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 matters a lot… but maybe not for the usual reasons we think it does.
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…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FTF_NativeAd_Nov2021_WhySexMatters.jpg6281200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-13 08:43:502022-06-30 07:29:394 Reasons Why Sex Matters In Marriage
Knowing your spouse has your back provides a sense of security.
“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 14:48:232022-04-12 10:50:51What 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…
The romance doesn’t need to go down as the anniversaries go up.
What sounds better than a fun, fulfilling marriage? Nothing!! If you’re married, you know keeping things interesting takes a little effort, but what things in life worth having don’t? You’ve signed up for a lifelong pursuit of your spouse and to fall in love with them over and over again. Having fun together helps naturally…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/3EasyWaystoMakeYourMarriageMoreFun.jpg306800First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-10-06 07:44:512021-03-30 08:42:133 Easy Ways to Make Your Marriage More Fun
There are days you wake up and have no motivation to go to work. Times when you don’t feel like seeing your in-laws and weekends and there’s no desire to get out of the bed anytime between Friday evening and Monday morning. However, when the lack of motivation creeps into marriage and you begin struggling…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowToStayMotivatedDuringMarriageChallenges.jpg475800Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-06 06:10:012021-04-13 09:05:53How to Stay Motivated During Marriage Challenges
These solutions can help you deal with the problems head-on.
There are lots of things that can make your marriage great. Inevitably, your marriage will run into some bumps and cracks in the road that can cause problems. Those problems don’t have to become craters in your journey. Awareness of common marital issues can help you avoid many of them. It can also prepare you…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5CommonProblemsinMarriage.jpg368800Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-05 22:46:522022-05-10 12:12:465 Common Problems in Marriage
Married. You and your spouse talk every day and you sleep in the same bed. You share bills and responsibilities. Of course, you have sex. You do all the things married couples do. Yet you so often feel unheard and unknown by your spouse. You don’t feel like your spouse knows your hurts and pains.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WhatToDoWhenYouFeelUnheardInYourMarriage.jpg379800Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-05 22:36:442020-10-19 12:24:15What to Do When You Feel Unheard in Your Marriage
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a great parent, a wonderful friend, fiancé, 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…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowtoFindGoodRelationshipAdvice.jpg454800Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-05 21:46:132021-04-01 17:22:46How to Find Good Relationship Advice
Full transparency here: I’ve dealt with feelings of depression and anxiety through much of my adulthood. In fact, I brought it right with me into my marriage. Through it all, my wife has been a solid rock of support and encouragement for me and my mental health during those difficult times. And looking back, I’ve…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/june-heredia-PflcOSKn0oY-unsplash-scaled-e1600981792201.jpg195600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-09-24 17:10:182021-04-13 09:43:108 Ways To Care for Your Spouse’s Mental Health
Name something that can help you have a long-lasting, thriving marriage. I’ll give you a moment to run through the usual answers… communication, working through conflict, intimacy, yadda, yadda, yadda. The one you’re looking for is… Spending time alone. You might crave it and don’t get enough of it. Perhaps your spouse craves alone time…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/roberto-nickson-q9nZUFC1nTw-unsplash-scaled-e1600873154873.jpg231600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-23 10:59:262022-04-04 12:02:45Why Spending Time Alone Is Good for Your Marriage
Will having an open marriage increase your happiness? Maybe you’ve seen the trend among celebrities “celebrating” an open marriage situation. Maybe you’ve even thought about adopting an open marriage relationship with your spouse. I’d like to help you with some answers. Answers based on research, common sense, the multitudes of couples I’ve worked with, and…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/jonathan-borba-n-A894UXsj8-unsplash-scaled-e1600872764414.jpg240600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-09-23 10:54:012020-10-20 11:54:25Will Having an Open Marriage Increase Your Happiness?
