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Self Reflection

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5 Ways to Become More Self-Giving in Marriage

By Marriage, Self Reflection No Comments

Being married means creating a new life with your spouse. This new life means you’ll have to leave old patterns behind, especially selfish behavior. To build a successful and happy marriage, you and your spouse will both need to be more self-giving. So how can you become more self-giving in your marriage? In this article, we’re sharing five things you can do to become more selfless, and build a happier marriage as a result. 1. Consider Your Spouse First The first step toward being more self-giving in your marriage is to consider your spouse’s needs and preferences first. This doesn’t…

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Why Self-Examination is Essential to Marital Success

Why Self-Examination is Essential to Marital Success

By Self Reflection 2 Comments

Do you spend time examining yourself to become a better person, friend, and spouse? Being willing to examine ourselves ultimately makes us better individuals and partners. It’s not just essential to marital success; it’s important in every aspect of your life. However, marriage is the most important relationship your self-examination (or lack of it) will impact. Essentially, self-examination isn’t just about knowing yourself. It’s about being willing to continually revisit who you are and how you’ve changed over time. It’s also about being able to accept constructive criticism from your spouse and loved ones, and to learn from it. Know…

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My Spouse Is Unhappy In Our Marriage. Is This The End?

My Spouse Is Unhappy In Our Marriage. Is This The End?

By Marriage, Self Reflection 2 Comments

So your spouse is unhappy in your marriage. Is this the end of your relationship? It’s incredibly painful to learn that a spouse isn’t happy, no matter how long you’ve been married. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been together for decades, it’s heartbreaking to realize that your relationship might not be what you believed it was. Still, unhappiness–on your part, or on your spouse’s–doesn’t necessarily spell doom for your marriage. Wondering what you can do to course-correct the path you’re on? We’ve gathered some tips to help you get started. 1. Set Aside Some Time to Talk About Your Relationship…

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How to Find Harmony When Your Spiritual Beliefs Clash

By Intimacy, Self Reflection 4 Comments

These days, it seems we all have busy lives. Because of this, it can be a challenge to find spiritual harmony in your marriage–particularly if you and your spouse were raised in different faith traditions. Maybe you each want to find your own path toward spiritual growth, but you’re feeling a bit of a clash in your relationship. Whatever your situation, it’s possible to grow spiritually as a couple. It’s possible to find that deep meaning you’re both seeking, and you can do that together. Let’s talk about what that might look like. Seek Shared Spiritual Intimacy Rather than trying…

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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 9 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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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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Why Your Marriage Needs a Year in Review

Reflecting Together: Why Your Marriage Needs a “Year in Review”

By Marriage, Self Reflection One Comment

With the New Year approaching, it’s common to look ahead to the future. But having a “year in review” with your spouse is also important. Have you ever looked back at the past year together? Looking backward can give you both a sense of perspective. What things went well this year? What didn’t work out for you? What were you hoping the past year would bring? Did those things come to pass, or did life take a turn in its own direction? However the year went for you, it can be helpful to take some time to reflect together. Ultimately,…

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My Husband Says I'm Too Sensitive.

My Husband Says I’m Too Sensitive. How Do I Change It?

By Marriage, Self Reflection 3 Comments

“You’re just being sensitive.” Does that phrase ring a bell? Many women, whether married or not, have been told they’re too sensitive at some time or other. The reasons and scenarios vary. Maybe you’re feeling upset about a disagreement or an unmet expectation. Your spouse might have criticized you. Or, you might feel that your efforts for them have fallen short. Can you relate? Regardless of the reason, hearing someone say that you’re too sensitive hurts. After all, your feelings are very real. You deserve to be heard, right? Whatever the situation, it hurts when someone doesn’t relate to what…

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How to develop a positive attitude toward marriage

How to Develop a Positive Attitude Toward Marriage

By Marriage, Self Reflection 2 Comments

Do you feel skeptical, cynical, or negative toward marriage? Do you think happily ever after isn’t an option? Whether you’re single or already married, it’s possible that you hold a negative attitude toward marriage. Maybe you grew up in a family where divorce was common, or you weren’t exposed to what a healthy marriage should look like. Perhaps you are already married, but fear it won’t last. If you’re single or dating, you might feel apprehensive about considering marriage. If you’re married, your negative feelings might come out as cynical jokes, hurtful comments, or a generally bad attitude. Either way,…

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My Spouse Has An Addiction – What Can I Do?

By Marriage, Self Reflection 6 Comments

Does your spouse have an addiction? Wondering what you can do for them? If your spouse is addicted to a substance such as alcohol or prescription drugs, then they may have asked you to help them overcome their struggles. They might expect you to keep the reality of their addiction secret. After all, addiction can be damaging in many ways–not just to relationships and finances, but to reputations, too. Unfortunately, if this sounds familiar, your spouse is asking you to enable their addiction. When you keep your spouse’s problem a secret and don’t seek outside help, you’re depriving yourself of…

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