If your spouse won’t go to counseling with you, what can you do? Let’s say you and your spouse have been going through a difficult time. Maybe you’re dealing with some differences or problems that have been hard to overcome. You think that seeing a licensed counselor would benefit both of you (and your marriage), but your spouse is either afraid to go, or refuses altogether. First, remember that you can’t make your spouse seek help. You can encourage it, but ultimately, going to see a therapist or counselor is their choice. Even if you wholeheartedly believe that a counselor…
Is your spouse a control freak? Being in a relationship with a controlling person–especially a marriage–can be quite a challenge. No one knows that better than you do. Before we jump in, the first thing you need to know is that there’s hope, and it’s possible for your spouse to get a handle on their controlling tendencies. First, you need a little more insight into what factors might be driving their controlling nature. You’ll also need some tools for communicating with them. And of course, they’ll need to keep an open heart. I (Les) admit that I’m a recovering control…
Sex addiction, pornography, and associated behaviors can threaten even the most solid marriages. Even when a spouse admits the problem and it’s out in the open, it can rattle the foundation of your relationship. The fear, pain, and sense of betrayal sex addiction creates for the affected spouse is profound. For the purpose of this article, let’s assume your spouse has been struggling with sex addiction, has admitted it, and is willing to get help. Maybe they’re already seeing a therapist or attending a support group. You may feel a sense of relief that they’re getting help, but you’re also…
It’s no secret that life can be hectic and fast-paced. As you each rush from one obligation to another, it can become more and more difficult to pause and show love to one another in the ways you both need. In the midst of the daily grind, it’s easy to become short or impatient with your spouse. Rushing through life can lead not only to impatience, but outright unkindness with one another. You might not mean to be unkind, but it can happen out of frustration if you aren’t careful. So how do the two of you stay loving while…
Does your marriage need a fresh start in the New Year? You can commit to renewing your love any time of year. But, the New Year is a great time to reflect on the recent past and set new priorities and goals for the future. If you want a fresh start in your marriage, this is the perfect time to set yourselves up for success. Every couple’s situation is unique. Still, we wanted to offer some general guidelines for the year ahead. If you’d like to reinvigorate your marriage, here are a few ways to begin. Start the Year With…
With the New Year approaching, it’s common to look ahead to the future. But having a “year in review” with your spouse is also important. Have you ever looked back at the past year together? Looking backward can give you both a sense of perspective. What things went well this year? What didn’t work out for you? What were you hoping the past year would bring? Did those things come to pass, or did life take a turn in its own direction? However the year went for you, it can be helpful to take some time to reflect together. Ultimately,…
When you marry, your family grows–sometimes exponentially. An expanding family means that suddenly, you and your spouse might have many more holiday obligations than you can realistically commit to. If this happens, how do you decide who to visit during the holidays? Conflicts over who to visit during the holiday season are common among couples, especially newlyweds who are trying to create balance. Navigating and negotiating holiday visits can be stressful, so it’s important to approach the subject gently. You love one another and want to build new traditions for the family you’re creating. But, you also love celebrating your…
“You’re just being sensitive.” Does that phrase ring a bell? Many women, whether married or not, have been told they’re too sensitive at some time or other. The reasons and scenarios vary. Maybe you’re feeling upset about a disagreement or an unmet expectation. Your spouse might have criticized you. Or, you might feel that your efforts for them have fallen short. Can you relate? Regardless of the reason, hearing someone say that you’re too sensitive hurts. After all, your feelings are very real. You deserve to be heard, right? Whatever the situation, it hurts when someone doesn’t relate to what…
Navigating a season of grief together is one of the most challenging things you’ll do as a couple. These seasons will come and go throughout your lifetime, and it’s important to decide how you want to handle them as a team. While things in life rarely play out the way we think they should, having a plan for sticking together during difficult times could help you to stay close. Grief can bring us closer together or drive us apart. During seasons of profound grief, it can impact the way we experience the world. Whether you’re both grieving or one of…
Are you married to a free-spirited dreamer? Does your spouse seem flighty or resistant to “settling?” Do you feel like you’re constantly having to convince them that enjoying the present moment is just as important as thinking about the future? For someone who craves stability, falling in love with a free-spirited person can feel adventurous. But sometimes, after the wedding, the differences in your personality begin to feel more stark. And while your spouse’s free spirit has many wonderful characteristics, maybe you’ve found yourself worried about things that didn’t bother you before. Maybe you want a stronger sense of stability…