March 18, 2022
top trending topics
👀 Want the secret ingredient to successful relationships? Look no further!
🤗 You can keep the fun alive even during your busy engagement season.
🚦It’s ok to have different political views than your spouse- it’s how you handle it that matters.
💛 Knowing these things can help you enjoy your engagement season more.
🔍 Tired of the same ol’ date night? Try this Mystery Dinner Date.
tips & tricks for growth
finding good relationship advice
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a wonderful fiancé, friend, or co-worker.
But relationships are sometimes complex. They aren’t always easy. Issues arise. And if you’re like me, you could just use some help sometimes.
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.
Here are some pointers on finding 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.
🤔 All this goes to say, of course, to consider the source.
🕵️ Prepare to do a little digging.
agree to disagree with loved ones
It’s nothing new to disagree with the ones you love, whether it’s about current events, religion, racism, politics, football or something else. In fact, chances are pretty good that you completely disagree on certain topics with someone you care deeply about.
Although you might be tempted to confront them and tell them they are just plain wrong, you might want to reconsider. That plan probably won’t go very well for you because it’s likely your loved one will feel attacked. Nobody wants to feel attacked, right?
Here are some tips you can use to make your conversations productive:
🗣️ Look for things you do agree on.
🗣️ Kindness and respect goes a long way when trying to discuss difficult topics.
🗣️ Avoid imagining how you think the conversation will go or how it has gone in the past.
🗣️ Be prepared to genuinely listen to their perspective.
🗣️ If it feels like the conversation is becoming heated, remember that getting louder will escalate the situation for sure. Plus, it actually makes it harder to hear what is being said.
🗣️Avoid using “You always, you never,” and “You should.”
It’s vital to remember that this is a process! If over time the conversation seems to go nowhere, you may need to set boundaries around this topic in an effort to keep from destroying the relationship.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Chris Gregory, husband to his wife of 23 years, Jodi, Dad of 3, and the VP of Development here at First Things First. Take a peek at his recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out 👀:
👨🍳 No matter your cooking abilities or skills, the @jacquespepinfoundation instagram account is awesome. He makes 3-5 minute videos of recipes or kitchen skills in his home kitchen. These are easy to follow and fun to make, so grab your fiancé and try out a recipe.
💻 Myles has some great ideas for you guys to get your marriage started out right and Make Your Future Wife Happy. He runs the You Betcha channel and if you have ever been to the midwest or known someone from the midwest this will hit home. Otherwise he is just downright funny and usually spot on. And yes this is a video of what not to do!
⛰️ No matter where you fall on the Spring time change idea (no one likes it, there I said it) now is a great time to get outdoors. No matter where you live you are probably within driving distance of a State Park, so grab your fiancé and take them for a hike, a picnic or just a new adventure outside.
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!