Sometimes people become complacent in their marriage. They think that their relationship isn’t all that fun or exciting, but it is comfortable. This can often happen after a few years of marriage. People choose to deal with this feeling differently. Some people separate believing that the grass is greener somewhere else. Other people accept mediocrity. […]
When you have a problem, how do you tackle solving it? Research shows that men and women tend to tackle problem solving from different approaches. Women tend to take a more emotion-focused approach while men take a more problem-focused approach. Think of the last time you were distressed. Perhaps you were angry with a co-worker […]
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Many people talk about creating a bucket list that includes all the things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” However, many people set out with individual goals they want to reach. Others resign themselves to the fact that they won’t ever reach the goals and dreams they once had and they consider […]
Dealing with depression can be difficult for any couple. If your spouse has been diagnosed with depression, it is important to take action to help your marriage. Just like if your spouse were diagnosed with a physical health problem, it is important to educate yourself if your spouse is diagnosed with a mental illness. Learning […]
It is healthy to have a certain level of autonomy in every relationship. However, sometimes when a marriage is not going well, people decide to increase their independence. At times, this increased independence can be confused with disconnecting from the marriage. Independence in a relationship means you have taken personal responsibility for your own happiness. […]
It is important to take responsibility for your own feelings and behaviors. It is equally important not to feel responsible for your spouse’s feelings and behaviors. Keeping these rules in perspective will help set healthy boundaries for your marriage. If you have difficulty controlling your anger, it isn’t your spouse’s fault. Even if your partner behaves […]
It’s important to distinguish the difference between angry behaviors and abusive behaviors. Anger is a natural and normal feeling. However, the behaviors people exhibit when they feel angry may or may not be acceptable. Abuse should not be tolerated. The underlying reasons for angry behaviors and abusive behaviors are different. When people are angry they […]
Sometimes couples don’t ever really take stock of how much complaining they do to one another. It’s imperative to periodically review your communication style and strengths as well as your weaknesses. If much of your communication includes complaints, it is important to change this. Complaining is necessary sometimes. However, if too much of your communication […]
Part of being married to someone means that your spouse will get on your nerves sometimes. Some of their habits are likely to annoy you. How you respond when you feel annoyed, makes a big difference in your marriage. Something important to remember when you feel annoyed by your spouse is that you annoy your […]
Have you ever noticed how marriages can be very different? Some couples treat each other like royalty. Other couples tend to complain about their spouse and act as if their marriage is a nuisance. It can be helpful to take a look around at the marriages around you and learn from them. People who are […]
Arguments can be productive to a marriage when they are done right. When they aren’t done right, they can damage the marriage. Learning to evaluate your arguments and your role in them can help you establish a plan to make them more productive. During an argument, do either of you end up feeling hurt? If […]
There are times that it may make sense to give up the fight and not argue. If you’ve brought it up to your partner in the past and nothing changes, can you accept that your partner may not change? Sometimes small disagreements continue over and over again yet nothing changes, and the arguments continue. Denise […]
Many conflicts arise out of fear. Identifying what these fears are can be helpful in establishing a solution. This can help you determine a course of action to address your fears while also working toward meeting your partner’s needs. When you disagree with your partner, ask yourself, “What am I afraid will happen if I […]
It can be easy to get stuck in a rut. A couple’s calendar may be filled with the same activities month after month. Maybe each evening looks the same and each weekend looks like the last. Although there is a certain amount of comfort that comes with predictability, it can also become boring. It takes […]
Have you ever thought about what would be different if your marriage was great? What would you be doing differently? How would you be interacting differently with your spouse? The answers to these questions are very important and can be helpful in determining strategies to improve your marriage. If your marriage was better would you be […]
Unemployment can be a big stressor for anyone. The stress can create marital problems if it is not handled appropropriately. If you become unemployed, it’s essential that you learn how to manage yourself and your stress so that you don’t create more stress for your partner. When people lose their job, they often become disoriented. […]
Couples who struggle to resolve problems can benefit greatly from brainstorming. Although brainstorming was first invented for use in the business world, it has been found to be effective with relationships as well. Brainstorming can be used for a variety of issues and can ensure that both people are able to express their ideas. Brainstorming […]
Are you able to sit with your partner without doing anything at all? Can you shut off the television, computer and phone and just sit and be together? Many couples find it difficult to just be together with each other. Do you and your spouse often invite friends or other family members to join you […]
Lack of sexual desire can be caused by several different factors. Physical health problems, mental health problems, and substance abuse are some of the most common reasons people lack sexual sexual desire. Lack of sexual desire can be very damaging to a marriage so it is important to explore what the causes may be. Some […]
