is secure, your family is healthy, and that you are practicing your self-care. When it comes to your spouse’s needs, you might be forgetting they too need some inspiration. In this article, we will explore 5 ways to keep your spouse encouraged during difficult … [Read more...]
5 Techniques for Cooling Down Your Anger Before You Unleash on Your Spouse
Anger, if it is not properly managed, can cause irreparable damage in your marriage. Though it is a common response when you don’t get what you want, you can’t let it control how you connect with your spouse. It is important to manage yourself and understand how to deal with an angry spouse. If you need a little guidance, keep reading for how to deal with an angry spouse and 5 … [Read more...]
Relationship Baggage: How It May Be Showing Up In Your Marriage and What to Do About It
Love isn’t always easy. Each partner brings their own set of past relationship baggage to a new relationship that includes their upbringing, life experiences, and the past. These things can either enhance or hinder you as a partner. The imprint left by an ex-partner can get in the way of having a successful marriage. If you are wondering how your relationship baggage may be … [Read more...]
How Would You Rate Your Marriage? Happy or Troubled?
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...]
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...]