What Your Husband Really Wants for Christmas

"Why is it so hard to shop for men? Probably because we are coming at it from a woman’s point of view. A man would ask, 'Why are women so hard to shop for?' Well, it’s because we’re created so differently. A little Scripture searching and marriage experience will teach you that. Both men and women were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). But this time of year, it seems the similarities end there. So where does that leave us wives who really want to express to our husbands just how much they mean to us? For one, accept the differences between you and your spouse. Two, read on".....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/holidays/featured-holidays/christmas/what-your-husband-really-wants-for-christmas/

What Your Wife Really Wants for Christmas

"We know women can be hard to shop for (honestly, we feel the same way about you). If you feel stuck shopping for your wife this year, maybe it’s time to step outside the box this Christmas. Instead of dazzling her with diamonds, delight in the joy she brings to your life. As Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:22, 'He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.'”.....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/holidays/featured-holidays/christmas/what-your-wife-really-wants-for-christmas/

20 Things Wives Love to Hear From Their Husbands

"You can’t communicate your appreciation for her and her efforts enough. This is another example. Don’t let a day go by where she feels taken for granted. When you see it, tell her".....

https://www.allprodad.com/20-things-wives-love-to-hear-from-their-husbands/?utm_term=playoftheday#skipintro

Believing the Worst of Those Who Love Me Most

"And yet in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when she in some way displeases me, I can act as if she has never loved me at all, as if she has only ever treated me with contempt. In a moment I can throw out all those years of love and sacrifice and assume that she is now opposed to me, looking out for her interests instead of mine, interested in harming me rather than helping me. In a moment I throw away all these evidences of her love and behave as if she hates me".....

https://www.challies.com/christian-living/believing-the-worst-of-those-who-love-me-most/

6 Ways to Nurture Honesty in Your Marriage

"We don’t lie just with words—sometimes we can lie by withholding them. It can be tempting to let our spouse assume something that’s not true by not correcting them, but that’s still dishonesty".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/6-ways-to-nurture-honesty-in-your-marriage/

A Backdoor to Happiness in Marriage

Some of our spouses may not even realize they have a best side. It’s our job—and joy—to help them discover it. Others may have never allowed their best side to flourish—or even be seen—because they’re insecure. If that’s the case, when we learn to cherish them, we will provide the support they need.

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/marriage-challenges/understanding-differences/a-backdoor-to-happiness-in-marriage/

3 One-Liners that Make a Huge Difference in Our Marriage

"Now, I realize life is complicated and you need more than three one-liners in your marital toolbox, but often we make marriage way to complicated by creating our own drama. Having simple ways to get our marriages back on course is crucial".....

http://marriedpeople.org/3-one-liners-make-huge-difference-marriage/

10 Things Kids Learn from Their Parents' Marriage

"Kids are always watching their parent’s marriage and yet too many marriages underestimate the power of modeling! Children are taking daily recordings of what a marriage looks like and those recordings are definitely influencing and shaping their view of marriage. So, live your marriage wisely to make sure the message you are sending your kids is the message you intend to send".....

https://homeword.com/jims-blog/10-things-kids-learn-from-their-parents-marriage/#.XAfcMmhKiUk

What to Do When Your Sex Life is Suffering

"I’ve heard from a number whose physical relationship is an area of struggle for them, and how it can put a big strain on the rest of their relationship. So how should we respond when we and our partner are experiencing difficulties with our sex life?".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/what-to-do-when-your-sex-life-is-suffering/

When You and Your Spouse Remember it Differently

"Sometimes we remember things in a different way than our spouse remembers it. We are certain we said one thing and they’re certain we said (or didn’t say) another. Here are three brief reminders from A Lasting Promise for when the filter of memory affects your communication and conflict resolution".....

https://www.scottkedersha.com/how-to-deal-with-one-of-the-biggest-conflict-challenges-all-couples-face/

Communicating When You and Your Spouse Have Different Styles

"It takes work to develop skills to talk and listen to a spouse who has a different style of communicating than we do. Here are some of those communication “personalities” with tips on how to better communicate with a spouse who has that style".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/how-to-communicate-better-with-your-spouse