Your marriage has been blindsided by an emotional affair. One of you is struggling with thoughts and feelings of betrayal, shock, and hurt. One of you is struggling with thoughts and feelings of confusion, guilt, and sadness. How can your marriage move past this? The good news is, your marriage can not only move past…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/terry-vlisidis-wPn2iU7mVE4-unsplash-scaled-e1600197155784.jpg220597John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-09-15 15:13:142022-01-07 13:43:58How to Move Past an Emotional Affair
Have you ever had a fight with your spouse as you were walking out the door to work and actually thought to yourself, “I can’t wait to get to work to talk with so-and-so because he/she is such a good listener and gets me.” This thought may feel completely harmless to you at first, but…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/marcelo-matarazzo-eoll6jVrEM0-unsplash-scaled-e1600176182637.jpg216600John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-09-15 09:23:152021-10-06 15:53:57Warning Signs of an Emotional Affair
Do you have realistic expectations for your marriage? Fast forward to being married. You text your spouse about how long your day is and how you’ll be home late. They respond saying they actually got to go home early and can’t wait until you get home. You think to yourself, “Ah, so glad they’re getting…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/keenan-constance-yIdSW4wjB3A-unsplash-scaled-e1600113099192.jpg227600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-14 15:51:452021-01-08 14:32:54Do You Have Realistic Expectations for Your Marriage?
It’s that time of year! The leaves are changing colors and falling. There’s a cool breeze in the air. Pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. We’ve moved past the laid-back summer and now it’s FALL, the season of football, fun… and romance. Here are several romantic fall fun date ideas that bring out…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/romane-van-troost-sn61a37mbUM-unsplash-scaled-e1600112159255.jpg319600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-14 15:36:262020-10-27 10:46:5430 Romantic Fall Date Ideas For Couples
Have a more fulfilling marriage by doing these things.
When your relationship has a high level of emotional intimacy, you share your feelings, needs, fears, successes, and failures knowing you will continue to be loved and cared for by your partner. Building strong intimacy in your marriage can give your marriage the satisfying fulfillment you desire. Here are 6 exercises to strengthen emotional intimacy…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/keenan-constance-cHRfMBwDb3Q-unsplash-scaled-e1599771130496.jpg228600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-10 16:52:202022-02-10 11:39:086 Exercises to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage
Have you ever gotten into bed, rolled over, and said “I miss you,” after sitting next to your spouse on the couch all evening? Or thought it silently to yourself as you question, “What did we even do? I mean we were next to each other—how can I miss them?” Just being in the same…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/gianpaolo-la-paglia-qIADaHMKKVg-unsplash-scaled-e1599770706910.jpg259600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-09-10 16:45:282021-03-16 11:57:504 Ways to Be More Present With Your Spouse
You thought the words “marriage” and “loneliness” were oxymorons. Now you realize that isn’t the case. A Cigna study reports that in over 40% of marriages, one of the partners experiences loneliness and is unable to connect and be vulnerable with their spouse. What do you do if you’re feeling lonely in your marriage? 1.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-pixabay-326650-scaled-e1599770480319.jpg259600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-10 16:41:552022-06-21 15:21:39Feeling Lonely in Your Marriage? Here’s What to Do.
