The bride-to-be shared that it was only two weeks, four days and six hours until the wedding. Her eyes sparkled as she talked, and everyone could tell she was head over heels in love.Many brides who have gone before her know that feeling so well. They also know that starry-eyed love is not all you need to carry you through the marriage journey.What kind of advice would newlyweds give to engaged couples?One bride shared that she and her husband didn’t talk about finances before walking down…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/nellia-kurme-VI_j9A0-YxY-unsplash.jpg29141950Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-30 00:00:002022-04-22 12:57:39Tips from Newlyweds for a Happy, Healthy Marriage
When it comes to romancing your mate for special holidays like Valentine's Day or birthdays, some couples have a head start on the celebration. Why? They've discovered that making regular time for each other is linked to lots of relationship benefits.According to The Date Night Opportunity, a 2012 report released by the National Marriage Project, couples who manage to devote time specifically to one another at least once a week:Are markedly more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/hannah-busing-xfKEy_6x4pw-unsplash.jpg13652048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-30 00:00:002020-11-30 12:56:06How Date Night Can Boost Your Relationship
In his book, Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married, Dr. Gary Chapman tells about the frustration he and his wife felt in the early years of their marriage. At one point, he shares that they went for weeks without cleaning the toilet. He couldn’t understand why she wasn’t cleaning the toilet because that was something his mom always did.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HowToDealWithUnspokenExpectations-emma-frances-logan-358437-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-15 06:30:002022-05-10 11:50:16How to Deal With Unspoken Expectations
Perhaps you believe that you or someone you love is addicted to pornography. While the temptation may be great to keep it quiet, there are lots of resources to help with recovery.In her book, An Affair of the Mind, Laurie Hall says that, from her experience and research, there is no easy answer. As the spouse of a porn addict, she learned she had to disengage from trying to fix him and, instead, take care of herself.“You have to build your own personal foundations under you – boundar…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ResourcesForDealingWithPornAddiction.jpeg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-13 00:00:002021-02-17 10:15:05Resources for Dealing with Porn Addiction
Consider talking about some things with your in-laws.
Before you take that walk down the aisle, sit down with each set of in-laws and talk about boundaries within your relationship.For example, when a couple considered purchasing a house close to his mother, the mother-in-law said, "I am OK with you living close to me, but you will call before you come to visit and I will do the same." That was one smart mother-in-law!Things To ConsiderIf your in-laws have a key to your home, how will they use that? Are you OK with them dropping in whenev…
This list of 20 can help you get your couple party started!
Going on a date doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Here are a few of our ideas:Go for a hike in the mountains.Watch a funny movie together.Help out in a service organization together.Grab something to eat and take it to the park for a picnic.Go for a walk or jog.Cook a meal together.Go to a park, swing and play.People watch in the mall.Go for a drive and explore new places.Work out together.Learn something new together.Get dressed up and have a candlelight dinner at home.Go to a hi…
I was in my late 20s and Jay was 30 when we decided to marry. Both of us are children of divorce. I also had a lot of debt from putting myself through college, and I loved Jay and totally thought he was “the one.” But, I would be lying if I told you I didn’t have some anxiety about what might happen to us in the future.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Whats-My-Risk-for-Divorce.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-09-08 00:00:002022-08-04 10:24:44What’s My Risk for Divorce?
A January 2017 60 Minutes and Vanity Fair poll asked Americans about their views about marriage, and what they found may surprise you.In 1960, 78 percent of American households were married. Compare that to 48 percent of today’s households. Why such a dramatic drop?These days, many factors contribute to a decreasing marriage rate.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/WhatAmericansThinkAboutMarriage-caroline-veronez-DKvEEokVhWg-unsplash-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-09-07 00:00:002022-08-05 10:38:30What Americans Think About Marriage
Knot Yet, a report released in April 2013 by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies, The Relate Institute and The National Marriage Project at The University of Virginia, explores the positive and negative consequences for 20-something women, men, their children and the entire nation concerning two troublesome trends:The age at which men and women marry, now at historic heights – 27 for women and 29 for men; andThe age at which women have children.Delayed marriage …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Cost-of-Delayed-Marriage.png9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-28 00:00:002022-08-23 10:39:43The Cost of Delayed Marriage
No one wants to suffer the heartache of a broken relationship, whether it is a divorce or the dissolution of a cohabiting situation. While living together may have short-term advantages, it comes at a high long-term cost.MYTH: Living together is an easy way to "try out" the relationship before committing to marriage.Truth: While the idea of "test driving" a car before you buy it is a good idea, it doesn't apply to marriage. Couples who live together often have attitudes l…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Myths-About-Living-Together-1400-2.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-15 00:00:002020-08-14 13:43:30Myths About Living Together
Cohabitation has been a hot topic of conversation for many years. In the 60s and 70s very few couples lived together before marriage. Today, more than 60 percent of couples cohabit before marrying.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Cohabitation-good-or-bad-e1597425662859.png139400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-07-20 00:00:002020-08-14 13:21:24Cohabitation: Good or Bad?
