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

By Conflict, Marriage 4 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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How to Show Love in a Busy Marriage

By Marriage, Time No Comments

It’s no secret that life can be hectic and fast-paced. As you each rush from one obligation to another, it can become more and more difficult to pause and show love to one another in the ways you both need. In the midst of the daily grind, it’s easy to become short or impatient with your spouse. Rushing through life can lead not only to impatience, but outright unkindness with one another. You might not mean to be unkind, but it can happen out of frustration if you aren’t careful. So how do the two of you stay loving while…

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I Feel Dismissed in My Marriage

I Feel Dismissed in My Marriage. How Do I Speak Up?

By Communication One Comment

Do you feel dismissed in your marriage? Sometimes, married couples become so busy that one or both spouses may start to feel dismissed, unheard, or invisible. This can happen for many reasons. Most often, we become so busy with our lives and routines that we simply forget to slow down. Doing life at a breakneck pace can cause you to unintentionally lose sight of one another. If you don’t stay intentionally connected, then disconnection sneaks up on you over time. Eventually, one or both of you may begin to feel a sense of desperation to feel seen and known once…

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How to Give Your Marriage A Fresh Start in the New Year

How to Give Your Marriage A Fresh Start in the New Year

By Marriage One Comment

Does your marriage need a fresh start in the New Year? You can commit to renewing your love any time of year. But, the New Year is a great time to reflect on the recent past and set new priorities and goals for the future. If you want a fresh start in your marriage, this is the perfect time to set yourselves up for success. Every couple’s situation is unique. Still, we wanted to offer some general guidelines for the year ahead. If you’d like to reinvigorate your marriage, here are a few ways to begin. Start the Year With…

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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 2 Comments

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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Couple celebrating holidays

We Can’t Agree On Who to Visit for the Holidays. What Do We Do?

By In-laws & Family, Marriage No Comments

When you marry, your family grows–sometimes exponentially. An expanding family means that suddenly, you and your spouse might have many more holiday obligations than you can realistically commit to. If this happens, how do you decide who to visit during the holidays? Conflicts over who to visit during the holiday season are common among couples, especially newlyweds who are trying to create balance. Navigating and negotiating holiday visits can be stressful, so it’s important to approach the subject gently. You love one another and want to build new traditions for the family you’re creating. But, you also love celebrating your…

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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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We’re in a Season Of Grief. How Do I Stay Close To My Spouse?

By Marriage One Comment

Navigating a season of grief together is one of the most challenging things you’ll do as a couple. These seasons will come and go throughout your lifetime, and it’s important to decide how you want to handle them as a team. While things in life rarely play out the way we think they should, having a plan for sticking together during difficult times could help you to stay close. Grief can bring us closer together or drive us apart. During seasons of profound grief, it can impact the way we experience the world. Whether you’re both grieving or one of…

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My Spouse Cheated - And My In-Laws Knew. What Now?

My Spouse Cheated – And My In-Laws Knew. What Now?

By Conflict, In-laws & Family 2 Comments

Facing the pain of infidelity is one of the hardest things you may ever experience. You’re trying to come to terms with the fact that your spouse was hiding a major secret. That’s bad enough; but what if your in-laws knew about the affair? Unfortunately, many times people may know or suspect that a friend or family member is having an affair. Yet, they may not tell the innocent spouse. There are many reasons for this; maybe they don’t want to get involved, or maybe they’re afraid they’ve made a mistake. But when your family members know–especially your in-laws–that makes…

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