Oct 22
Love16

How to Support a Depressed Spouse and Regain a Joyful Relationship

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection One Comment

I love my husband but he has depression and I’m tired of the ups and downs. Can you help? Depression is one of the most challenging things a couple can experience together. It steals joy and peace from the marriage by robbing one spouse’s happiness and peace of mind. This has a profound effect on the spouse without depression, and often results in tension and unhappiness in the marriage relationship if not dealt with appropriately. Supporting a depressed spouse and coping with his or her condition can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. Be sure to prioritize self-care, and do…

Read More
Oct 20
Love19

3 Ways the Comparison Trap Can Kill Your Marriage

By Communication, Self Reflection, Time 6 Comments

Comparison is a trap and a dangerous gauge for the health of our lives and relationships. It’s often based on partial truths and unattainable reality. Most of us know this, yet we all do it. And thanks to social media, highlights, and sound bytes flooding our daily moments, we step willingly into the comparison trap early and often in our days. The problem with comparison is that we tend to do it under the influence of extreme emotions or insecurities. A fight with your spouse can simultaneously shout a lie that every other marriage is perfect. Swing to the other…

Read More
Oct 15
Love23

FREE Companion Resources When You PRE-ORDER Today

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Scripture, Self Reflection, Time No Comments

We’re giving it all away! The ultimate package for a great marriage We are excited to officially announce here on the blog the release of the newly expanded edition of our best-selling book, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Seven Questions to Ask Before–and After–You Marry. This book has sold millions of copies, and the revamped edition hits shelves on October 27. When you pre-order it, you’ll get all the companion resources for free! The pre-order freebies are a collection of relationship products that we’ve put together over the years, and we’re giving them all away! It’s the ultimate package…

Read More
Oct 13
Love14

What Every Wife Should Know About Her Husband

By Communication, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection No Comments

The differences between men and women are significant, so much so that those inherent gender-based qualities often cause the greatest tension in a marriage relationship. Knowing the key needs of the opposite sex allows a person to understand his or her spouse better, and therefore operate with more patience and peace. A few weeks ago, we talked about the three things that every husband should know about his wife. Today, we’re examining the flipside: the three things that every wife should know about her husband. No one plays as significant a role in meeting a man’s unique needs as his…

Read More
Oct 08
Love8

Are ALL things permissible in the bedroom?

By Communication No Comments

Would God disapprove of anything that we do in the privacy of our home sexually? You and your spouse are incredibly blessed; you get to experience God’s gift of sexual intimacy within your marriage. Making love with your husband or wife can be an adventure, more amazing than you ever dreamed. If you’re engaged but not yet married, you’re probably looking forward to marriage with great anticipation of this almost incomprehensible freedom together. Once you’re married, though, you might wonder what rules God has placed around sex within marriage. What’s OK to do, and what’s not? Are there sexual acts…

Read More
Oct 06
Love11

3 Ways to Fight For Your Wife Daily

By Communication, Conflict One Comment

The call of a husband is a mighty one: to sacrificially love their wives, the Bible says, as Christ loved the church. What exactly does that mean, and how does it practically play out day in and day out? It is innate in men to love and protect, no matter the cost. Most men would go to battle for their wives–likely even die for them. But what does it look like to fight for your wife daily? In order to win the war, men, you must engage daily in the battle for your wife’s love. It’s a kind of sacrifice…

Read More
Oct 01
Love13

Is Living Together Before Marriage OK?

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family One Comment

Living Together Before Marriage? In Biblical days, My fiance and I would be married. What are the differences? Cohabitation is very common these days, and many couples find themselves asking whether they should “test out” their relationships before they get married by moving in together. Conventional wisdom suggests that it makes sense, but research shows otherwise. In this video, we discuss some of the research findings surrounding unmarried couples who live together, versus couples who married before they shared a home. Did you and your spouse wait until marriage to live together? If you lived together before marriage, how did…

Read More
Sep 29
Love22

10 Ways to Pray for Your Wife

By Communication, In-laws & Family, Time One Comment

Your wife is a gift. She blesses you with love, companionship, help, and plenty of fun. As the spiritual leader of your family, you are responsible for guiding her (and any children you may have) in God’s path. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” A major part of your role as husband and spiritual leader is covering your wife in prayer. Through prayer, you have an avenue directly to God; you can approach Him at any time on her behalf. Here are 10 ways you can pray for…

Read More
Sep 24
Love8

Initiating Intimacy: Is it OK to Ask My Husband for Sex?

By Communication One Comment

Why do I feel cheap asking my husband for sex? How do I get over it? Transitioning from your role as an unmarried young woman to being a wife is often challenging; suddenly, you’re in a more vulnerable place than you’ve ever been. It can be difficult for some wives to seek out and initiate intimacy with their husbands, but it’s important to start getting out of your comfort zone. In this video, we discuss the importance of approaching your husband to initiate sex, even though it may feel a little awkward for you at first. You’ll let him know…

Read More
Sep 22
Love14

5 Ways to Overcome Unmet Expectations

By Communication 2 Comments

The trash is overflowing. The check engine light has been on for weeks. The dishes are piling up. You have a free night coming up and no plans have been made. You thought marriage would fix your problems, yet you find them magnified. Phones, emails, and text messages rule over conversation and quality time. Expectations. We all carry them, and never more so than in the context of marriage. They can be powerful, but can also go very wrong. When they are realistic and communicated in a healthy context, you will typically find a marriage that is thriving. When unmet,…

Read More