What if I told you you could say some magic words that would take your sex life to the next level in your marriage? Let’s try it. Ready? Say them aloud slowly and clearly: Koh-mew-nick-hey-shon. Did it work? Probably not. Magic words don’t really work that way. But there’s good news! There is something that…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/pexels-helena-lopes-2055224-scaled-e1606830771520.jpg232600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-12-01 08:53:072020-12-23 10:41:433 Ways Good Communication Can Enhance Sex In Marriage
So, what do you do if you think your spouse’s friends are hurting your marriage? It’s essential to proceed with great care. Your goal is to voice your concern in a way that’s respectful to your spouse. How you approach the subject can move you toward resolution or, in the opposite direction, toward conflict. Proceeding with…
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and how it impacts me and my relationships. Think for a minute about what it feels like when someone says to you, “Your smile made my day!” or “Thank you for checking in on me.” Several studies confirm the benefits of being grateful: Grateful people…
Friendships are a valuable possession. Without them, you have an increased risk of loneliness. With them come connection and support. But what about when there’s a question mark as to whether the friendship is helping or hurting your marriage? Friendships can play a crucial role in the health of your marriage. I’ve had friends support…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/clem-onojeghuo-igTY-Ma86ZQ-unsplash-scaled-e1605562500928.jpg299700Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-11-16 16:35:092020-11-17 09:24:17Are My Friends Hurting My Marriage?
Thankfulness doesn’t have to be unique to Thanksgiving Day. Gratitude is key to any successful marriage, and when you show your spouse you’re thankful for them, they feel loved and appreciated. We all want to feel valued. This is foundational to a healthy, happy marriage. But how do I show my spouse gratitude? Here are…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/AdobeStock_188607104-scaled-e1606145619323.jpeg13652048Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2020-11-16 15:03:382020-11-23 10:33:517 Ways To Show Your Spouse You're Thankful For Them
You may feel differently about politics, but that doesn't have to change how you feel about each other.
Finally. After endless campaign ads, talking heads, polls and vote counting, the election is over. Now you’ve gotta figure out how to move forward and keep the election from ruining your marriage, especially if you live in a house divided. One of you may be gloating over your candidate’s victory. But your spouse is licking…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/R_AdobeStock_204310730.jpg11481721Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-11-10 12:05:352021-01-07 15:17:48How to Keep the Election from Ruining Your Marriage
You may find yourself in the spot where you and your spouse don’t have much in common in the way of interests or hobbies. Maybe you think you have nothing in common. And you may wonder, should I care about my spouse’s interests? If I don’t share my spouse’s interests, does that mean I don’t…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ryan-jacobson-_YzzoqKEzXM-unsplash-1-scaled-e1604955729817.jpg225600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-11-09 16:03:002020-11-10 08:40:06Why It's Important To Care About Your Spouse's Interests
How much do I need to have in common with my spouse for our marriage to be healthy and happy? Do we need to like all the same things for this to work? These are valid questions faced by many engaged or newly-married couples. We all want to be compatible with our partner, we want…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash-scaled-e1604930151825.jpg231600Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2020-11-09 08:56:032020-11-09 16:22:105 Things You Should Have In Common With Your Spouse
When I first started dating my husband 32 years ago (but who’s counting?), the first thing I noticed about him besides his legs was how different we were from each other. I was concerned we didn’t have many things in common. Would this be a stumbling block to our future marriage? Now, I see the…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/nathan-dumlao-EGHDhHUpEQQ-unsplash-e1604929932181.jpg202600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-11-09 08:52:312020-11-09 16:16:375 Things You Don’t Need to Have in Common With Your Spouse
There are some people you should not trust: Those who don’t like pizza. People who don’t find puppies cute. Those who laugh way too loud or for no apparent reason. Your spouse shouldn’t be someone you can’t trust. Marriage is built (at least in part) on a foundation of trust. And trust is meant to…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/elizabeth-tsung-BGLR0IIeYi4-unsplash-scaled-e1604600516421.jpg207600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-11-05 13:22:142020-11-06 11:59:557 Signs You Have Trust Issues In Marriage
“Why can’t we just talk about it?” Couples should know: communication is essential in any relationship, but communication is at the core of marriage. Poor, unclear, or sporadic communication in marriage is its own problem, but unhealthy communication also makes it difficult to work on other marital issues like disagreements related to finances, sex, and…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/oz-seyrek-jmhHtG3gpBE-unsplash-e1604331720455.jpg240600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-11-02 14:15:462020-11-03 12:20:254 Things Every Couple Should Know About Communication In Marriage
Friends are people we confide in, have fun with, and can be ourselves around. Does this sound like your spouse? If so, fantastic! It’s great to be best friends with the person you share your life with. If not, never fear; you can be a better friend to your spouse. Let’s be real for a…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/chewy-DR6wPYR2DRc-unsplash-e1604331770952.jpg274600Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2020-11-02 10:43:032020-11-03 11:29:34How To Be A Better Friend To Your Spouse
How gritty are you? Is your marriage gritty? Do you teach your kids to be gritty? In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Harvard-trained psychologist and researcher Angela Duckworth examines what it takes to stick things out and accomplish long-term goals. Grit has everything to do with how we do family relationships. …
Have you ever walked over a frozen pond and realized just how thin the ice was? I have. You quickly understand that you need to step… very… carefully. It’s the same when considering telling your friends and family about your marital problems. One wrong step can mean an icy plunge. It’s slippery, and it’s dangerous.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-diva-plavalaguna-5711633-scaled-e1603905309944.jpg210600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-28 13:15:242020-10-28 14:02:49Should You Tell Your Friends and Family about Your Marital Problems?
