when one spouse wants to save the marriage-husband reaching out to wife

When One Spouse wants to Save the Marriage, and the Other Doesn’t

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Intimacy, Marriage Health, Marriage Intensive, When Life is Difficult

Sometimes things go terribly wrong in a marriage relationship, and one spouse wants to save the marriage, but the other does not. Unhealthy relationships can fall apart quickly. They can go completely off the rails in dramatic fashion setting off shock waves that can leave one or both marriage partners in denial. Marriages can also drift into indifference. And couples …

Marriage is a journey. Couple walking along dirt road.

Marriage is a Journey, Not a Destination: Tips from Seasoned Travelers

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Communication, Connection, Contentment, Goals, Intimacy, Marriage Health, Romance, When Life is Difficult

Marriage is a journey. You don’t suddenly arrive at a great marriage. Rather, you discover it one day at a time. Sometimes it’s like a thrill ride! Other times it’s a strenuous uphill climb. No one can completely map out their marriage journey because life… happens. But there are things you can do to make sure your relationship is ready …

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 …

Offended? Forgiveness brings freedom.

Offended? Try These 5 Steps to Forgiveness

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Connection, Criticism, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Humility, Intimacy, Marriage Health, Reconnecting, When Life is Difficult

Question: How do you respond when you feel offended? Do you assume the worst and turn the offense over and over and in your mind, replaying the incident and reliving the hurt? Do you catalogue other offenses committed by the person in question, adding fuel to your resentment? Maintaining healthy relationships requires a willingness to forgive when we are offended. …

You can move forward even when the world is in limbo.

Living in Limbo but Still Moving Forward

Marriage Dynamics InstituteConflict, Connection, Faith, Gratitude, When Life is Difficult

Simple things—like going to the grocery store or spending time with friends—may seem more complicated these days. Depending on where you live, stores and restaurants may be operating at limited capacity with curbside service or takeout only options. Businesses you rely on may have closed temporarily, or for good. If you have been to the doctor lately, you probably had …

A single rose blooming serves as a reminder to hold on tight to the one you love.

Hold on Tight to Each Other

Melody MorrisCommitment, Communication, Connection, Loss, When Life is Difficult

My husband and I were taking our evening stroll. We like to walk and talk and hold hands. Because we are relatively new to the neighborhood, these daily walks provide opportunities to chat and get to know people better. And since Ken is in the process of tidying up the landscaping around our home, so he enjoys discovering which varieties …

Don't wait. Celebrate. Special days matter.

Don’t Wait. Celebrate!

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCelebration, Date Night, Holidays, When Life is Difficult

People are finding creative ways to celebrate special events these days. Almost eight-year-old Caleb knew he could not have a birthday party because of social distancing. Caleb loves jeeps. So his mom asked jeep-owning friends to drive by their house on Caleb’s birthday and surprise her son. The request circulated widely. Several days later, more than 300 jeeps paraded down …

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. …

Pandemic and the Unexpected Gift

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Gifts, Quality Time, Reconnecting, When Life is Difficult

Pandemic.  At the risk of stating the obvious, we are living through unusual days. No matter what part of the country you are in, if you listen to or read any news at all, you are aware that the world is more than a little chaotic right now. At the very least, there is much uncertainty. And no one really …

What kind of legacy will your marriage leave?

The Gift of A Strong Marriage (Part 3) Legacy

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Faith, Family, Hope, Loss, Marriage Health, When Life is Difficult

Legacy is often thought of in financial terms. It’s the money or the property or the family heirlooms left behind when someone dies. And while that is true,  legacy is not always something you can hold in your hand. Because legacy is what you pass down to those who come after you. That might include money and property, but it …