Do you want to knock your spouse off their feet? Want your spouse to want more sex without even saying the word “sex”? Wanna keep a smile on your spouse’s face and have them bragging about you to others? The secret (drumroll, please): Generosity. Overwhelm them with generosity. Generosity in marriage is quite underrated. But…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-laura-garcia-4924903-scaled-e1614621518255.jpg312900Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2021-03-01 12:59:052021-03-01 12:59:07Practical Ways to Practice Generosity in Marriage
Trust is the foundation of a healthy marriage. It’s like oil in a car engine, heat in an oven, Beyoncé in Destiny’s Child. Without it, things just don’t work well. Ideally, marital trust should grow with time. It’s a glue in your relationship that ought to get stronger, even though it isn’t always the case.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-terrillo-walls-2230015-1-scaled-e1614358637363.jpg355900Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-02-26 11:57:282021-02-26 11:57:307 Ways to Increase Trust in Marriage
You know that couple. The one who has been married for many years and seems just as madly in love today as when they said, “I do.” You know who I’m talking about. Do you ever sit back and ask yourself how they do it? I do. If you could sit down and talk to…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-keira-burton-6147180-scaled-e1614176287871.jpg20481365Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-02-24 09:18:562021-02-24 09:18:58Why Generosity Matters in Your Marriage
Turns out, taking care of yourself helps you take care of each other.
Want a healthy, lasting marriage? Be prepared to be alone and focus on yourself. Totally. Backed. By. Research. “Alone Time” is part of what is frequently referred to as “Self-Care.” You and your spouse need it. You both probably work and stuff, so free time is couple time, right? And it should be. That’s why…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/team-fredi-Giofbyn4TTE-unsplash-e1613684068438.jpg492900John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2021-02-18 16:34:372021-02-23 09:40:49What Britney Spears Has to Teach Us About Alone Time in Marriage
What would the world be like without good communication? Airports would be a complete wreck (figuratively and literally). Kids couldn’t learn reading, writing, ’rithmetic, and computer coding. The barista at Starbucks would write a completely different name on my cup for my order. (Okay, well, that happens anyway.) Not to mention… marriage would be chaotic! …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/amy-humphries-eWxB-BMzd5w-unsplash-scaled-e1613497371622.jpg13572048Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-02-16 12:43:062021-02-16 13:42:35How to Communicate Better With Your Spouse
Don’t beat yourself up over the blues; just beat ‘em.
“Post-Wedding Blues” are absolutely a thing. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. And definitely don’t feel bad for feeling them. You don’t need to be worried or secretly guilt-ridden. “Blues” are totally understandable. And you can get your head around your heart. Check this out… Which of these television couples were you just hoping could…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/blake-carpenter-uOrmKHggRY4-unsplash-scaled-e1613398701860.jpg20481368John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2021-02-15 09:18:332021-02-18 10:29:30Do I Have Post-Wedding Blues?
With Black History Month upon us, my wife and I decided it’s a good time to talk about how we celebrate Black History, not only in February but throughout the year. Appreciating diversity has been a core value in our marriage since day one, partly due to necessity. I’m an American, born and raised in…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/steven-wei-G1xqbmi_YE0-unsplash-scaled-e1613089325870.jpg324900Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-02-11 19:22:172021-02-18 09:40:06How Does Our Marriage Promote Cultural Diversity?
The moonlit walks, late-night talks, candlelit dinners, flowers… it all spells romance. Or does it? These gestures may be romantic, but are they “romance”? What is “romance” in marriage, anyway? Romance: What It Is I’d like to offer you a different way to look at romance. Now, this may be new to you, or you…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/lauren-richmond-lrUNqj6tBQs-unsplash-scaled-e1612993780549.jpg371900Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-02-10 16:51:052021-02-16 12:42:21What is “Romance” in Marriage?
Make their heart happy with these out-of-the-box ideas!
Valentine’s Day is a great time to get outside the heart-shaped chocolate box and celebrate love and romance in a BIG way! If you want a hand in making this day unique for your Valentine, you’ve come to the right place. These 10 creative ideas will help you connect and play as you set this…
We search for the secret of a happy marriage like Jack Sparrow searching for the fountain of youth. If he could find the ever-elusive fountain, eternal youth would be his. It can be easy to view a happy marriage through the same lens. It seems elusive and out of reach. But it’s not! In fact,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pexels-olya-kobruseva-4630024-scaled-e1612380615730.jpg337900Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-02-03 14:30:262021-03-01 11:36:32The Key Trait Found in All Happy Marriages
Setting some limits can be a good thing for everyone.
Do you remember the first time you met your future in-laws? Was it important to you that they liked you, or did you even care? Did you dress to impress? Taking a walk down memory lane gives you a picture of how that relationship began. Once you got married, you may have thought your in-laws…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/AdobeStock_204871977-scaled-e1612380198200.jpeg321900Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-02-03 14:24:052021-02-03 16:11:41So, You Need to Talk to Your In-Laws About Boundaries
These steps can help you express yourself so you can feel heard.