6 Conversation Topics to Cover with Your Wife Every Week

"Without doing routine checks on certain subjects the probability of becoming disconnected increases dramatically. The results could be disastrous. If you want to stay connected to your wife, here are 6 conversation topics you need to cover every week".....

https://www.allprodad.com/6-conversation-topics-you-need-to-cover-with-your-wife-every-week/

10 Texts to Send Your Husband in the Next 10 Days

"I recently challenged husbands with 10 texts for husbands to send to their wives in the next 10 days. Today’s challenge is to the ladies.  So here are 10 texts to send your husband in the next 10 days".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/10-texts-to-send-your-husband-in-the-next-10-days

10 Texts to Send Your Wife in the Next 10 Days

"Texting (unless you’re driving, of course) can be a great way to send a much needed note to someone you love".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/10-texts-to-send-your-wife-in-the-next-10-days

What Are Your Conflict Blocks?

"Dealing with conflict in appropriate and positive ways is a learned trait. Typically, we’ll begin learning conflict management at about the same time we learn to talk and walk. You may not want to admit it, but you probably apply some of the same patterns your parents used when they dealt with conflict. It’s natural for you to simply pick them up through years of observation".....

https://homeword.com/jims-blog/what-are-your-conflict-blocks/#.W_M7Y-hKiUk

Your Marriage is Your Most Important Ministry

"While history tells us that it is possible to have an effective ministry without a healthy marriage, it is not what the Lord desires for us. And not what the Lord desires for those who are impacted by our lives. Here are three reasons why your marriage is your most important ministry".....

http://ericgeiger.com/2018/11/your-marriage-is-your-most-important-ministry/

7 Signs You're Having an Emotional Affair

"If you think that you (or your spouse) has let a friendship go to far, here are 7 simple ways  to tell if you’re having some level of an emotional affair. If you can see yourself in any of these, take immediate action to create healthy boundaries and restore healing and trust in your marriage".....

https://homeword.com/jims-blog/7-signs-youre-having-an-emotional-affair/#.W-L74JNKiUk

5 Things I've Learned about Communicating with My Wife

"after 25 years with my awesome bride, I have learned a thing or two about how best to communicate with her.  And while I still haven’t mastered all of these things, I’d like to share with you what I’m working to be better at".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/5-things-ive-learned-about-communicating-with-my-wife/

Marriage Isn't About Your Happiness

"No wonder we often choose divorce over commitment…because most of the time, we’re choosing 'personal happiness' over real commitment—over real love".....

https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/325902-marriage-isnt-about-your-happiness-debra-fileta.html

You Can't Have a Healthy Marriage with a Sick Soul

"The problem of marriage is the problem of unformed or ill souls relating through unhealthy responses. It’s not primarily about communication, finances, conflict resolution or in-laws. It’s about our sick souls".....

https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/328634-you-cant-have-a-healthy-marriage-with-a-sick-soul-gary-thomas.html

Conflict is a Normal and Natural Part of Your "Happily Ever After"

"In fact, not only is conflict in marriage inevitable, but it’s also perfectly normal. It’s a part of life. Why do you think wedding vows include phrases like 'for better for worse,' 'for richer for poorer,' 'in sickness and health,' and 'through thick and thin?'”.....

https://www.gottman.com/blog/conflict-normal-natural-part-happily-ever/

The Best Marriage Advice We've Ever Heard

"Through the years, we’ve been collecting some of the best marriage advice others have shared with us (and some we had to learn through our own mistakes)".....

https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/302903-best-marriage-advice-weve-ever-heard-dave-willis.html

Your Marriage Can Thrive During a Busy Season

"There is always a new assignment at work, another child’s dance recital to attend, another book to read, a new trip to take, another practice to drive the kids to, another meal to cook, another day of yard work…the list goes on and on. So how can our marriage not only survive but thrive in these seasons? Here are 6 ways your marriage can thrive even through the busiest times of life".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/6-ways-your-marriage-can-thrive-in-a-busy-season/

6 Questions That Will Change Your Marriage

"What if you could help your marriage be more about relationship and less about business? It's easy to know our spouse's schedule and forget about their heart. These six questions will re-calibrate your marriage".....

http://marriedpeople.org/6-questions-that-will-radically-change-your-marriage/

Getting Irritated by Your Spouse

"Getting irritated by your spouse is an occupational hazard for marriage. It happens in all marriages, some more than others".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/4-insights-when-your-spouse-irritates-you/

