Just do the next right thing

Do the Next Right Thing: Good Advice When Life is Difficult

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Connection, When Life is Difficult

  Do the right thing, and then do the next right thing, and that will lead you to the next right thing after that.     -Michael J. Fox This advice comes from a beloved American actor waging a very public battle with Parkinson’s disease. Versions of this quote are credited to a variety of coaches, speakers and authors from C.S. …

multiple couples in a three legged race

Running Together into 2020

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Connection, Goals, Marriage Health, Quality Time, Reconnecting, Romance

Have you ever seen a three-legged race? Teams of two people tie one leg to the other person’s leg and then take off running together on what looks like three legs. It’s awkward at best. And kind of silly. But after a few clumsy steps, it’s possible for two people who are tied to each other to cooperate and race …

Gratitude journal.

Gratitude: It’s Good for your Marriage

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Connection, Contentment, Family, Gratitude, Holidays, Listening, Marriage Health

‘Tis the season for gratitude, aka Thanksgiving. And traditionally, Thanksgiving is marked by gathering around the holiday table with family and friends. (And watching football games on television. While enjoying another piece of pie.) Hopefully, in the midst of all the food and fun, we take time to give thanks for our blessings. Because Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. But …

The holidays can put extra stress on your marriage.

Make the Holidays Easier on Your Marriage

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Connection, Contentment, Family, Get Marriage Dynamics finances insights to help couples tackle money challenges, improve budgeting, and build financial harmony.Finances, Holidays, Quality Time

Does your blood pressure rise when you look up and realize there are Christmas decorations out at your local big-box store, and it’s only OCTOBER?  And feeling pressure to catch the Christmas spirit does not seem to make the holidays easier.  Healthline surveyed more than 2,200 people and found that nearly 65% of people feel moderate or significant amounts of …

happy couple outdoors enjoying fall

“Fall” in Love Again—A Dozen Autumn Dates

Marriage Dynamics InstituteConnection, Date Night, Quality Time, Romance

It may be 95 degrees at your house, but the calendar says Autumn has arrived. And the change of seasons brings a return to some familiar rhythms of life. Because kids are back in school. Friday night lights are ablaze in cities and towns across the country. And pumpkin spice is absolutely everywhere. After the lazy days of summer, life …

The Gift of a Strong Marriage (Part 2) — Stability

Melody MorrisCommitment, Communication, Connection, Marriage Health, When Life is Difficult

When you decide to get married, you start making plans. And after you marry, you keep making plans. But you know what they say. Life is what happens while you are making plans. My husband and I had a five year plan when we married. We knew what we wanted to do and where we wanted to be. And we …

happy male student sitting on steps holding textbooks

Surviving the Empty Nest

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Connection, Empty Nest, Reconnecting

The eighteen years or so that a child is at home are filled with all kinds of activity, and a wide range of emotions. And when that child leaves home—for college, or the military, to move into their own apartment or get married—the house may seem incredibly empty. If weekends have been filled with sporting events, dance competitions, youth group …

Couple talking - know your spouse

Communication: You Can’t Have a Great Marriage Without It

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Connection, Intimacy, Marriage Health

You can stay married – maybe even for a long time. You can raise happy, healthy children. And your life may appear successful. Others may see you and want what you have. But you know the truth. At home when all the kids are in bed—or grown and gone—and it’s just you and your spouse… are you lonely? Many couples …

cinnamon topped drink in a white mug beside a candle on a wooden table

Adding a Little Flavor to Your Marriage

Marriage Dynamics InstituteConnection, Family, Holidays, Marriage Health, Quality Time, Time Management

Why is there pumpkin spice flavor in everything? From lattes to cereal, yogurt to rice cakes, this popular flavor, which actually has no pumpkin in it, seems to be everywhere this time of year. (If you don’t believe us, then check out this ranking of 124 pumpkin spice products.) Flavors and smells can evoke strong memories. Perhaps the popularity of …