Your spouse can develop empathy. Here's how to help.
You want your spouse to be fully present with you in your feelings, thoughts and situations in life. But what happens when they don’t show empathy? You probably feel alone, unimportant and misunderstood. You’ve opened up, but your spouse seems unable or uninterested in responding in an empathetic way. So, what do you do when…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jonathan-borba-a8eIsCdNjk8-unsplash-1-scaled-e1597066334407.jpg169450John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-04-01 09:23:002022-04-05 09:32:45What To Do When Your Spouse Lacks Empathy
I’m sorry to hear that you’re unhappy in your marriage. I don’t need to tell you that an unhappy marriage can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and insecurity. That hurts. But the fact that you’re here is a sign that you’re looking for help. That means you’re still hopeful. Hold on to that hope. Now…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/adult-alone-anxious-black-and-white-568027-scaled-e1597071997179.jpg233450John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-03-31 09:59:002022-04-05 09:44:10I’m Unhappy In My Marriage. What Can I Do?
How Porn Impacts the Brain warns about some of the dangers of porn addiction.There is no question that pornography impacts the brain. Research says it’s more addictive than cocaine and it's a habit harder to break than heroin.The U.S. Justice Department believes that 9 out of 10 children see online porn between the ages of 8 and 16.
You probably don’t need convincing that ongoing, open communication is vital to a healthy, growing relationship. If we’re honest, it’s a struggle to make it happen in our marriages. We all have our own reasons for why quality (and quantity) communication is hard for us, but I want to encourage you. I’ve yet to meet…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Untitled-4-01.png5001200John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-03-03 09:57:482022-03-03 11:04:28Questions Couples Can Ask To Improve Communication
You might phrase it differently, but when you’ve lost romantic feelings for your spouse, you’re probably feeling something like: That spark’s gone. I feel like I’m just going through the motions. I’m not attracted to my spouse like I used to be. I love my spouse, but I’m not in love with them anymore. Over…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled-21-01.png5001200John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-02-28 13:51:072022-04-25 16:56:58What To Do When You’ve Lost Romantic Feelings For Your Spouse
Intimacy can be a scary word for some people, but it is an essential part of keeping romance strong in your marriage. We often think of intimacy as sex, but it’s so much more than that. It’s how we connect at the deepest levels. Connecting in one of the six types of intimacy (emotional, intellectual,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled-6-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-02-16 13:22:542022-02-16 13:51:55How to Keep Romance Strong in Marriage: Part 2
Knowing each other more deeply is within your reach!
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the romance doesn’t have to end. For some, the weeks leading up to and away from the “love holiday” are filled with romantic gestures. Others may have lost that loving feeling. Maybe the romance has faded in your marriage. Life gets hectic, and we lose focus. Work demands…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled-4-01-1.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-02-15 14:53:342022-02-16 14:41:54How to Keep Romance Strong in Marriage: Part 1
Valentine’s Day is special. It’s a day of love – a day to shower our significant other with flowers, gifts, and romance. The expectations can be overwhelming. But the day doesn’t have to be. It’s a day for the two of you, so make it memorable in your own way. It may mean a night…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled-3-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-02-08 15:03:142022-02-09 14:29:265 Ways to Make this Valentine’s Special
Working toward growth and connection (when possible) can do wonders for your relationship.
Navigating changes in your spouse can be difficult and serious. How serious? If changes in your spouse cause you emotional or physical harm, consider reevaluating your relationship to determine if your situation is safe. That serious. Short of that, even well-intentioned, positive changes in your spouse can still be distressing, frustrating, and confusing. Change! =…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled-1-01.png5001200John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-02-08 11:15:102022-02-09 10:21:39What To Do When Your Spouse Has Changed
When you handle disappointment well, you can grow closer.
Disappointment is a revelation. Disappointment in marriage – doubly so. Sadly, we usually don’t sit with it long enough to learn all we should. When you disappoint your spouse, you are faced with several choices. We’ll look at some practical actions you can take, but first, you need to address your relationship with disappointment. Remember,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Untitled-6-01.png5001200John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-01-21 12:05:472022-01-28 10:55:01What To Do When You Disappoint Your Spouse
Happy New Year! Did you make all your resolutions? What are your goals for this year? Whether you made some or not, I’d like to challenge you to add one resolution: Make this year one of growth for your marriage. Marriage isn’t easy, but a great marriage is achievable with intentionality and commitment. You can…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-28-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-01-01 12:30:002022-01-07 16:56:59Six Good Habits to Start for Your Marriage in the New Year
A healthy response to disappointment can be a game-changer for your marriage.