How to Keep Your Marriage Intact after a Miscarriage

"Your marriage might be strained after a miscarriage, but as pressure on a net can bind the knots stronger, allow this pressure to fuse you together and build resiliency in your relationship rather than tear you apart".....

https://relevantmagazine.com/life5/how-to-keep-your-marriage-intact-after-a-miscarriage/

Imperfect Marriage

"So what are the essential wisdom perspectives that Scripture gives us that enable us to have realistic expectations for our marriage?".....

https://corechristianity.com/resource-library/articles/three-things-to-remember-about-your-imperfect-marriage

How to Stay Married When You are Stuck Between Teens and Aging Parents

"Caring for family on both ends of the spectrum—growing kids and aging parents—can compromise even the healthiest marriage. For the many mid-lifers who find themselves pulled in two directions, it’s imperative for us to discern how to protect and nurture our marriages as we serve our families".....

https://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2018/october/divorce-marriage-midlife-stuck-between-needy-teens-aging-pa.html

5 Things Men Should Know About Submission

"In our years of doing marriage ministry, my wife Ashley and I have seen that one of the most controversial, misused and misunderstood marriage teachings in the Bible is on this issue of submission".....

https://marriagetoday.com/marriagehelp/5-things-men-know-submission/

7 Sucker Punches to Stop Throwing in Your Marriage

"But arguments typically bring out a couple’s aggressive, passive-aggressive or passive reactions. And when those reactions are present, a husband or wife can start 'hitting below the belt' and throwing 'sucker punches' at one another, which, in the end, only harms the relationship".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/7-sucker-punches-to-stop-throwing-when-fighting-with-your-spouse

Protecting Your Marriage on Social Media

"Did you know that 20 percent of divorces involve Facebook? As a former social media manager and avid Facebook user, I’m not surprised by that statistic. Facebook’s convenient social engagement is an excellent way to stay in contact with old friends. But this convenience is also why Facebook is so dangerous for modern marriages".....

http://marriedpeople.org/5-ways-to-protect-your-marriage-on-social-media/

3 Betrayals that Ruin Relationships (that aren't infidelity)

"Infidelity is the betrayal our society focuses on, but it is actually the subtle, unnoticed betrayals that truly ruin relationships. When partners do not choose each other day after day, trust and commitment erode away".....

https://www.gottman.com/blog/3-betrayals-ruin-relationships-arent-infidelity/

10 Questions Happy Couples are Asking One Another

"One of the easiest ways to reconnect—that doesn’t even cost a dime or that much time—is to ask meaningful, open-ended questions and be fully present in conversations".....

https://www.gottman.com/blog/10-questions-happy-couples-constantly-asking-one-another/

Too Busy to Find Time for Sex in Your Marriage

"So it’s been a while since you and your spouse have had sex, huh? There’s no real reason for it. Your relationship is going fine. Your marriage is stable. But for some reason, the sun keeps setting with the two of you in bed, too tired for anything hotter than a goodnight kiss—or maybe even just a 'can you hit the light?'"

https://relevantmagazine.com/love-and-money/so-youre-too-busy-to-find-time-for-sex-in-your-marriage/

Back to the Basics

"A couple can get so deep in the pit that they forget how to find their way back. The following are tips for regaining your footing in your marriage".....

https://www.blazinggrace.org/marriage-tips-for-men-and-women/

Examine Your Life and Your Marriage

"I hear couples say all the time, 'We’ve lost our focus. Our priorities and attitude took a wrong turn.' No one starts out to have a second-rate marriage, but it happens so often because we blame our spouse and don’t have the emotional energy to be intentional in making the decisions ourselves that will make a difference".....

https://homeword.com/jims-blog/examine-your-life-and-your-marriage/#.W7TMb2hKiUk

Marriage and Coffee

"There it is: the big 'I.' Did you notice? That one-letter pronoun is a glimpse into my heart. It’s so easy for me to just focus on what “I want” instead of what 'We need.'".....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/staying-married/commitment/the-anniversary-blend/

Dealing with Resentment in Your Marriage

"One of the most difficult issues to face in your marriage is the realization that one of you resents the other. This can be a devastating revelation, but it doesn’t mean you can’t overcome these intimacy-killing emotions".....

