Category

Marriage

Jun 12
4

How to Infuse Gratitude into Your Relationship

By | Marriage | 4 Comments

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust Gratitude is one of the few things in a marriage that can instantly and measurably improve a couple’s relationship. The benefits of gratitude are calculable and act as a booster shot for romance. When you are in a romantic rut, try infusing your relationship with a little gratitude. When you do this, you’ll become more elevated, energized and inspired to love better. So, are you ready to add more gratitude to your relationship? Chances are we…

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Jun 05
11

Practical Ways to Affirm Your Spouse

By | Communication, Marriage | 5 Comments

Chances are you are tuned in to your spouse’s self-esteem and notice when they are feeling vulnerable. When you spot this trait in your partner ask yourself, “Where is my spouse feeling most vulnerable right now, and what can I do to help build them up and affirm who they are?” There are practical ways you can boost your partner’s confidence. It can be easy to get stuck in somewhat of a rut (like complimenting how your partner looks every-single-day by saying “you look nice”). Don’t get us wrong, complimenting your partner’s looks are important, however there are other ways…

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May 29
8

Four Communication Barriers and How to Spot Them

By | Communication, Conflict, Marriage | 10 Comments

Silence is a powerful communicator. Whenever we see a marriage that is slowly disintegrating, it’s usually followed by the couple concluding “they can’t communicate” or “they don’t talk anymore.” These couples believe that their non-talking is a lack of communication. When in fact it’s the opposite. When you don’t talk, silence sends a surplus of negative messages. Silence is powerful in its own way. Silence is not the cause of poor communication – the fear of pain is. It’s human nature to seek pleasure and avoid pain. The truth is people actually avoid pain first, then seek pleasure. And under…

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May 22
8

Three Tips for Cultivating Lifelong Love

By | Communication, Marriage | 9 Comments

Lifelong love does not happen by chance. It’s an art that must be learned, practiced and honed. Every successful marriage is the result of two people working together to diligently and skillfully cultivate their love. It takes intention, and is well worth the work. So how can you reach a level of ultimate love in your relationship? Today, we are sharing three tips that will help you and your partner build heartfelt and prevailing love. When you combine passion, intimacy, and commitment, you will be well on your way to a growing and flourishing a healthy marriage and lifelong love….

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May 15
6

Solving Six Common Saboteurs in Marriage: Part Two

By | Communication, Conflict, Marriage | 2 Comments

Last week, we started our 2-part series on common saboteurs in marriage and how to stop them in their tracks. Most marriages will likely fall victim to one of these sneaky attacks at some time or the other. They tiptoe into our marriages without a sound, and can go undetected until they have already made a mark. However, there are ways you and your partner can fight these saboteurs. Today, we are picking back up on our series and discussing the final three: drift, debt, and pain from the past. Let’s dive in. Saboteur Four: Drift Many couples complain, and…

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May 08
14

Solving Six Common Saboteurs in Marriage: Part One

By | Communication, Marriage | 7 Comments

Have you ever wondered to yourself, if this marriage is supposed to be so good, why do I sometimes feel so bad? If so, your marriage has probably fallen victim to one of several predictable sneak attacks. These sneaky saboteurs creep up on us and slowly drift into our relationship without so much as a whisper. And before we know it, we have fallen victim. In our two-part series, we are exposing six common saboteurs in marriage and how to combat them. This week, we want to dive in on the first three: busyness, irritation and boredom, and how you…

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May 01
8

The Benefits of Adventure in Your Relationship

By | Marriage, Recreation, Time | 6 Comments

“The pleasure which we most rarely experience gives us greatest delight” – Epictetus Most couples tend to play it safe when it comes to adventure and trying new things. Life is going along ok and you are making it, you’ve found an easy groove in life and love – so why change it? Eventually, if you’re not mindful about the groove you are in, it will become a rut. You can’t cross the sea by staring at the water. Adventure requires that you jump into the experience. Dopamine in the brain is essential to happiness. As we age we lose…

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Apr 17
5

Navigating Unspoken Rules and Unconscious Roles

By | Communication, Marriage | 2 Comments

Do you know that you live by an invisible rule book? You may not even know you have it, but all of us do. You likely have harbored unspoken rules of what a great marriage should look since before you were married. And along those lines, chances are you have an idea of what roles you and your spouse should play once you are married. Without knowing it, couples are drawn into acting out roles they form from a blend of their personal dispositions, family backgrounds and marital expectations. For many couples, this can be a big speed bump in…

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Mar 13
6

The Importance of Spiritual Intimacy

By | Communication, Marriage, Scripture, Self Reflection | 3 Comments

Spiritual intimacy is one of the most important, yet least talked about aspects of marital health. There are countless studies that show how important it is to share a spiritual bond. This intimacy encompasses your deepest core values, your mission and your passion for life. Spiritual intimacy in a relationship is developed through your activities together, such as attending church. However, it’s also a direct reflection of your journey inside as well. Your spiritual activities are external, while your spiritual values are internal and part of the core of who you are. These go hand in hand. Attending church together…

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Mar 06
2

Balancing Your Head and Heart: What to Do If You Are a Sympathizer

By | Communication, Marriage, Self Reflection | 5 Comments

“Our nervous systems are constructed to be captured by the nervous systems of others, so that we can experience others as if from within their skin.” – Daniel Stern Are you a natural sympathizer? If you answered yes, you likely find yourself rushing to the aid of your spouse, or others, when they are in need. Or, at least when you think they are in need. But are they? People with sympathetic personalities are much more inclined to let their feelings guide them than others. Their hearts take precedence over their heads. In certain situations, this is a very valuable…

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