What’s the difference between a loving, warm marriage and one full of friction and conflict? Trust. There are probably many items on your checklist for having a strong marriage. If there’s one that ought to be at the top of the list, it’s trust. How do you establish trust in marriage from the start? 1.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-emma-bauso-3585812-1-scaled-e1603139105338.jpg253600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-19 16:25:162020-10-26 09:17:55How To Establish Trust In Marriage From The Start
If you’ve been married for a minute you know disagreements are going to come up between the two of you. But, have you ever had one of those disagreements where not only were you on opposite sides of the issue, neither one of you was willing to budge? Guess what? You’re in good company. Plenty…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/hana-el-zohiry-cS0K7xxLO5s-unsplash-e1602878728572.jpg305600Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-10-16 16:05:442021-01-07 15:18:506 Ways To Agree To Disagree With My Spouse
You see things differently than you used to. You’re living a healthier lifestyle. You go out less. You interact differently with people. You’re investing more time into hobbies. You love the way you feel—happier, healthier, and less stressed—except in your marriage. Your spouse seems agitated with you which just doesn’t make any sense. Shouldn’t they…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/toa-heftiba-XFdFdmVYe3Y-unsplash-scaled-e1602858159310.jpg235600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-16 10:25:322020-10-19 10:09:00I've Changed, But My Spouse Hasn't
Sex: The Ecstasy—and for some—The “Eh.” There’s probably no other part of marriage that can challenge couples more than their sex lives. It’s not uncommon for one spouse to have a much different sex drive than the other. It’s easy for a couple to experience seasons of their marriage when their sex life seems incredible…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-ana-maria-moroz-1700765-scaled-e1602593020479.jpg237600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-13 08:43:502020-12-23 11:07:464 Reasons Why Sex Matters In Marriage
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships,” according to Stephen Covey. This is especially true when it comes to trust in marriage. Trust is essential; without it, maintaining a healthy marriage relationship is difficult. It’s a word that is thrown…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-gustavo-fring-4127559-scaled-e1602528471803.jpg255600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-10-12 14:48:232020-11-03 11:33:44What Does Trust Look Like in a Healthy Marriage?
How we watch television, communicate with extended family, and even play video games with friends has changed tremendously in the last 20 years. Change is inevitable. But what about when your spouse changes? Notice I said, “when,” not “if.” TV viewing, phone communication, and gaming was and is going to change. And there’s a good…
3 Ways Good Communication Can Enhance Sex In Marriage
What if I told you you could say some magic words that would take your sex life to the next level in your marriage? Let’s try it. Ready? Say them aloud slowly and clearly: Koh-mew-nick-hey-shon. Did it work? Probably not. Magic words don’t really work that way. But there’s good news! There is something that…
Are My Spouse’s Friends Hurting My Marriage?
So, what do you do if you think your spouse’s friends are hurting your marriage? It’s essential to proceed with great care. Your goal is to voice your concern in a way that’s respectful to your spouse. How you approach the subject can move you toward resolution or, in the opposite direction, toward conflict. Proceeding with…
How Practicing Gratitude Can Strengthen Relationships
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and how it impacts me and my relationships. Think for a minute about what it feels like when someone says to you, “Your smile made my day!” or “Thank you for checking in on me.” Several studies confirm the benefits of being grateful: Grateful people…
Are My Friends Hurting My Marriage?
