when you marry your family loyalty shifts. Bride and groom holding hands.

Marriage and Family Loyalty

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Communication, Conflict, Connection, Family, Finances, Marriage Health, Weddings

In marriage, there should be no doubt about family loyalty. Because when you get married, primary loyalty shifts from family of origin to the new family unit. Your spouse becomes your immediate family, and your first loyalty. And while your spouse will not be your only friend in life, they really should be your best friend, and your closest companion. …

The holidays can put extra stress on your marriage.

Make the Holidays Easier on Your Marriage

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Connection, Contentment, Family, 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 …

Stressed businessman - quit your job

Three Reasons Not to Quit Your Job

Marriage Dynamics InstituteContentment, Finances

You may be tempted to quit your job. But is that the best choice right now? Fred the Baker is an all-star. Who is Fred the Baker? You mean you don’t remember him? He remained the faithful face of Dunkin’ Donuts during the 1980s and was famous for always saying “time to make the donuts.” The best thing about Fred …

Until debt tear us apart - studying Ecclesiastes 4

Do You Have Money or Does It Have You? Thoughts from Ecclesiastes 4:12

Marriage Dynamics InstituteFamily, Finances, Goals

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV) The writer of Ecclesiastes (whom we think may need some counseling) reminds us of the importance of having close family relationships. The verse above, which we often cite when we’re talking about marriage, seems to rest in …