Studies are showing that thinking and speaking in positive language can literally change your brain. Hearing and using positive language can make you feel great—physically, mentally and emotionally. On the flip side, negative language can block the brain’s natural de-stress mechanisms. It might be worthwhile to think about some phrases you use often and replace
Use positive words Read More »
Unrealized expectations lead to disappointment and frustration and ultimately resentment. The fewer unrealistic expectations you have about marriage and each other the better. Expectations in areas of how you talk to each other, treat each other, stick up for each other, spend time together, show love and respect, etc. When you don’t have a long
Expect less, get more Read More »
If it is truly a passing emotion, there may be no need to express it at all. If it is likely to grow into something larger, then share your feelings and thoughts about the issue while it is small and can be resolved easier (and probably quicker). If you push your feelings down and try
Express emotions at the first sign of emotional turmoil—when the issue is small. Read More »
1. Have an objective; what do you want to achieve by bringing up this point? Take a moment to figure out what will make you feel satisfied or better. 2. Talk only when you are calm. If you are asking for a change from someone, it is best to bring it up when you are
A better complaint Read More »
Setbacks are part of the cycle of life. Don’t let these take you down. Setbacks are just a setup for a comeback – if you take advantage of the opportunity that was just handed to you in a guise of a setback. THE COMEBACK IS ALWAYS STRONGER THAN THE SETBACK. Sometimes when things are falling
Turn a setback into a comeback Read More »
Don’t make your spouse guess at your reasonings. Explaining your thinking helps them understand how you came to that conclusion. In this way, they can better see the integrity of your decision. And it can help them as they try to integrate it into their life (if they so choose). Share clearly and fully. The
Share your rationale and thinking Read More »
A Marriage Meeting can really solidify your marriage. This is a short (about 30 minutes) check-in where the two of you share appreciation, plan together and nip potential conflicts in the bud. This should be a scheduled weekly meeting (separate from date night or budget meetings). A half hour is long enough to cover everything
Weekly marriage meetings keep you on track. Read More »
Do not keep replaying the offense in your mind. Do not dwell on your hurt feelings or pain. Release the person from your judgment. Consciously, decide to forgive them. Though you may not be able to forget what happened, you can make the decision not to dwell on past offenses. You if you put too
Forgiving is not forgetting. It is changing how you think about the hurt. Read More »
When you say ‘yes’ to something, you are essentially saying ‘no’ to something else. You offer to help a friend, you are saying no to alone or family time. Sometimes you really ought to decline the request. Some ways to say ‘no’: – “That’s a responsibility that is too much for me to take on
How to say ‘no’ gracefully Read More »
Some people have the tendency to say “no” automatically—even before thinking about what was really asked of them. The asker can feel like their request isn’t even given a chance, or like they don’t matter. Of course, this isn’t good for the relationship. To help with this, before responding, take a deep breath, hold it
Think before automatically saying ‘no’ Read More »