Friendships are a valuable possession. Without them, you have an increased risk of loneliness. With them come connection and support. But what about when there’s a question mark as to whether the friendship is helping or hurting your marriage? Friendships can play a crucial role in the health of your marriage. I’ve had friends support…
7 Ways To Show Your Spouse You’re Thankful For Them
Thankfulness doesn’t have to be unique to Thanksgiving Day. Gratitude is key to any successful marriage, and when you show your spouse you’re thankful for them, they feel loved and appreciated. We all want to feel valued. This is foundational to a healthy, happy marriage. But how do I show my spouse gratitude? Here are…
How to Keep the Election from Ruining Your Marriage
Finally. After endless campaign ads, talking heads, polls and vote counting, the election is over. Now you’ve gotta figure out how to move forward and keep the election from ruining your marriage, especially if you live in a house divided. One of you may be gloating over your candidate’s victory. But your spouse is licking…
Why It’s Important To Care About Your Spouse’s Interests
You may find yourself in the spot where you and your spouse don’t have much in common in the way of interests or hobbies. Maybe you think you have nothing in common. And you may wonder, should I care about my spouse’s interests? If I don’t share my spouse’s interests, does that mean I don’t…
5 Things You Should Have In Common With Your Spouse
How much do I need to have in common with my spouse for our marriage to be healthy and happy? Do we need to like all the same things for this to work? These are valid questions faced by many engaged or newly-married couples. We all want to be compatible with our partner, we want…
5 Things You Don’t Need to Have in Common With Your Spouse
When I first started dating my husband 32 years ago (but who’s counting?), the first thing I noticed about him besides his legs was how different we were from each other. I was concerned we didn’t have many things in common. Would this be a stumbling block to our future marriage? Now, I see the…
7 Signs You Have Trust Issues In Marriage
There are some people you should not trust: Those who don’t like pizza. People who don’t find puppies cute. Those who laugh way too loud or for no apparent reason. Your spouse shouldn’t be someone you can’t trust. Marriage is built (at least in part) on a foundation of trust. And trust is meant to…
4 Things Every Couple Should Know About Communication In Marriage
“Why can’t we just talk about it?” Couples should know: communication is essential in any relationship, but communication is at the core of marriage. Poor, unclear, or sporadic communication in marriage is its own problem, but unhealthy communication also makes it difficult to work on other marital issues like disagreements related to finances, sex, and…
How To Be A Better Friend To Your Spouse
Friends are people we confide in, have fun with, and can be ourselves around. Does this sound like your spouse? If so, fantastic! It’s great to be best friends with the person you share your life with. If not, never fear; you can be a better friend to your spouse. Let’s be real for a…
Is Grit the Secret Ingredient to Successful Relationships?
How gritty are you? Is your marriage gritty? Do you teach your kids to be gritty? In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Harvard-trained psychologist and researcher Angela Duckworth examines what it takes to stick things out and accomplish long-term goals. Grit has everything to do with how we do family relationships. …
Should You Tell Your Friends and Family about Your Marital Problems?
Have you ever walked over a frozen pond and realized just how thin the ice was? I have. You quickly understand that you need to step… very… carefully. It’s the same when considering telling your friends and family about your marital problems. One wrong step can mean an icy plunge. It’s slippery, and it’s dangerous.…
How To Establish Trust In Marriage From The Start
What’s the difference between a loving, warm marriage and one full of friction and conflict? Trust. There are probably many items on your checklist for having a strong marriage. If there’s one that ought to be at the top of the list, it’s trust. How do you establish trust in marriage from the start? 1.…
6 Ways To Agree To Disagree With My Spouse
If you’ve been married for a minute you know disagreements are going to come up between the two of you. But, have you ever had one of those disagreements where not only were you on opposite sides of the issue, neither one of you was willing to budge? Guess what? You’re in good company. Plenty…
I’ve Changed, But My Spouse Hasn’t
You see things differently than you used to. You’re living a healthier lifestyle. You go out less. You interact differently with people. You’re investing more time into hobbies. You love the way you feel—happier, healthier, and less stressed—except in your marriage. Your spouse seems agitated with you which just doesn’t make any sense. Shouldn’t they…
4 Reasons Why Sex Matters In Marriage
Sex: The Ecstasy—and for some—The “Eh.” There’s probably no other part of marriage that can challenge couples more than their sex lives. It’s not uncommon for one spouse to have a much different sex drive than the other. It’s easy for a couple to experience seasons of their marriage when their sex life seems incredible…
What Does Trust Look Like in a Healthy Marriage?
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships,” according to Stephen Covey. This is especially true when it comes to trust in marriage. Trust is essential; without it, maintaining a healthy marriage relationship is difficult. It’s a word that is thrown…
My Spouse Has Changed
How we watch television, communicate with extended family, and even play video games with friends has changed tremendously in the last 20 years. Change is inevitable. But what about when your spouse changes? Notice I said, “when,” not “if.” TV viewing, phone communication, and gaming was and is going to change. And there’s a good…