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 …

One Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Marriage Right Now

Melody MorrisCommunication, Marriage Health, Quality Time, Reconnecting

Recently I flew to visit my mother and took advantage of free on board wi-fi to catch up on emails. My husband was traveling in Africa, and we connected by Face Time just long enough for me to tell him I was on a plane and would try to reach him later. I looked at my phone, and felt incredibly …

Couple reading Bible together - grow closer spiritually

Grow Closer Spiritually with These 6 Ideas

Marriage Dynamics InstituteFaith, Quality Time, Uncategorized

Want a happier, more fulfilling marriage? One route to greater intimacy in your relationship is to grow closer spiritually. Studies show that couples who share a steadfast devotion to their spiritual lives have happier marriages than those who don’t. While that sounds appealing, how does the couple who’s never been “religious,” or those who come from different backgrounds get started? …

Happy couple - good marriage relationship

12 Practical Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Spouse

Marriage Dynamics InstituteContentment, Marriage Health, Uncategorized

What constitutes a strong foundation for a marriage? A marriage relationship can be one of the most rewarding experiences two people can have this side of heaven—or it can be one of the most difficult. Too many couples enter into the marriage relationship relying solely on the power of their feelings rather than establishing healthy relational habits. But feelings can …