Conflict tends to bring out the worst in people. They can all too easily become aggressive, insulting, and hurting—leaving wounds on their family members for a long time to come. So how can you fight fair? Here are a few ways for your family to fight fair. First, know when to take a break. When things start escalating, sometimes it’s best to take a short break and walk away from the situation to calm down. ...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
It amazes me how much I’m still learning each day. Just when I think I’ve made some great progress, I mess up and realize I’m still far from being the kind of husband I want to be. But after 25 years of marriage to my wife Susan, I’ve discovered a thing or two about how to communicate well. So here’s what I’ve learned about communicating with my wife. First, communicate gently. Because I’m a “recovering”...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Words matter. I choose them carefully and look for the right words for the situation. But I’ve learned there’s a fine line between being curt and courteous. How we say the words is as important as what we say. There are three things we need to remember about communicating with our spouse that make all the difference. First, the way we use our body can change an innocent comment into the start of something bad. ...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
We all know how powerful words can be. They have the power to poison and even kill a relationship. But they also have the power to build up and breathe life into a relationship. Here are 5 types of words that can help breathe life into your marriage. First, respectful words. Choosing to use respectful words with your spouse means choosing to honor them—not undermine them. Second, affirming words. No matter...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
My wife, Susan, and I have different styles of communication. So, to help us, we use what’s called the speaker/listener technique. Here’s how the speaker/listener technique works. The speaker holds a pen or some other object to show they have the floor. The speaker then makes a short statement or point. After the speaker makes their first point, the listener repeats it back or paraphrases what they heard so that...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
It happens all too often…wife sits down with husband and shares her thoughts, feelings and emotions. After a short time, husband starts to tune out, looks down at his phone and then his mind wanders to other things. But when we don’t listen to our wives, here are 4 things that often happen. First, wives become distant. A woman can’t help but feel rejected when the thoughts she shares with her husband aren’t...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
The weather app on my phone gives me a forecast for the cities I travel to. Recently, I began thinking how helpful it would be to have a marriage app…an app that would forecast what kind of weather to expect at home every day. Even though I haven’t invented such an app, I can share with you a daily checklist that will help avoid oncoming storms in your marriage. First, check the forecast. Look at the upcoming...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