Disappointment hurts, especially from the one you love the most. And when your spouse disappoints you, you probably experience several emotions. Anger. Frustration. Hurt. Sadness. Bewilderment. (What were they thinking? Right?) Disappointment in your spouse can spark uncertainty and shake your trust. It might even make you wonder if you can rely on them at…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-22-01.png5001200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-12-20 12:02:362021-12-21 09:49:06What to Do When Your Spouse Disappoints You
Can healthy couples fight too much? How much fighting is healthy? No two people agree on everything. That’s undoubtedly true in marriage. (If it’s not true in yours, then I’d really like to meet you. And really… why are you even reading this?) The result is often misunderstanding, a failure to see eye to eye,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-14-01.png5001200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-12-14 14:34:302022-05-10 13:58:32How Much Should Healthy Couples Fight?
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/andres-molina-llqSpTigF9c-unsplash-scaled-e1641864105311.jpg5991365Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-11-30 15:43:452022-02-18 10:17:52What to Do When Your Spouse Has a Low Sex Drive
Being thankful in marriage is packed with research-backed benefits! I know… this sounds like the beginning of a cheesy infomercial. But unlike many infomercials, this little factoid really is backed by science. Studies show that expressing gratitude for your spouse strengthens your marriage.1 Being thankful is associated with increased long-term happiness in marriage.2 Being thankful…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-5-01-1.png5001200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-11-05 15:42:412021-11-09 09:52:025 Keys to Being Thankful in Marriage
Ever had the same old fight over and over? Do you wonder why, or what in the world you can do about it? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is, disagreeing with your spouse is normal. The bad news? According to Dr. John Gottman’s research, 69% of problems in relationships are…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-1-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-11-02 12:20:312021-11-10 14:04:32What to Do When You Disagree With Your Spouse
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-1-01.png5001200Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2021-10-28 09:20:102022-01-31 11:52:20Are You Married To A Narcissist?
These skills can take your talk to the next level.
It’s not exactly news that healthy communication is the foundation of a happy and satisfying marriage. But let’s be honest: As you interact with the one you love the most, it’s easy to let healthy communication habits slip. Marital communication is a skill. And like any other skill, you can learn and constantly improve upon…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-5-01.png5001200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-10-26 14:43:402021-10-27 10:09:465 Tools for Healthy Communication in Marriage
Disagreements provide opportunities to problem-solve together.
Some things in marriage are inevitable, like conflict. But wait. Isn’t the point of marriage to avoid conflict? To live in marital bliss and peace, happily ever after? It’s commonly thought the less you fight, the healthier your marriage. As a matter of fact, both researchers and counselors seem to agree some conflict is not…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-3-01.png5001200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-10-20 12:25:142021-10-26 13:43:21Is Conflict in Marriage Inevitable?
Getting along may take time, effort, and patience.
As a newlywed, establishing and navigating relationships with in-laws can be filled with tension and pitfalls. I recall the first significant conversation with my in-laws when I felt disrespected and disconnected. The conversation went something like this: “Hey, you never call. You never come by. Do you not like us?” I remember trying to gather…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-9-01.png5001200Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-10-13 13:44:512021-10-20 11:36:325 Tips for Distancing From Your In-Laws
What To Do When Your Spouse Lacks Empathy
You want your spouse to be fully present with you in your feelings, thoughts and situations in life. But what happens when they don’t show empathy? You probably feel alone, unimportant and misunderstood. You’ve opened up, but your spouse seems unable or uninterested in responding in an empathetic way. So, what do you do when…
I’m Unhappy In My Marriage. What Can I Do?
I’m sorry to hear that you’re unhappy in your marriage. I don’t need to tell you that an unhappy marriage can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and insecurity. That hurts. But the fact that you’re here is a sign that you’re looking for help. That means you’re still hopeful. Hold on to that hope. Now…
9 Warning Signs of Porn Addiction
How Porn Impacts the Brain warns about some of the dangers of porn addiction.There is no question that pornography impacts the brain. Research says it’s more addictive than cocaine and it's a habit harder to break than heroin.The U.S. Justice Department believes that 9 out of 10 children see online porn between the ages of 8 and 16.