Feeling disrespected by your spouse can be one of the most conflicting feelings ever. Part of you wants to believe the person you love truly loves and values you. On the other hand, it can be demoralizing and hurtful to live with someone you feel dismisses you or doesn’t appreciate you. Not dealing with disrespect…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/susi-neumair-wedding-dreamz-5Njdsk_4UMk-unsplash-e1612379669762.jpg373900Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2021-02-03 14:14:442021-02-03 16:14:27How to Talk to Your Spouse When You Feel Disrespected
These tips can help you find out what's really going on.
*This article does not refer to verbally or emotionally abusive behaviors. If you think you are a victim of marital abuse, immediately seek help from a local agency or call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1.800.799.7233. No one deserves to be disrespected. And it feels awful when someone disrespects you, especially the person you…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pexels-pixabay-326650-1-scaled-e1611950938473.jpg13652048Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-01-29 15:09:082021-02-02 12:58:37What to Do When You Feel Disrespected in Marriage
I know it ain’t easy to keep things rolling in the bedroom. Life happens. Marriage goes through seasons of busyness and stress. Not to mention—one of you may be “in the mood” or tired more often than the other. And finding time to have more sex may not be at the top of your list.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/susi-neumair-wedding-dreamz-BEDouXgpMns-unsplash-e1611775815615.jpg382900Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-01-27 14:30:252021-02-02 12:39:04How to Have More Sex in Marriage
Find ways to manage stress before it does major relationship damage.
Are you overwhelmed with deadlines at work, kids in school, the weekly to-do list, health concerns, drama on social media? Is stress taking a toll on your relationship? Do you find yourself taking out your stress on your significant other? If so, you’re not alone. Stress, handled wrongly, hurts relationships. It’s a reality. Often it’s…
Move forward and grow closer through this challenge, one step at a time.
You may have noticed that your once ‘Energizer bunny’ spouse has no energy to do anything. Or they share they don’t feel right but can’t give any specific reasons. It seems like all at once, it ALL became too much. They have no motivation to work or deal with personal issues. They feel exhausted after…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pexels-anna-tarazevich-6173696-scaled-e1611694112781.jpg360900Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-01-26 15:50:452021-02-01 17:34:18How to Help Your Spouse When They’re Burned Out
It may be uncomfortable at first, but it could be a great thing for your sex life.
Awkwardness. Uncertainty. Embarrassment. Shame. These common emotions (and others) can keep married couples from talking about sex. You’re not alone if talking about sex with your spouse is uncomfortable. But let’s get real: you’re more likely to have satisfying sex if you talk about it together. Most couples want to enjoy their sex life, but…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/jakob-owens-o_cqBHwKnWg-unsplash-2-1-scaled-e1611612282673.jpg7822048Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2021-01-25 16:56:462021-01-25 17:20:28How to Talk About Sex in Marriage
If you’re dating, in a long-term relationship, or engaged, you may be wondering what marriage is like. You probably have friends with good marriages and those who have so-so marriages. Perhaps you’ve got questions, but you don’t know exactly how to ask. Questions like: Is it hard? Is it worth it? Why get married? Well,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pexels-emma-bauso-3585798-scaled-e1611164869571.jpg355900Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-01-20 12:48:002021-01-21 11:53:4610 Things You Need to Know About Marriage
Rekindling the passion may be easier than you think.
You expect a campfire to burn hot and then turn into ashes. But you didn’t expect the fire to die down in your marriage, did you? Love… sex… connection… You expected them to go through ruts, maybe. Highs and lows? Sure. But nobody expects to wake up one day and realize the intimacy is gone.…
You probably never thought it would get to this. You always seemed to like the same shows, movies, and activities, and you spent all your free time together. Now, it feels like you NEVER do anything together, or that your husband is just boring and never WANTS to do anything with you. If you’re honest,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pexels-alex-green-5700166-scaled-e1610719388431.jpg333900Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-01-15 09:03:492021-01-21 11:20:47Help! My Husband is Boring
Practical Ways to Practice Generosity in Marriage
Do you want to knock your spouse off their feet? Want your spouse to want more sex without even saying the word “sex”? Wanna keep a smile on your spouse’s face and have them bragging about you to others? The secret (drumroll, please): Generosity. Overwhelm them with generosity. Generosity in marriage is quite underrated. But…
7 Ways to Increase Trust in Marriage
Trust is the foundation of a healthy marriage. It’s like oil in a car engine, heat in an oven, Beyoncé in Destiny’s Child. Without it, things just don’t work well. Ideally, marital trust should grow with time. It’s a glue in your relationship that ought to get stronger, even though it isn’t always the case.…
Why Generosity Matters in Your Marriage
You know that couple. The one who has been married for many years and seems just as madly in love today as when they said, “I do.” You know who I’m talking about. Do you ever sit back and ask yourself how they do it? I do. If you could sit down and talk to…
What Britney Spears Has to Teach Us About Alone Time in Marriage
Want a healthy, lasting marriage? Be prepared to be alone and focus on yourself. Totally. Backed. By. Research. “Alone Time” is part of what is frequently referred to as “Self-Care.” You and your spouse need it. You both probably work and stuff, so free time is couple time, right? And it should be. That’s why…
How to Communicate Better With Your Spouse
What would the world be like without good communication? Airports would be a complete wreck (figuratively and literally). Kids couldn’t learn reading, writing, ’rithmetic, and computer coding. The barista at Starbucks would write a completely different name on my cup for my order. (Okay, well, that happens anyway.) Not to mention… marriage would be chaotic! …
Do I Have Post-Wedding Blues?
