My Spouse Says I Work Too Much, But I Have to Provide. How Do I Respond?

My Spouse Says I Work Too Much, But I Have to Provide. How Do I Respond?

By Careers, Time No Comments

Are you married to your job? This is a common issue in many marriages. Maybe one spouse owns a business that consumes them, or their 9-5 job is so demanding that they might as well live there. Still, you have to continue providing for your family, so you keep pushing forward. Does this sound like you? Workaholism can cause your spouse to feel sidelined, at best. As you devote most of your time to work, they’re forced to pick up your slack at home. And if you previously spent a lot of time together, they likely resent the current situation….

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How to Grow Your Faith Together During a Dark Season

By Intimacy, Scripture One Comment

Every couple goes through dark seasons. Sometimes, you’re facing tragedy or loss. Other times, you may be going through a personal faith crisis. Difficult life circumstances like death, job loss, and financial crisis can put a strain on faith. The dark season that ensues can be very difficult to navigate. There will be times when both of you are on this journey. But sometimes, one of you bears the brunt of the struggle. How do you continue to grow your faith together, as a couple, in the midst of a dark season? Let This Experience Grow Your Faith First, reframe…

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My Spouse is Disengaged from Our Marriage. What Can I Do?

By Marriage 3 Comments

Is your spouse disengaged from your marriage? When one of you disengages from your relationship, the marriage itself stops thriving. In turn, that can cause the other spouse to feel lonely and stuck. Living in this dynamic for years can eventually lead to the end of a marriage. Does this sound familiar to you? If you’re unsure how to respond, we’ve gathered some suggestions to help you get started. Signs Your Spouse is Disengaged First, let’s take a look at some general signs your spouse has disengaged from your relationship. Your spouse… Has become withdrawn Doesn’t seem to want to…

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My Spouse Makes Me Feel Awful About Myself. How Should I Respond?

My Spouse Makes Me Feel Awful About Myself. How Should I Respond?

By Conflict, Marriage 3 Comments

Does your spouse make you feel bad about yourself from time to time? Feeling hurt by something your spouse has said or done is heartbreaking. You’ve tried your best to keep them happy, but they still seem to find something critical to say. Your self-esteem might have taken a blow, or you might be feeling hopeless about your situation. It’s possible for the most well-meaning spouses to hurt one another’s feelings on occasion. That’s bound to happen over the course of a long life together. But what happens when your spouse’s criticism makes you feel badly about yourself? Humans Need…

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Do Married Couples Have to Enjoy the Same Hobbies?

Do Married Couples Have to Enjoy the Same Hobbies?

By Marriage, Recreation 2 Comments

Do married couples have to enjoy the same hobbies? What if they don’t? Maybe you and your spouse find yourselves drawn toward different hobbies and recreational activities. And the longer you’ve been together, the fewer shared activities you enjoy. Your energy levels or interests may be completely out of alignment, and you’re wondering what that means about your marriage. Let’s say you want to go hiking or trail riding together, but your spouse’s idea of fun is more like spending a quiet afternoon fishing or taking a nap. They appreciate quiet closeness, while you want a companion to go on…

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My Spouse Filed For Divorce After Decades. What Do I Do Now?

My Spouse Filed For Divorce After Decades. What Do I Do Now?

By Marriage, Self Reflection 6 Comments

What do you do when your spouse leaves after decades of marriage? Divorce is an intensely painful and difficult experience at any stage of marriage. But if you were married for many years before your spouse left, you’re likely reeling. Maybe this divorce was completely unexpected and unwanted–and it has devastated you. You had dreams and plans for your future–and you believed you and your spouse would share those dreams together. Instead, you’re struggling to keep your head above water. You no longer know how to define your life so you can move forward. The truth is, you’re living through…

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Help! We Want More Emotional Intimacy in Our Marriage

Help! We Want More Emotional Intimacy in Our Marriage

By Intimacy, Marriage 2 Comments

Are you craving more emotional intimacy in your marriage? Emotional intimacy comes from the sense that you and your spouse truly know one another at the deepest level. You understand each other’s fears and both feel safe enough to be completely vulnerable. And the more you can let down your guard with one another, the greater intimacy you share. Maybe you feel like you and your spouse are lacking the level of emotional intimacy you ultimately want for your relationship. One of both of you might be struggling with vulnerability. Or, maybe you don’t feel as close as you used…

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My Spouse Is Afraid To Get Counseling. What Now?

By Marriage, Self Reflection One Comment

If your spouse won’t go to counseling with you, what can you do? Let’s say you and your spouse have been going through a difficult time. Maybe you’re dealing with some differences or problems that have been hard to overcome. You think that seeing a licensed counselor would benefit both of you (and your marriage), but your spouse is either afraid to go, or refuses altogether. First, remember that you can’t make your spouse seek help. You can encourage it, but ultimately, going to see a therapist or counselor is their choice. Even if you wholeheartedly believe that a counselor…

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I’m Married to a Control Freak. What Do I Do?

By Conflict, Marriage 3 Comments

Is your spouse a control freak? Being in a relationship with a controlling person–especially a marriage–can be quite a challenge. No one knows that better than you do. Before we jump in, the first thing you need to know is that there’s hope, and it’s possible for your spouse to get a handle on their controlling tendencies. First, you need a little more insight into what factors might be driving their controlling nature. You’ll also need some tools for communicating with them. And of course, they’ll need to keep an open heart. I (Les) admit that I’m a recovering control…

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My Spouse is a Sex Addict. Is There Any Hope for Our Marriage?

My Spouse is a Sex Addict. Is There Any Hope for Our Marriage?

By Intimacy, Marriage 3 Comments

Sex addiction, pornography, and associated behaviors can threaten even the most solid marriages. Even when a spouse admits the problem and it’s out in the open, it can rattle the foundation of your relationship. The fear, pain, and sense of betrayal sex addiction creates for the affected spouse is profound. For the purpose of this article, let’s assume your spouse has been struggling with sex addiction, has admitted it, and is willing to get help. Maybe they’re already seeing a therapist or attending a support group. You may feel a sense of relief that they’re getting help, but you’re also…

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