https://www.symbis.com/blog/dealing-resentment-marriage/

Cultivating Praise in Marriage

Praise and affirmation are essential to the health and vitality of a marriage. Genuine praise and verbalized thankfulness are like marital fertilizer (think Miracle-Gro®) in the soil of your spouse’s heart. They have the power to help heal an ailing marriage or strengthen an already healthy one.

https://www.ccef.org/resources/blog/cultivating-praise-marriage

Loving a Broken Man (or Woman)

"As I have stated many times over in this blog and my books, I am not talking here about accepting or condoning abusive behavior or a pattern of him threatening you. This post is not meant for those who need to escape their marriages because their marriage has become unsafe; it is meant for those who want to help their wounded but safe husbands learn how to be more gentle and understanding and learn how to process their frustration, anger, and shame in more mature ways".....

http://www.garythomas.com/loving-broken-man-woman/

8 Little Things that are a Big Deal in Your Marriage

"Remember, these small courtesies aren’t just important for your marriage. If you have children, they are learning from you about how to treat others".....

http://www.markmerrill.com/8-little-things-that-are-a-big-deal-in-your-marriage/

10 Questions to Ask Your Wife Every Year

"The best remedy for marriage conflict is marriage communication. Disagreements, fights, impasses, separations and divorce can be traced back to poor communication more than any other factor. Likewise, listening amounts to some of the best relationship medicine around".....

https://www.allprodad.com/10-questions-ask-wife-every-year/

Sex in Marriage: unspoken expectations or real conversations?

"Sex is a powerful experience in marriage, but I find it’s easy to allow unrealistic or even harmful expectations to run rampant through my mind. When that happens I need to stop and ask a few questions".....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/staying-married/romance-and-sex/what-are-your-sexpectations/

Marriage is Not a Big Thing but a Million Little Things

"One revelation to come from his research is the idea that small, intentional moments hold more weight than isolated, extravagant gestures when it comes to building emotional longevity in your relationship. Dr. Gottman’s motto is 'small things often'".....

https://www.gottman.com/blog/marriage-not-big-thing-million-little-things/

3 Types of Margin You Absolutely Need in Your Marriage

"Things never go as planned. I have an idea of where I’d like my days to go, but the only predictable thing about life is that it’s unpredictable. The vast majority of my life feels like I’m just along for the ride and the driver could care less where I think we should go.

Why is life so hard to plan perfectly? Because things happen which we cannot control. Most of us know this, so we unconsciously build in margin for error".....

http://marriedpeople.org/3-types-margin-absolutely-need-marriage/

7 Things Husbands Do That Drive Their Wives Crazy

"As I talk to couples I hear a list of common things husbands do that drive their wives crazy. Many of these can be avoided by small pieces of intentional action".....

https://www.allprodad.com/7-things-husbands-do-that-drive-their-wives-crazy/

Step Families: Place Your Spouse in the Front Seat of Your Heart

"After all, parent-child relationships predate the new marriage and are bonded by blood, history, and family identity. When a husband and wife bring children into their new marriage, they often find their marriage is the secondary relationship. And unless they find a way to make the marriage primary, they will experience distress and instability in the home".....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/remarriage/staying-married-remarriage/placing-your-spouse-in-the-front-seat-of-your-heart/

11 Ways to Show Respect to Your Husband

"I understood that the respect my husband longs for should not be based on his performance. Instead, I should honor him because it pleases God and because I know that Jim’s actions are motivated by his love for Jesus Christ and me. My husband wants me to respect him for who he is, not for what he does".....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/staying-married/wives/11-ways-to-show-respect-to-your-husband/

5 Little BIG Ways to Improve Your Marriage

"My research on happy couples showed that an extraordinarily high percentage of them were (often without realizing it!) doing a few little specific actions that were making their spouses feel deeply cared for".....

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/staying-married/communication/5-biggest-little-ways-to-improve-your-marriage/

Loving Your Spouse Through Suffering

"For the one who chronically suffers, there is always a tension between wanting to escape the pain on one side, and learning to trust and rest in where God has us. The spouse, however, bears the pain indirectly. They do not feel the physical pain that their husband or wife does".....

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/married-to-weakness