People often adopt a reaction to stress when they’re kids, and the patterns continue into adulthood. But couples can learn to discuss nine points to deepen their understanding of each other.
Marital Communication
Marriage requires making room for someone else in your life. To add this relationship to your life requires letting go of some of your other commitments and giving your spouse priority consideration.
Uncover the lie that distorts true marital unity
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes “Why can’t you care about how I feel?” My wife, Erin, was in tears as she stormed out of the bedroom. Not a great start to our evening together. She’d already been crying in the bathroom when I got home from work. I asked Erin what was wrong, and she …
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes I stood in line to board the airplane, wondering if I should say something to the woman behind me whose conversation I could hear. As a social researcher, I often overhear strangers wondering about a question I’ve studied: Why do men do that? Most of the time, I resist the …
Although he wasn’t willing to admit it at first, Dr. Greg Smalley felt that God was making him aware of how selfishness causes issues in his marriage. Greg shares some of the things he’s learned.
For so many couples, Christmas and the gift-giving experience can move from feelings of anticipation to disappointment. The Palmers share ways to turn frustrating exchanges into opportunities.
Each day Steve was able to give his cancer diagnosis to God and experience a genuine peace in acceptance. This allowed him to come together with his wife, Pat, emotionally and spiritually.
Couples with military training often show composure in tough times. But that strength can mask the needs of real people who long to be open with each other. Marriages suffer if these needs aren’t met.
Learn how to avoid an angry marriage by memorizing these six verses and asking God to remind you of them when you’re tempted to lash out at your spouse.
It is Christ alone who gives us the power to love others in a committed way.
Emotions are like the dash lights in your car. They’re not the problem; they’re simply trying to tell you something.
When we feel threatened, we build emotional walls that don’t allow our spouse into the deepest parts of our hearts and minds. The emotional distance can cause marital problems.
Marriages only thrive as each spouse accepts responsibility for the impact of their own disappointments, fears and priorities on the relationship.
In blended families, conflicts often run deeper than the surface issues. Letting go of the past and establishing trust through open communication is vital to building a healthy marriage and family.
If we want our marriage partnership to be beautiful, meaningful and lasting, then we ought to be living out God’s grace by extending it. And that means building each other up one word at a time.
Pain and confusion accompany job loss. When my husband lost his job, I understood the severity of the situation. Rejections and closed doors shook our confidence and even challenged our faith.
Homecoming is fraught with emotion and expectation. Ensure a smoother transition for growing together after being apart that includes the simple joys of family and clear, steady communication.
A mentor is someone you can turn to for wisdom and support — and someone who can help you make the most of your marriage.
One couple learned to restore the joy in their relationship with a visit to the National Institute of Marriage.