“Post-Wedding Blues” are absolutely a thing. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. And definitely don’t feel bad for feeling them. You don’t need to be worried or secretly guilt-ridden. “Blues” are totally understandable. And you can get your head around your heart. Check this out… Which of these television couples were you just hoping could…
How Does Our Marriage Promote Cultural Diversity?
With Black History Month upon us, my wife and I decided it’s a good time to talk about how we celebrate Black History, not only in February but throughout the year. Appreciating diversity has been a core value in our marriage since day one, partly due to necessity. I’m an American, born and raised in…
What is “Romance” in Marriage?
The moonlit walks, late-night talks, candlelit dinners, flowers… it all spells romance. Or does it? These gestures may be romantic, but are they “romance”? What is “romance” in marriage, anyway? Romance: What It Is I’d like to offer you a different way to look at romance. Now, this may be new to you, or you…
10 Creative Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a great time to get outside the heart-shaped chocolate box and celebrate love and romance in a BIG way! If you want a hand in making this day unique for your Valentine, you’ve come to the right place. These 10 creative ideas will help you connect and play as you set this…
The Key Trait Found in All Happy Marriages
We search for the secret of a happy marriage like Jack Sparrow searching for the fountain of youth. If he could find the ever-elusive fountain, eternal youth would be his. It can be easy to view a happy marriage through the same lens. It seems elusive and out of reach. But it’s not! In fact,…
So, You Need to Talk to Your In-Laws About Boundaries
Do you remember the first time you met your future in-laws? Was it important to you that they liked you, or did you even care? Did you dress to impress? Taking a walk down memory lane gives you a picture of how that relationship began. Once you got married, you may have thought your in-laws…
How to Talk to Your Spouse When You Feel Disrespected
Feeling disrespected by your spouse can be one of the most conflicting feelings ever. Part of you wants to believe the person you love truly loves and values you. On the other hand, it can be demoralizing and hurtful to live with someone you feel dismisses you or doesn’t appreciate you. Not dealing with disrespect…
What to Do When You Feel Disrespected in Marriage
*This article does not refer to verbally or emotionally abusive behaviors. If you think you are a victim of marital abuse, immediately seek help from a local agency or call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1.800.799.7233. No one deserves to be disrespected. And it feels awful when someone disrespects you, especially the person you…
How to Have More Sex in Marriage
I know it ain’t easy to keep things rolling in the bedroom. Life happens. Marriage goes through seasons of busyness and stress. Not to mention—one of you may be “in the mood” or tired more often than the other. And finding time to have more sex may not be at the top of your list.…
Is Stress Killing Your Relationship?
Are you overwhelmed with deadlines at work, kids in school, the weekly to-do list, health concerns, drama on social media? Is stress taking a toll on your relationship? Do you find yourself taking out your stress on your significant other? If so, you’re not alone. Stress, handled wrongly, hurts relationships. It’s a reality. Often it’s…
How to Help Your Spouse When They’re Burned Out
You may have noticed that your once ‘Energizer bunny’ spouse has no energy to do anything. Or they share they don’t feel right but can’t give any specific reasons. It seems like all at once, it ALL became too much. They have no motivation to work or deal with personal issues. They feel exhausted after…
How to Talk About Sex in Marriage
Awkwardness. Uncertainty. Embarrassment. Shame. These common emotions (and others) can keep married couples from talking about sex. You’re not alone if talking about sex with your spouse is uncomfortable. But let’s get real: you’re more likely to have satisfying sex if you talk about it together. Most couples want to enjoy their sex life, but…
10 Things You Need to Know About Marriage
If you’re dating, in a long-term relationship, or engaged, you may be wondering what marriage is like. You probably have friends with good marriages and those who have so-so marriages. Perhaps you’ve got questions, but you don’t know exactly how to ask. Questions like: Is it hard? Is it worth it? Why get married? Well,…
Help! Our Intimacy is Gone
You expect a campfire to burn hot and then turn into ashes. But you didn’t expect the fire to die down in your marriage, did you? Love… sex… connection… You expected them to go through ruts, maybe. Highs and lows? Sure. But nobody expects to wake up one day and realize the intimacy is gone.…
Help! My Husband is Boring
You probably never thought it would get to this. You always seemed to like the same shows, movies, and activities, and you spent all your free time together. Now, it feels like you NEVER do anything together, or that your husband is just boring and never WANTS to do anything with you. If you’re honest,…
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