In every couple, there are two unique people, so it is inevitable that there will have differences in perspectives, opinions, dreams, and desires. There really isn’t one right way to experience the world.

 Things that irritate us about our spouse are things where we have differences. Explore deeper to understand what difference(s) that irritation reveals. It might be: spontaneous vs planner, different levels of orderliness, different spending habits, different ideas for parenting….

 When we respect the other, we give them the freedom to be who they are. Even when we see things differently. Even if we would do things differently. And even when it impacts us, we still allow them to have their own perspectives. And we go along with each other’s way sometimes.

 View differences as complimentary – not to divide, but unite and expand. Maximize from the differences. Think: What can be good in the difference? How can the differences enrich or enhance our lives? What can we learn from each other? How can we each stretch and grow and experience the world differently?

One likes to be spontaneous, the other likes to be planned. The planner can loosen up a bit (sometimes), the more spontaneous can allow more structure. The planner can take care of the details and the other brings in a sense of adventure. With all the planning, you might be saving money and time. With the spontaneity, you might have a more serendipitous experience and do something that just couldn’t be planned.