What, exactly, were you expecting when you got married? Did you expect marriage and your spouse to make you happy? Are you on the verge of stepping across the line into the world of marriage with your beloved? What do you expect when you get there? Are you expecting your “happily ever after?” If you’re…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/477b895e-3212-4a65-b3c1-7c4d47af2505-scaled-e1597345434859.jpg174450Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2019-09-26 09:02:182020-09-30 15:39:06What If My Marriage Doesn’t Make Me Happy?
“When will I be old enough to date?” – the question many parents dread. You've known it was coming, but you also realize you are crossing over into a whole new world with lots of moving parts, plenty of which you cannot control. You may reply sarcastically, “When you’re 30!” Or, you may try to be a bit more realistic and really wrestle with the right age for your child to date, which may be different depending on the child.A study published in The Journal o…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/natalie-parham-yPvuYrJ7FGc-unsplash-e1597345544610.jpg175450Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-09-23 00:00:002022-03-04 13:39:08When Should Your Teen Date?
Learning how to lead in a new marriage is hard. Trust me. I’ve got the scratches to prove it! “WILL!! YOU’RE PUSHING ME UNDER A TREE!!!” It was at this moment I realized my husband and I should not have gotten in the same canoe on this family trip. You see, my husband (the most…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/bob-orchard-9v4FScFlTDg-unsplash-scaled.jpg13652048Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-08-19 08:49:312020-10-27 11:22:54Learning How to Lead (and knowing when not to) in A New Marriage
There is pretty much nothing more exciting and scary than thinking about crossing the threshold into your freshman year of college. Your parents won't be telling you what time to get up or that you need to study. You can stay out as late as you like with whomever you like.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/priscilla-du-preez-XkKCui44iM0-unsplash-e1583852252475.jpg6391280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-08-19 00:00:002022-02-18 16:16:19Tips for Getting Through Your Freshman Year of College
In July 2019, the 2019 State of our Unions: iFidelity: Interactive Technology and Relationship Faithfulness report revealed some interesting findings. These findings were about marital health and relationship attitudes/behaviors, both online and in real life, in America. The study dives deep into the impact of technology on faithfulness. According to the report, the internet has…
Considering these things can help you make a choice that's good for you.
Am I ready to be married… to this guy? Should I take the next step of marriage with her? Am I sure? Is he ready? We get along well, but his career isn’t off the ground yet. She and I have so much fun together. But she isn’t sure if she wants to live in…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/72d9129b-e34f-4047-89be-8fd38b5d98e4-scaled-e1601648498988.jpg218560Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2019-05-10 10:05:552022-03-03 12:13:45How to Know Whether We Should Get Engaged or Not
When planning for a wedding, often wedding vows either seem completely overlooked or a big source of stress from the start. Not only do you have to listen, remember, and repeat a bunch of words in front of hundreds of people, but people expect you to speak them flawlessly! (Side note, if you haven’t seen…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/9c32e752-9084-45d5-901a-658773220712-scaled.jpg14702048Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-05-03 12:29:452022-08-23 09:51:16The Death of Traditional Vows (& A Few Tips On Writing Your Own!)
*Note: I’m an early riser. Always have been, always will be. My husband, on the other hand… not so much. Being newlywed and trying to stick to a routine, I’ve learned to let him sleep until I’ve had my coffee, had my shower, and have start working on breakfast. And for about a month, it…
Your wedding day is one of the most stressful times of the engagement season. But there are things you can do the morning of your wedding to help you relax and enjoy the day! Picture this: For two years you’ve been planning this awesome party for all your friends and family to enjoy. You’ve got…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RrNIDLgB-1.jpeg6821024Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-04-22 13:07:412020-10-27 11:24:165 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 2)
These tips can help you care for yourself on the big day!
Wedding planning: The thing that everyone tells you to enjoy, but you more so feel like you’re drowning without a lifeline. BUT you’ve made it! You’ve finally arrived to the morning of your wedding day! It’s here! Now… what was that thing you HAD to tell your DJ today? And why have THREE people asked…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RrNIDLgB.jpeg6821024Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-04-22 13:04:062022-05-10 13:48:265 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 1)
“What are you thinking about?” “Nothing…” Sound familiar? Ever wonder what they’re really thinking about? Well, today, we’re going to find out. Usually, that “nothing,” actually means “nothing important,” and that can actually be a really fun place in their mind for you to see! It’s all about meaningless conversations! Ask any couple, anywhere, at…
5 Things Every Engaged Couple Should Know: 1. Marriage is a magnifier. Some couples think a bad habit or irritating trait will disappear after they say, “I do…” The reality is that marriage is a magnifier – both positively and negatively. See a little bit of this trait while dating or engaged? You’ll be seeing…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/alekon-pictures-yj4kwA4h_Ms-unsplash-3-scaled-e1583872325917.jpg9791707John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2019-04-02 12:42:402020-10-27 11:25:035 Things Every Engaged Couple Should Know
Dating after divorce or death can be complicated, especially if children are involved. As people navigate the world of dating and blending families, they’ve asked Ron Deal, stepfamily expert and author of Dating and the Single Parent, the following questions plenty of times: How soon is too soon to start dating? Should I introduce this…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/jonathan-j-castellon-be8AmxavYp8-unsplash.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-03-11 06:30:002020-10-09 13:36:26What Single Parents Need to Know About Dating
Over the last two decades there has been a steady increase in the number of couples choosing to live together before marriage, and many of them expect to make a commitment to each other. The catch is that a large number of them decide not to marry. The nagging question becomes, does marriage really make a difference in relationship quality over time? The Census Bureau reports that the percentage of cohabiting adults ages 25 to 34 increased from 12 percent a decade ago to 15 percent in 2018….
