June 03, 2022
top trending topics
💬 Dealing with unspoken expectations can be tough, but it’s worth the convo.
🔋 Doing these 3 things every day for your spouse can revamp & recharge your marriage.
☀️ Now that summer is officially here, soak up the summer heat with these must-do date nights.
🔥 If the intimacy has been lacking in your marriage, this ebook will help you revive your sex life.
😣 You might want to be aware of these common marriage problems.
tips & tricks for growth
steps to a productive marriage check-in
Staying on the same page with your spouse doesn’t happen by accident.
Businesses have staff meetings. Sports have team meetings. And marriages need marriage meetings. We’ll call these Marriage Check-Ins.
A Marriage Check-In is when you and your spouse meet to talk about marriage and family stuff.
Steps to a Productive Marriage Check-In:
✅ Set a Time
Saturday mornings before kids need you and Sunday evenings after kids’ bedtimes are two great times. Put it on your calendar. Set the notifications. If you have to miss it, you can reschedule it right then.
✅ Parameters/Boundaries
No kids allowed. No technology except when it’s obviously adding to the value of the meeting, e.g., using your calendar or planning a date and looking up attractions.
✅ Always Start by Appreciating Your Spouse
Your spouse will look forward to the check-ins because they know they’ll hear something positive about themselves.
✅ Listen to Your Spouse’s Emotional, Mental, and Physical Needs
Generally, save this for last because it’s the most open-ended.
Connect, grow, and course-correct. Your marriage will thank you!
here’s how you can find good relationship advice
The internet gives us ENDLESS information on relationships. Just Google how to resolve conflict in marriage or how to parent a rebellious teenager. Then watch TONS of articles, blogs, videos, how-tos, and step-by-steps fill your screen. It’s overwhelming.
And here’s the thing: can they all possibly be right? I mean, with literally thousands of resources out there on any given relationship subject, there’s got to be some conflicting information and something that’s not accurate. (As a matter of fact, there is.)
★ So when you and I are trying to get help in the area of healthy relationships, how do we know what kind of information to trust? How do you wade through the countless sources of information on your screen and determine which advice is legit?
Here’s Some Helpful Pointers to Identify Reliable Relationship Advice:
✨ Understand that relationships are something that’s actually researched.
✨ On the flip side of the coin… know that just because the word “research” shows up doesn’t always mean it’s great advice.
✨ Be cautious with sources that seem to run against the grain of what we already know to be healthy in relationships.
If you truly want to learn what healthy marriages, parenting, friendships, and work relationships look like, good information is out there for you to get your hands on.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Mitchell Qualls, husband of 17 years to his wife Dalet, a dad of 2, and the VP of Operations here at First Things First. Take a peek at his recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out 👀:
🍤 Cooking together can be a great way to build intimacy. One of my favorite easy meals to cook is a shrimp boil. We love shrimp and we love spicy food! It’s a win-win. And the whole family gets involved in the process.
📱 Learning a language together can be lots of fun. Duolingo is an easy-to-use language app that’s free. We make it a competition too.
🗺 Summer is a great time to get outdoors. And no matter where you live, there are trails nearby. Download the AllTrails App and start exploring your area. It’s great for traveling also. You can search your area wherever you are!
share the love
Know a friend who would love reading all the relationship goodness we’ve packed in here? Go ahead and share it with them!