Do you often get stuck in the middle of family fights? It’s challenging to be pulled into a conflict of any kind, but especially when it’s family. Maybe there’s conflict between your spouse and a family member or disagreements between relatives. Your family trusts you as a mediator or voice of reason, but that might mean you play referee regularly. Getting stuck in a family fight means you feel pressured to pick sides. But when it comes to our own families, we rarely have objectivity. You love the people on both sides of the conflict, you want them to get…
Is your spouse a different person when you visit their family? Sometimes, when visiting family or old friends, we revert to a version of ourselves that no one else recognizes. It’s like regressing into a past role. If your spouse seems almost unrecognizable at holidays and family gatherings, they may be playing back a version of themselves that you’ve never seen. Do gatherings with the in-laws transform your spouse into a different person? If this sounds familiar, then this article is for you. Let’s get into it. Connect With Secret “Codes” Sometimes, holidays at the in-laws’ can leave you feeling…
Parenting should be a team effort. But what happens when your spouse undermines you–especially in front of the kids? Raising and disciplining children are important joint responsibilities you and your spouse share. As a united front, the two of you are guiding your children toward what you hope will be a productive and successful adulthood. However, sometimes couples with kids get out of sync. Maybe your spouse has a habit of undermining you in front of your children when you’re trying to offer guidance or dole out discipline. How should you respond to that? Is it possible to get back…
Should spouses agree on everything? When you love someone, you naturally want them to agree with you in all areas. Unfortunately, that’s not realistic. No matter how compatible two people are, they will never align on every issue. It’s normal to crave full agreement from your spouse, especially when it comes to the issues that matter most to you. But when you cross the line from simply desiring agreement to trying to force it, problems can arise in your marriage. If disagreements with your spouse make you feel anxious, keep reading–let’s talk about it. Love Allows for Individuality First, when…
If you’re unhappy in your marriage, should you stay together for the kids? Marital satisfaction ebbs and flows over the course of a lifetime. It’s common for spouses to go through seasons where they don’t feel as close to one another–or might even feel like roommates. Many couples with children who experience these dry seasons find themselves wondering whether they should stay together for the kids’ sake. Are you experiencing a season of distance from one another? Do your kids feel like the only thing you have in common right now? If that sounds familiar, there’s hope. Refocus on Your…
When is the right time to start dating again after divorce? If you’ve gone through a divorce, you know the emotional upheaval that comes with this season. Now that the dust has settled, you may be thinking about dating again. But how long should you wait? How soon is too soon? There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer First, there’s no one answer that fits every situation. Some people may feel comfortable with dating again fairly quickly after a divorce. On the other hand, some might wait for years. Your choice to date again depends on your situation, your wellbeing, and your experience….
Have you and your spouse ever experienced a dry season? Do you feel more like roommates than husband and wife? If you’ve felt like you’re leading separate lives lately, there’s still hope. Marriage goes through many seasons over time. There will be periods in your life that feel less intimate than others. On the other hand, you’ll also experience times when you feel closer than ever. If you and your spouse are living through a season of disconnection, it’s important to find ways to come back together. Let’s explore some important things you and your spouse can do to get…
Do you and your spouse celebrate your marriage throughout the year? Anniversaries are wonderful times to reflect on your relationship. But we encourage you to celebrate each other all year long. These celebrations can look however you want them to, and give you something to look forward to in the midst of the mundane. If you’re ready to celebrate the life you’ve created together, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re sharing some tips to help you get started. Your marriage deserves to be celebrated, so let’s jump right in. Don’t Wait for Typical “Special Occasions” You don’t have…
Do you want to be a better spouse? Setting out to improve your marriage requires self-awareness and a willingness to correct unhealthy patterns. It requires humility and dedication. Whatever state of health your marriage is in, you can always find ways to be a better husband or wife. Wondering what you can do to improve your marriage? We’ve gathered some practical answers to help you start on the right path. Let’s jump in. Ask Your Spouse One of the most enlightening things you can do to be a better spouse is simply asking how! Try asking your husband or wife,…
Depression is the most common emotional struggle people face. Different individuals experience it in different ways, and it can range from mild to severe. Because depression varies so widely, it can sometimes be difficult to identify. So let’s say your spouse hasn’t been acting like themselves lately. Maybe their demeanor seems downtrodden, or they aren’t interested in things they used to enjoy. Could your spouse be depressed? If so, how can you help them through this challenging time? Common Signs of Depression First, it’s important to educate yourself about depression so you can better support your spouse. Depression can vary…