Questions Couples Can Ask To Improve Communication
You probably don’t need convincing that ongoing, open communication is vital to a healthy, growing relationship. If we’re honest, it’s a struggle to make it happen in our marriages. We all have our own reasons for why quality (and quantity) communication is hard for us, but I want to encourage you. I’ve yet to meet…
What To Do When You’ve Lost Romantic Feelings For Your Spouse
You might phrase it differently, but when you’ve lost romantic feelings for your spouse, you’re probably feeling something like: That spark’s gone. I feel like I’m just going through the motions. I’m not attracted to my spouse like I used to be. I love my spouse, but I’m not in love with them anymore. Over…
How to Keep Romance Strong in Marriage: Part 2
Intimacy can be a scary word for some people, but it is an essential part of keeping romance strong in your marriage. We often think of intimacy as sex, but it’s so much more than that. It’s how we connect at the deepest levels. Connecting in one of the six types of intimacy (emotional, intellectual,…
How to Keep Romance Strong in Marriage: Part 1
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the romance doesn’t have to end. For some, the weeks leading up to and away from the “love holiday” are filled with romantic gestures. Others may have lost that loving feeling. Maybe the romance has faded in your marriage. Life gets hectic, and we lose focus. Work demands…
5 Ways to Make this Valentine’s Special
Valentine’s Day is special. It’s a day of love – a day to shower our significant other with flowers, gifts, and romance. The expectations can be overwhelming. But the day doesn’t have to be. It’s a day for the two of you, so make it memorable in your own way. It may mean a night…
What To Do When Your Spouse Has Changed
Navigating changes in your spouse can be difficult and serious. How serious? If changes in your spouse cause you emotional or physical harm, consider reevaluating your relationship to determine if your situation is safe. That serious. Short of that, even well-intentioned, positive changes in your spouse can still be distressing, frustrating, and confusing. Change! =…
What To Do When You Disappoint Your Spouse
Disappointment is a revelation. Disappointment in marriage – doubly so. Sadly, we usually don’t sit with it long enough to learn all we should. When you disappoint your spouse, you are faced with several choices. We’ll look at some practical actions you can take, but first, you need to address your relationship with disappointment. Remember,…
Six Good Habits to Start for Your Marriage in the New Year
Happy New Year! Did you make all your resolutions? What are your goals for this year? Whether you made some or not, I’d like to challenge you to add one resolution: Make this year one of growth for your marriage. Marriage isn’t easy, but a great marriage is achievable with intentionality and commitment. You can…
What to Do When Your Spouse Disappoints You
Disappointment hurts, especially from the one you love the most. And when your spouse disappoints you, you probably experience several emotions. Anger. Frustration. Hurt. Sadness. Bewilderment. (What were they thinking? Right?) Disappointment in your spouse can spark uncertainty and shake your trust. It might even make you wonder if you can rely on them at…
How Much Should Healthy Couples Fight?
Can healthy couples fight too much? How much fighting is healthy? No two people agree on everything. That’s undoubtedly true in marriage. (If it’s not true in yours, then I’d really like to meet you. And really… why are you even reading this?) The result is often misunderstanding, a failure to see eye to eye,…
What to Do When Your Spouse Has a Low Sex Drive
How differing drives can cause tension – and what to do about it!
5 Keys to Being Thankful in Marriage
Being thankful in marriage is packed with research-backed benefits! I know… this sounds like the beginning of a cheesy infomercial. But unlike many infomercials, this little factoid really is backed by science. Studies show that expressing gratitude for your spouse strengthens your marriage.1 Being thankful is associated with increased long-term happiness in marriage.2 Being thankful…
What to Do When You Disagree With Your Spouse
Ever had the same old fight over and over? Do you wonder why, or what in the world you can do about it? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is, disagreeing with your spouse is normal. The bad news? According to Dr. John Gottman’s research, 69% of problems in relationships are…
Are You Married To A Narcissist?
5 Tools for Healthy Communication in Marriage
It’s not exactly news that healthy communication is the foundation of a happy and satisfying marriage. But let’s be honest: As you interact with the one you love the most, it’s easy to let healthy communication habits slip. Marital communication is a skill. And like any other skill, you can learn and constantly improve upon…
Is Conflict in Marriage Inevitable?
Some things in marriage are inevitable, like conflict. But wait. Isn’t the point of marriage to avoid conflict? To live in marital bliss and peace, happily ever after? It’s commonly thought the less you fight, the healthier your marriage. As a matter of fact, both researchers and counselors seem to agree some conflict is not…
5 Tips for Distancing From Your In-Laws
As a newlywed, establishing and navigating relationships with in-laws can be filled with tension and pitfalls. I recall the first significant conversation with my in-laws when I felt disrespected and disconnected. The conversation went something like this: “Hey, you never call. You never come by. Do you not like us?” I remember trying to gather…
620 Lindsay Street, Suite 100
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-267-5383
Stay in the know
By engaging with our content or purchasing resources, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy | © 2022 First Things First