Tips from Newlyweds for a Happy, Healthy Marriage
The bride-to-be shared that it was only two weeks, four days and six hours until the wedding. Her eyes sparkled as she talked, and everyone could tell she was head over heels in love.Many brides who have gone before her know that feeling so well. They also know that starry-eyed love is not all you need to carry you through the marriage journey.What kind of advice would newlyweds give to engaged couples?One bride shared that she and her husband didn’t talk about finances before walking down…
How Date Night Can Boost Your Relationship
When it comes to romancing your mate for special holidays like Valentine's Day or birthdays, some couples have a head start on the celebration. Why? They've discovered that making regular time for each other is linked to lots of relationship benefits.According to The Date Night Opportunity, a 2012 report released by the National Marriage Project, couples who manage to devote time specifically to one another at least once a week:Are markedly more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships…
How to Deal With Unspoken Expectations
In his book, Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married, Dr. Gary Chapman tells about the frustration he and his wife felt in the early years of their marriage. At one point, he shares that they went for weeks without cleaning the toilet. He couldn’t understand why she wasn’t cleaning the toilet because that was something his mom always did.
Resources for Dealing with Porn Addiction
Perhaps you believe that you or someone you love is addicted to pornography. While the temptation may be great to keep it quiet, there are lots of resources to help with recovery.In her book, An Affair of the Mind, Laurie Hall says that, from her experience and research, there is no easy answer. As the spouse of a porn addict, she learned she had to disengage from trying to fix him and, instead, take care of herself.“You have to build your own personal foundations under you – boundar…
Potential Boundary Issues
Before you take that walk down the aisle, sit down with each set of in-laws and talk about boundaries within your relationship.For example, when a couple considered purchasing a house close to his mother, the mother-in-law said, "I am OK with you living close to me, but you will call before you come to visit and I will do the same." That was one smart mother-in-law!Things To ConsiderIf your in-laws have a key to your home, how will they use that? Are you OK with them dropping in whenev…
Creative Date Ideas
Going on a date doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Here are a few of our ideas:Go for a hike in the mountains.Watch a funny movie together.Help out in a service organization together.Grab something to eat and take it to the park for a picnic.Go for a walk or jog.Cook a meal together.Go to a park, swing and play.People watch in the mall.Go for a drive and explore new places.Work out together.Learn something new together.Get dressed up and have a candlelight dinner at home.Go to a hi…
What’s My Risk for Divorce?
I was in my late 20s and Jay was 30 when we decided to marry. Both of us are children of divorce. I also had a lot of debt from putting myself through college, and I loved Jay and totally thought he was “the one.” But, I would be lying if I told you I didn’t have some anxiety about what might happen to us in the future.
What Americans Think About Marriage
A January 2017 60 Minutes and Vanity Fair poll asked Americans about their views about marriage, and what they found may surprise you.In 1960, 78 percent of American households were married. Compare that to 48 percent of today’s households. Why such a dramatic drop?These days, many factors contribute to a decreasing marriage rate.
The Cost of Delayed Marriage
Knot Yet, a report released in April 2013 by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies, The Relate Institute and The National Marriage Project at The University of Virginia, explores the positive and negative consequences for 20-something women, men, their children and the entire nation concerning two troublesome trends:The age at which men and women marry, now at historic heights – 27 for women and 29 for men; andThe age at which women have children.Delayed marriage …
Myths About Living Together
No one wants to suffer the heartache of a broken relationship, whether it is a divorce or the dissolution of a cohabiting situation. While living together may have short-term advantages, it comes at a high long-term cost.MYTH: Living together is an easy way to "try out" the relationship before committing to marriage.Truth: While the idea of "test driving" a car before you buy it is a good idea, it doesn't apply to marriage. Couples who live together often have attitudes l…
Cohabitation: Good or Bad?
Cohabitation has been a hot topic of conversation for many years. In the 60s and 70s very few couples lived together before marriage. Today, more than 60 percent of couples cohabit before marrying.
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