Like most couples, you poured immense energy and resources into planning your big day. But your wedding was only one day… your marriage is for a lifetime. Here are some things you did to prepare for your wedding that you should continue to do in your marriage. First, create a budget to help you make smart money decisions. Second, work every day to meet your spouse’s emotional needs. Third, be intentional...
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Laugh together. It’s no joke. Laughter not only makes us feel good but according to research cited in the Canadian Family Physician journal, it releases chemicals associated with bonding. A hearty belly laugh increases oxygen in your blood stream and gives your heart a workout. That releases even more feel good endorphins. Humor helps us cope with stress; it relieves tension and creates a feeling of intimacy,...
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From cheaters and domestic violence to red-handed corporate executives and red-faced politicians, we hear apologies galore. But does simply saying, “I’m sorry” mean they’ve taken responsibility for their mistakes? No. Sometimes it just means they are sorry they got caught. There are four steps toward a true apology. First, acknowledge what you have done wrong. Second, grieve that wrong. Third, ask for...
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As my wife Susan and I reflected on a friend’s recent wedding, we could see how weddings really can help strengthen our marriage. Here’s how. First, a wedding can inspire awe in us for our own marriage. Watching a couple start their new life together reminds us of where we were when we started AND how much we’ve grown. Second, weddings cause us to ponder our own commitment, if we’re willing to listen to the...
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Husbands and wives sometimes have unrealistic expectations of one another in marriage. But, there are a few things that a husband can and should expect from his wife. The first is respect. It’s one of the essentials men need in marriage?it's a fuel that drives them. You can keep his tank topped up with notes or words affirming his judgment and abilities. The second thing a husband should expect from his wife is...
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Your marriage has some nonnegotiables—a list of things your wife should be able to expect from you. Here are a few of them. First, trustworthy. That means you are who you say you are and will do what you say you’ll do. Second, faithful…not giving yourself away in any way to another woman…physically, mentally, or emotionally. Third, protector. Your wife and your children need to feel safe and protected—and not just...
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Every marriage is full of tough decisions that sometimes lead couples to disagree. But you can disagree in a kind and loving way. So here are 3 agreeable ways to disagree with your spouse. First, disagree with affirmation. Start off well by validating their position and by finding common ground with your spouse. Second, disagree with kindness. Disagreements are much more effective when each spouse agrees to use...
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