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/soroush-karimi-Mx5kwvzeGC0-unsplash-3.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-02-25 06:30:002020-10-13 15:16:39Before You Move in Together…
Keeping the focus on your future marriage can help you enjoy this time.
If you’re anything like me, I used to (literally) dream about the day that the love of my life would take a knee, spout off some poetry, and say those four long-awaited words that made up the question that would change my life forever: “Will you marry me?”
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/joshua-rodriguez-590892-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg13662048Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-02-15 15:34:522022-04-12 10:03:45Why Being Engaged Can Be A Terrible Season
Connect and fall in love all over again... by talking.
How do you know if love will last? Some say you don’t, that it’s just the luck of the draw. Many believe that the more a couple has in common, the more likely they will be compatible over time. Others say, not so fast. With more than 40 years of love and relationship research under…
Oh, Valentine’s Day – the one day a year it’s okay to wear pink and red together, tell total strangers you love them, and spend way too much money on chocolate. And don’t forget about celebrating your overwhelming, joyous love for your partner! Right? For so many couples, Valentine’s Day is more of a routine…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/freestocks-org-191995-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg13662048Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2019-02-05 11:07:002020-10-15 12:51:345 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Every Day
“Money, money, money. That’s all we seem to argue about.” “She spends too much money at the grocery store on stuff we don’t need.” “He always wants to eat out.” “She’s always buying new clothes.” “We’re not buying the furniture he wants. It costs too much.” “He won’t let me loan my sister a few…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/rupixen-com-Q59HmzK38eQ-unsplash.jpg8531280Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2019-01-28 11:09:032022-04-22 12:37:27Help! We fight about money all the time…
“I had no idea how much planning was involved in getting married,” remembers Amy Carter. “On top of surviving wedding planing, my fiancé and I were trying to sell my condo so I could move to Nashville. Fortunately, both of our families were very supportive of us as we planned for our big day. I…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/jon-asato-qOcyM8Jjj70-unsplash-1.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-09-27 00:00:002020-10-27 11:26:244 Keys to Help You Survive Wedding Planning
For many, the first week on the job is full of uncertainties, adjustments and even mistakes. Joining a new sports team or a band is sure to start off with some failed expectations, missed notes or assignments, too. I’ve worked at companies where I had an awful first week. But my time there ended up…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/tyler-nix-29DrUOrcq3c-unsplash.jpg19201280Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2018-09-14 09:55:352020-10-26 11:55:49Our honeymoon was awful. Will our marriage be awful, too?
What If My Marriage Doesn’t Make Me Happy?
What, exactly, were you expecting when you got married? Did you expect marriage and your spouse to make you happy? Are you on the verge of stepping across the line into the world of marriage with your beloved? What do you expect when you get there? Are you expecting your “happily ever after?” If you’re…
When Should Your Teen Date?
“When will I be old enough to date?” – the question many parents dread. You've known it was coming, but you also realize you are crossing over into a whole new world with lots of moving parts, plenty of which you cannot control. You may reply sarcastically, “When you’re 30!” Or, you may try to be a bit more realistic and really wrestle with the right age for your child to date, which may be different depending on the child.A study published in The Journal o…
Learning How to Lead (and knowing when not to) in A New Marriage
Learning how to lead in a new marriage is hard. Trust me. I’ve got the scratches to prove it! “WILL!! YOU’RE PUSHING ME UNDER A TREE!!!” It was at this moment I realized my husband and I should not have gotten in the same canoe on this family trip. You see, my husband (the most…
Tips for Getting Through Your Freshman Year of College
There is pretty much nothing more exciting and scary than thinking about crossing the threshold into your freshman year of college. Your parents won't be telling you what time to get up or that you need to study. You can stay out as late as you like with whomever you like.
