Couple in marriage crisis arguing. Man looks confused.

Navigating Power Struggles in Marriages: Balancing Equality and Harmony

Celeste LaReauCommunication, Conflict, Listening, Patience

Marriage, often seen as the union of two souls, brings together individuals with distinct personalities, beliefs, and expectations. As couples embark on this journey, they encounter a variety of challenges, one of the most common being power struggles. These conflicts arise from differing perspectives on decision-making, responsibilities, and roles within the relationship. While power struggles are a natural part of …

Honest communication using the formula likes, concerns, suggestions can make difficult conversations easier.

3 Words = One Simple Formula for Honest Communication

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Connection, Marriage Health, Patience

Honest communication is essential for healthy relationships. But in our hyper-polarized society, people say a lot of ugly things in the name of being honest. And unkind words don’t bring out the best in anyone. There is a simple formula, however, that is useful for evaluating ideas and providing feedback in all kinds of situations. It’s helpful in business settings …

What if My Spouse has Major Depression?

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Hope, Mental Health, Patience, When Life is Difficult

Most of us get a little blue sometimes about life or things happening around us. Such feelings of sadness are normal, and they are usually temporary, and don’t indicate major depression. But what if your spouse is sad for weeks on end and nothing seems to help? Or their behavior changes and you feel like you are living with a …

What is love?

Real Love: What It Is—What It’s Not

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCelebration, Commitment, Connection, Faith, Intimacy, Marriage Courses, Marriage Health, Patience, Selfishness

Got any special plans for Valentine’s Day this year? In this season, we often feel obligated to demonstrate feelings of love by purchasing things like candy and flowers, or even more expensive gifts.  And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts, there’s a lot more to real love than hearts and flowers. Love is powerful. It is …

Hand circling the word "facts" - choosing truth over marriage misconception

Don’t Let These Marriage Misconceptions Derail Your Relationship

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Contentment, Marriage Courses, Marriage Health, Patience, Uncategorized

Before getting married, most of us believe we have some idea of what makes a marriage successful. Consciously or subconsciously, we have formed opinions as we’ve made observations and absorbed information from other people, books, the internet, TV, or other sources. Unfortunately, some popular beliefs about marriage aren’t accurate. Some may contain a bit of truth, but they are not …

The Gift of a Strong Marriage (Part 1) — Fulfillment

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Communication, Contentment, Intimacy, Listening, Marriage Health, Patience, Quality Time, Selfishness

People get married for lots of reasons. But according to a telephone survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, the number one reason people marry is love. Shocker. Reasons two and three are also unremarkable. People marry because they want to make a lifelong commitment. And they marry for companionship. No surprises there. Human beings are created in the image …

holding hands - staying united during marital disagreements

Marital Disagreements – Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry in Public

MattCommunication, Marriage Health, Patience

Know the right time and place to tackle marital disagreements. Pop quiz: What’s one of the most awkward things to endure? Is it: Accidentally telling your boss “I love you” before you get off the phone. Having someone point out to you that you’re pants are unzipped. Having someone point out that you forgot to wear pants. Watching a married …

Couple holding hands - supporting your spouse's interests

Show Your Spouse You Care by Doing This

Marriage Dynamics InstituteContentment, Patience, Quality Time

“I’ll have the root canal, please.” Said no one ever. Still, that’s how many people act when subjected to the thought of spending time doing certain things their beloved enjoys. It’s not the easiest thing to embrace your spouse’s interests when they are nothing like yours. Maybe you’ve been there? An evening at the opera just isn’t your thing. Or you …

Marriage By the Numbers – What are you willing to give?

Marriage Dynamics InstituteMarriage Health, Patience

When you get married, there is no question you are in for a lot of work. But how much, exactly? Having just an average marriage takes a lot of effort, but what if you want an exceptional marriage? Let’s take a look at it by the numbers. Is Marriage a 50-50 Proposition? You may have heard that marriage is a 50-50 proposition.  …