We all know that relationships can be difficult. It becomes even more challenging when you are involved in one that is unhealthy. Here are 10 RED FLAGS that you may need to reevaluate your relationship or seek counseling to fully address problematic issues. Letting your partner define you– You’ve lost your identity based upon your […]
Marriage requires commitment- we all know that. When times are good, it’s easy to commitment. No worries, high intimacy, great communication. But what about the times when commitment is hard? When you’ve fallen out of love? When you are hurt by what they did? When you are frustrated by what they didn’t do? It’s during […]
Over time, couples may find themselves growing apart. They become unhappy, but they’re not quite sure when it began. The ebb and flow is sometimes hard to navigate. That’s why it’s important to always pay attention to your partner- changes in their behavior or response toward you like shutting down, spending more time away, etc. […]
Everyone wants respect from their spouse. However, it’s not always given. They say respect is earned. But in relationships, we don’t always know how. I mean, you’re married which means you should naturally respect each other, right? WRONG! Sometimes, mistakes and flaws get in the way. When you disappoint or hurt your partner time […]
Is it healthy to have “individuality” in your marriage? Can you maintain a sense of identity while “becoming one” with your spouse? Although many may disagree, I would say YES! Having independence and autonomy is extremely important in marriage. You need to continue enjoying who you are and growing into who God created you to […]
According to the National Marriage Project or the University of Virginia, “wives who report being very happy with their marriages- who are less prone to divorce- aren’t just lucky.” They take action to make their marriage the best despite their situations or circumstances. Here are the 5 predictors of happy wives: 1) They have a […]
So, what does it take to make marriage last? Let’s look at the research: Feeling special. According to the Early Years of Marriage Project funded by the National Institutes of Health, three-fourths of happy couples reported that their spouses made them feel special often. “Doing or saying small things frequently to make your partner feel […]
CRITICISM 1) It is not your responsibility to “fix” or “save” your partner by telling them what they should change about themselves 2) Seek to praise, NOT to criticize 3) Learn to appreciate the little things that your partner does righ UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS 1) It is unrealistic to expect a perfect partner when you are […]
1) TRUST You have to trust in a marriage. And when I say this, I mean having assurance and confidence in one’s intentions. Trust in your partner is believing that they want the best for the relationship and that they are giving every effort to make it work. Trust is really essential in building the […]
So- we all say the phrase “I need you to…” at some point in our relationship. But what does that really mean? How does it make your partner feel? Well if you haven’t noticed, they usually get defensive. And I say defensive because it typically implies they haven’t done enough of whatever it is you […]