How Technology Use Impacts Faithfulness
In July 2019, the 2019 State of our Unions: iFidelity: Interactive Technology and Relationship Faithfulness report revealed some interesting findings. These findings were about marital health and relationship attitudes/behaviors, both online and in real life, in America. The study dives deep into the impact of technology on faithfulness. According to the report, the internet has…
How to Know Whether We Should Get Engaged or Not
Am I ready to be married… to this guy? Should I take the next step of marriage with her? Am I sure? Is he ready? We get along well, but his career isn’t off the ground yet. She and I have so much fun together. But she isn’t sure if she wants to live in…
The Death of Traditional Vows (& A Few Tips On Writing Your Own!)
When planning for a wedding, often wedding vows either seem completely overlooked or a big source of stress from the start. Not only do you have to listen, remember, and repeat a bunch of words in front of hundreds of people, but people expect you to speak them flawlessly! (Side note, if you haven’t seen…
The One-Bathroom Apartment Dilemma
*Note: I’m an early riser. Always have been, always will be. My husband, on the other hand… not so much. Being newlywed and trying to stick to a routine, I’ve learned to let him sleep until I’ve had my coffee, had my shower, and have start working on breakfast. And for about a month, it…
5 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 2)
Your wedding day is one of the most stressful times of the engagement season. But there are things you can do the morning of your wedding to help you relax and enjoy the day! Picture this: For two years you’ve been planning this awesome party for all your friends and family to enjoy. You’ve got…
5 Things You HAVE To Do The Morning of Your Wedding (Part 1)
Wedding planning: The thing that everyone tells you to enjoy, but you more so feel like you’re drowning without a lifeline. BUT you’ve made it! You’ve finally arrived to the morning of your wedding day! It’s here! Now… what was that thing you HAD to tell your DJ today? And why have THREE people asked…
The Importance of MeaningLESS Conversations
“What are you thinking about?” “Nothing…” Sound familiar? Ever wonder what they’re really thinking about? Well, today, we’re going to find out. Usually, that “nothing,” actually means “nothing important,” and that can actually be a really fun place in their mind for you to see! It’s all about meaningless conversations! Ask any couple, anywhere, at…
5 Things Every Engaged Couple Should Know
5 Things Every Engaged Couple Should Know: 1. Marriage is a magnifier. Some couples think a bad habit or irritating trait will disappear after they say, “I do…” The reality is that marriage is a magnifier – both positively and negatively. See a little bit of this trait while dating or engaged? You’ll be seeing…
What Single Parents Need to Know About Dating
Dating after divorce or death can be complicated, especially if children are involved. As people navigate the world of dating and blending families, they’ve asked Ron Deal, stepfamily expert and author of Dating and the Single Parent, the following questions plenty of times: How soon is too soon to start dating? Should I introduce this…
Before You Move in Together…
Over the last two decades there has been a steady increase in the number of couples choosing to live together before marriage, and many of them expect to make a commitment to each other. The catch is that a large number of them decide not to marry. The nagging question becomes, does marriage really make a difference in relationship quality over time? The Census Bureau reports that the percentage of cohabiting adults ages 25 to 34 increased from 12 percent a decade ago to 15 percent in 2018….
Why Being Engaged Can Be A Terrible Season
If you’re anything like me, I used to (literally) dream about the day that the love of my life would take a knee, spout off some poetry, and say those four long-awaited words that made up the question that would change my life forever: “Will you marry me?”
8 Must-Have Conversations for Couples
How do you know if love will last? Some say you don’t, that it’s just the luck of the draw. Many believe that the more a couple has in common, the more likely they will be compatible over time. Others say, not so fast. With more than 40 years of love and relationship research under…
5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Every Day
Oh, Valentine’s Day – the one day a year it’s okay to wear pink and red together, tell total strangers you love them, and spend way too much money on chocolate. And don’t forget about celebrating your overwhelming, joyous love for your partner! Right? For so many couples, Valentine’s Day is more of a routine…
Help! We fight about money all the time…
“Money, money, money. That’s all we seem to argue about.” “She spends too much money at the grocery store on stuff we don’t need.” “He always wants to eat out.” “She’s always buying new clothes.” “We’re not buying the furniture he wants. It costs too much.” “He won’t let me loan my sister a few…
4 Keys to Help You Survive Wedding Planning
“I had no idea how much planning was involved in getting married,” remembers Amy Carter. “On top of surviving wedding planing, my fiancé and I were trying to sell my condo so I could move to Nashville. Fortunately, both of our families were very supportive of us as we planned for our big day. I…
Our honeymoon was awful. Will our marriage be awful, too?
For many, the first week on the job is full of uncertainties, adjustments and even mistakes. Joining a new sports team or a band is sure to start off with some failed expectations, missed notes or assignments, too. I’ve worked at companies where I had an awful first week. But my time there ended up…