As in all communication, the apology is in the hands of the receiver. You may be very sincere, but it is up to the receiver to determine if the apology makes its mark on them. If your spouse is still upset after you apologize, you might ask: “I know that I hurt you. I can […]
If your spouse isn’t satisfied with your apology, apologize again in a different way Read More »
If there is a behavior that your spouse does that you find frustrating you may ask for them to change that behavior. You can ask, and of course, it is up to them to decide to work on that. How you ask can make all the difference. Your relationship up to that point matters. If
How to ask your spouse for a change in behavior. Read More »
Feeling frustrated with your spouse? Do something extra for them. Say something nice, plan a surprise date night, give a gift ‘just because’. It can be something quite small or large – up to you. While this may seem counterintuitive, studies have shown that giving and doing for others brings physical and mental benefits to
Want to be happier in your marriage? Do something nice for your spouse. Read More »
People are either thermostats or thermometers. They either simply reflect the climate around them – like a thermometer. Or they set the climate around them – like a thermostat. Do you set the emotional tone in your life, in your family, in your marriage? Do you influence, or are you influenced? To be more of
Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? Read More »
When someone feels wronged by another person, the wrongful act stands as a barrier between them, and the relationship is somewhat fractured. You can’t change the past, but what happens next can make all the difference. A sincere apology can bring reconciliation and growth to the relationship. However, if that apology does not come, then
Apologies aren’t meant to change the past; they are meant to change the future Read More »
Don’t be the starving baker, the one who is so busy baking bread for everyone else, they forget to eat themselves. Food is all around, yet they are still starving. Save some time and energy for yourself.
Feed yourself too. Read More »
Your spouse wants to try something new – a diet, a side hustle business, whatever. Of course, you want to show your support, but don’t overdo it. Don’t take over. – Show that you believe that they are fully capable of making good choices and succeeding. Don’t jump in with your own ideas, unless you
Be your spouse’s cheerleader from the sidelines Read More »
They need to be reassured that you still think they are wonderful, even if the rest of the world doesn’t. • Show that you are on the same team against the problem. Running into a financial setback? cut back on some luxuries. Stick up for your spouse if someone has rejected them, insulted them, etc.
Encourage your spouse when they feel down Read More »
Is it possible that you are unintentionally ‘parenting’ your spouse – i.e. doing for them because you think they can’t do it right on their own? Of course, spouses do for each other. And not because they expect to get anything back. But if you are doing it because you think that they can’t do
Stop doing so much for your spouse Read More »
“Supportive” means different things to different people. There are 4 general ways of support: • physical comfort and emotional support – listening and empathizing, taking your spouse’s hand, giving your spouse a hug • esteem support – expressing confidence in your partner, providing encouragement • informational support – giving advice, gathering information • tangible support
Support your spouse in the way they want support Read More »
