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 …

Suffering in Silence: An Epidemic in Today’s Marriages

Marriage Dynamics InstituteConnection, Contentment, Intimacy, Marriage Health, Reconnecting

Marriage is a sacred bond that unites two individuals in a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual understanding. However, like any relationship, marriages are not immune to challenges and difficulties. When faced with these hurdles, couples often find themselves torn between seeking help and preserving their privacy. This internal struggle, while understandable, can sometimes lead to even more significant …

I love you sign - study of what love is

Nurturing Love: 7 Ways on How to Guide Your Spouse in Loving You

Marriage Dynamics InstituteConnection, Contentment, Listening, Marriage Health, Reconnecting

Love is a complex and ever-evolving emotion that forms the foundation of a successful and fulfilling relationship. While every individual has their unique love language and understanding of love, teaching your spouse how to love you can lead to a deeper, more meaningful connection. Open communication, vulnerability, and patience are key elements in guiding your partner to better understand and …

The Ever-Evolving Journey of Marriages: How Relationships Transform Over Time

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Connection, Listening, Marriage Health

Marriage is a profound commitment that sets the stage for a lifelong journey of love, growth, and evolution. While the initial stages of wedded bliss may seem like a fairytale, it’s essential to acknowledge that marriages change over time. As couples navigate through the various stages of life together, their relationship undergoes a transformation, adapting to new challenges, opportunities, and …

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 …

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 …

Two piggy banks surrounded by hearts. Winning at marriage.

Loss Aversion and Marriage: Simple Ways to be a Winner

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommunication, Conflict, Connection, Criticism, Marriage Health, Reconnecting

Human beings really, really hate to lose. In economics, they call this concept loss aversion. Research shows that people feel worse about losing $10 than we feel good about finding $10 because we actually experience losses more intensely than we do gains.  In other words, we tend to focus more on negative emotions and setbacks more than we do on …

Man kissing smiling woman. Cultivating oneness in marriage.

6 Ways to Cultivate Oneness in Marriage

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Communication, Conflict, Connection, Date Night, Intimacy, Marriage Health, Quality Time, Reconnecting, Romance

Oneness in marriage means that after a few years, your spouse should probably know you better than anyone else. Because your spouse is the person who sees what you are really like when no one else is around. That’s part of the wonder of marriage. It’s vulnerable. Even scary. You might say it’s part of the wonder of oneness. And …

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. …

couple holding hands

Build Relationships and Grow a Marriage Ministry

Marriage Dynamics InstituteCommitment, Connection, Dynamic Marriage, Faith, Marriage Courses, Marriage Health, Marriage Ministry, United Marriage

For Avon and Valorie Banks when you grow a marriage ministry it’s all about relationships. And they enjoy getting to know people. So they take couples on marriage retreats that focus on relaxation and building relationships. The retreats might take place at the beach or even on a cruise. And they don’t have a heavy agenda. Avon says their approach …