What would it look like to be completely stress-free in your marriage? Wouldn’t it be outright, utter marital bliss to wake up next to your spouse, depart for the day, rejoin together, and go to bed at night with the one you love the most without an ounce of stress pervading your relationship? Well, unfortunately,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/tara-bazille-IEmv67Jg8lA-unsplash-scaled-e1599743051809.jpg220600Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-09-10 09:04:352021-03-16 11:27:15How Couples Can Help Each Other De-Stress and Improve Their Relationship
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…
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…
3 Easy Ways to Make Your Marriage More Fun
What sounds better than a fun, fulfilling marriage? Nothing!! If you’re married, you know keeping things interesting takes a little effort, but what things in life worth having don’t? You’ve signed up for a lifelong pursuit of your spouse and to fall in love with them over and over again. Having fun together helps naturally…
How to Stay Motivated During Marriage Challenges
There are days you wake up and have no motivation to go to work. Times when you don’t feel like seeing your in-laws and weekends and there’s no desire to get out of the bed anytime between Friday evening and Monday morning. However, when the lack of motivation creeps into marriage and you begin struggling…
5 Common Problems in Marriage
There are lots of things that can make your marriage great. Inevitably, your marriage will run into some bumps and cracks in the road that can cause problems. Those problems don’t have to become craters in your journey. Awareness of common marital issues can help you avoid many of them. It can also prepare you…
What to Do When You Feel Unheard in Your Marriage
Married. You and your spouse talk every day and you sleep in the same bed. You share bills and responsibilities. Of course, you have sex. You do all the things married couples do. Yet you so often feel unheard and unknown by your spouse. You don’t feel like your spouse knows your hurts and pains.…
How to Find Good Relationship Advice
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a great parent, a wonderful friend, fiancé, 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…
8 Ways To Care for Your Spouse’s Mental Health
Full transparency here: I’ve dealt with feelings of depression and anxiety through much of my adulthood. In fact, I brought it right with me into my marriage. Through it all, my wife has been a solid rock of support and encouragement for me and my mental health during those difficult times. And looking back, I’ve…
Why Spending Time Alone Is Good for Your Marriage
Name something that can help you have a long-lasting, thriving marriage. I’ll give you a moment to run through the usual answers… communication, working through conflict, intimacy, yadda, yadda, yadda. The one you’re looking for is… Spending time alone. You might crave it and don’t get enough of it. Perhaps your spouse craves alone time…
Will Having an Open Marriage Increase Your Happiness?
Will having an open marriage increase your happiness? Maybe you’ve seen the trend among celebrities “celebrating” an open marriage situation. Maybe you’ve even thought about adopting an open marriage relationship with your spouse. I’d like to help you with some answers. Answers based on research, common sense, the multitudes of couples I’ve worked with, and…
How to Move Past an Emotional Affair
Your marriage has been blindsided by an emotional affair. One of you is struggling with thoughts and feelings of betrayal, shock, and hurt. One of you is struggling with thoughts and feelings of confusion, guilt, and sadness. How can your marriage move past this? The good news is, your marriage can not only move past…
Warning Signs of an Emotional Affair
Have you ever had a fight with your spouse as you were walking out the door to work and actually thought to yourself, “I can’t wait to get to work to talk with so-and-so because he/she is such a good listener and gets me.” This thought may feel completely harmless to you at first, but…
Do You Have Realistic Expectations for Your Marriage?
Do you have realistic expectations for your marriage? Fast forward to being married. You text your spouse about how long your day is and how you’ll be home late. They respond saying they actually got to go home early and can’t wait until you get home. You think to yourself, “Ah, so glad they’re getting…
30 Romantic Fall Date Ideas For Couples
It’s that time of year! The leaves are changing colors and falling. There’s a cool breeze in the air. Pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. We’ve moved past the laid-back summer and now it’s FALL, the season of football, fun… and romance. Here are several romantic fall fun date ideas that bring out…
6 Exercises to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage
When your relationship has a high level of emotional intimacy, you share your feelings, needs, fears, successes, and failures knowing you will continue to be loved and cared for by your partner. Building strong intimacy in your marriage can give your marriage the satisfying fulfillment you desire. Here are 6 exercises to strengthen emotional intimacy…
4 Ways to Be More Present With Your Spouse
Have you ever gotten into bed, rolled over, and said “I miss you,” after sitting next to your spouse on the couch all evening? Or thought it silently to yourself as you question, “What did we even do? I mean we were next to each other—how can I miss them?” Just being in the same…
Feeling Lonely in Your Marriage? Here’s What to Do.
You thought the words “marriage” and “loneliness” were oxymorons. Now you realize that isn’t the case. A Cigna study reports that in over 40% of marriages, one of the partners experiences loneliness and is unable to connect and be vulnerable with their spouse. What do you do if you’re feeling lonely in your marriage? 1.…
How Couples Can Help Each Other De-Stress and Improve Their Relationship
What would it look like to be completely stress-free in your marriage? Wouldn’t it be outright, utter marital bliss to wake up next to your spouse, depart for the day, rejoin together, and go to bed at night with the one you love the most without an ounce of stress pervading your relationship? Well, unfortunately,…
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