For Your Marriage » Daily Marriage Tip

May 16, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:15 +0000

Commitment to marriage is important, but comparable commitment is perhaps the key ingredient. If one spouse sees the marriage as an exclusive lifelong commitment and the other doesn’t, it’s not too late since commitment is a decision not a feeling.

May 15, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:11 +0000

It takes hard work to really understand another’s feelings or to practice shared decision-making on important matters. (Follow the Way of Love)

May 14, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:15 +0000

Explore what made your beloved the person he/she is. What traits did he get from his parents? Did she rebel against her family and take a different path? Who was the most influential person in your spouse’s life during childhood?

May 13, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:35 +0000

(Mother’s Day) “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15: 13) In addition to Jesus, who has given their life for you? Perhaps it is your mother, or someone who has been like a mother to you.

May 12, 2012

ecortright — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:00:51 +0000

Moses had his relatives; Jesus had the apostles; even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Do you have a community of friends and relatives who can back you up, spell you, and support you in your marriage and parenting? Look for friends who share your values.

May 11, 2012

ecortright — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) My wife gets up early on her days off to make me breakfast. I get her flowers at random times in the month.

May 10, 2012

ecortright — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:27 +0000

A trip down Memory Lane: Recall the first full day of your marriage. Did you go on a honeymoon? Was is exhilarating or exhausting? Remember your first home together. What did you like best about it? Are you still in it? Reminisce together.

May 9, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:37 +0000

Some people know they should exercise or eat more nutritiously but procrastinate. Encourage each other. Exercise together or give the other time to do it in his/her own way.

May 8, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Playfulness brings joy to a marriage, but some of us are very serious people. If you’re not the naturally playful type you may have to fake it. Even if you stumble you can laugh together at your awkward attempts.

May 7, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:27 +0000

How do you stay close when one of you is away? Consider calling or e-mailing daily. Skype a good night kiss. Pray for each other and let the other know when you did it. What do you do that helps?

May 6, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:00:30 +0000

“Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” (1Jn 3:18) Saying “I love you” is good. Being true to your words is better. Showing your love by doing something nice or sacrificing for your beloved is true love. What act of love can you do today?

May 5, 2012

ecortright — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:00:46 +0000

“We measure every policy, every institution, and every action by whether it protects human life and enhances human dignity, especially for the poor and vulnerable.” (Sharing Catholic Social Teaching, 1998) How does the way you treat your spouse and children respect their dignity?

May 4, 2012

ecortright — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:45 +0000

Imagine you are absolutely broke. What could you and your beloved do for a fun date? Walk? Bike? Read? Watch the stars? Play a game? Could this weekend be a time to experiment?

May 3, 2012

ecortright — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:05 +0000

A marriage between a Christian and a follower of a non-Christian religion, while not a sacrament, is a holy state instituted by God. (Follow the Way of Love)

May 2, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:20 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) It takes work when two people are very different. But who wants to spend a lifetime saying, “Yep…ditto…me, too…Uh huh…I agree,” every single day? We’ve learned a great deal from each other.

May 1, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:24 +0000

Make the extra effort. Husbands, it’s tempting to forego those dating niceties. Opening her door, pulling out her chair, walking on the curb side may seem old fashioned and sexist, but sometimes it’s fun to be treated like a queen. Go overboard and laugh about it.

April 30, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:00:25 +0000

Make the extra effort. Wives, it’s tempting to forego those dating niceties. At times dress up for your honey (an attractive dress, heels, makeup). If you dress professionally for work, wear something sexy on your date.

April 29, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:00:41 +0000

“A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:11) In today’s world time is often our most precious commodity. It reflects our priorities. When you give time and attention to your beloved, it’s like laying down your life for the other. Save time for each other today.

April 28, 2012

ecortright — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:00:57 +0000

April 30 – May 6 is “Screen-Free Week”. Ask your family if they are up to the challenge of non-screen based entertainment for a week? If you don’t want to go cold turkey, perhaps make a commitment to only watch shows the whole family can watch together.

April 27, 2012

ecortright — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:19 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) We’re “between jobs” so I’m making sure I’m as supportive as I can be every day. Today it was making sure our toddler gave Dad space and quiet time to job hunt.

April 26, 2012

ecortright — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:36 +0000

You’ve heard of “Take your child to work day,” but what about “Take your spouse to work day”? Your spouse doesn’t need to take a day off work to join you, but does your beloved know enough about your work environment to understand your stresses? know your colleagues?

April 25, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:58 +0000

No matter how much better one spouse may be than the other at home decorating, it’s wise to let the artistically challenged one make a few of the decor decisions. After all it’s your joint home and, if nothing else, it can be a conversation piece.

April 24, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:14 +0000

Is your marriage going through a rocky spell? It’s tempting to blame it on a stressful job, the kids, getting fat, the “other woman.” All of these things can stress a marriage, but not necessarily kill it. To find the underlying cause most couples need help. Don’t be afraid.

April 23, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:36 +0000

Where did all the flowers and magic go? Romance alone will not keep you together over the long haul. Common values, commitment to each other, and shared experiences are the glue. Which is most important to you?

April 22, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:00:56 +0000

“Have you anything here to eat?” (Lk 24: 41) Eating together is not just about food but the nourishment of each other’s company. What’s your favorite way of dining – fast food, meat and potatoes, vegetarian, restaurant, picnics, candlelight at home…? Try it tonight.