For Your Marriage » Daily Marriage Tip

February 22, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:15 +0000

(Ash Wednesday) “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” What a sobering thought after the playfulness of Mardi Gras. But isn’t that typical of marriage – we play, we work, we mourn, we rest, we start all over again. No part of the cycle is forever.

February 21, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:38 +0000

(Mardi Gras) Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is about more than decadence and parades. It’s a chance to let your lighter side play. If you’re the serious type, lighten up for a day. If you’re already lighter than air, take responsibility for humoring your spouse.

February 20, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:00:52 +0000

(President’s Day) President’s Day can be more than a day off work, a time when government offices are closed, or stores have sales. What does it mean to lead? What does it mean to protect and to seek the common good? These are questions for both spouses and p

February 19, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:00:09 +0000

“Your offenses; your sins I remember no more.” (Is 43:25) “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mk 2:5) We humans hold grudges – but that is not the way of God. Let go of an annoyance or fault of your beloved today. Don’t bring it up again – at least for a week.

February 18, 2012

ecortright — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:00:20 +0000

Lent is approaching. Is there a bad habit that you would like eliminate? Anything you wouldn’t want to teach your children to do? Lent and your children can give you the motivation to let go of it. Ask your spouse for help.

February 17, 2012

ecortright — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:30 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) Every morning before I leave for work I pray over my wife, tell her I love her, and to have a blessed day. Then I kiss her forehead gently so I don’t wake her.

February 16, 2012

ecortright — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:46 +0000

One of the most reliable predictors of a life long marriage is the commitment to a life long marriage. Put the “D word” (Divorce) off the negotiating table. Commitment pushes you toward solutions, and perhaps a counselor.

February 15, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:05 +0000

“An enduring marriage is more than simply endurance. It is a process of growth into an intimate friendship and a deepening peace” (Follow the Way of Love).

February 14, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:13 +0000

(Valentine Day) What’s the most romantic trip you can take? Perhaps it’s a trip down memory lane. On this day of love, remember how you met, your first date, your first kiss, your proposal/acceptance, your first night as a married couple…

February 13, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:14 +0000

What’s your spouse’s favorite treat? See if you guessed right. Now you’ve got a plan; it’s just a matter of when you surprise your beloved with it.

February 12, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:00:33 +0000

(World Marriage Day) Renew your vows today or on Valentine’s Day. “I _____, take you, _____, to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

February 11, 2012

ecortright — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:00:39 +0000

As Valentine Day approaches, give your spouse a gift of memory. If you haven’t already, memorize your wedding vows. Few people like to memorize but it’s a way to keep your vow always in mind. Try it. The wedding vows will be tomorrow’s tip.

February 10, 2012

ecortright — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:02 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) Say the Lord’s Prayer every night before going to sleep. And live it the next day!

February 9, 2012

ecortright — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:17 +0000

An easy way to deepen your marriage today: Find one interesting tidbit (article, blog entry, exercise…) on www.ForYourMarriage.org and share it with your spouse. This Tip doesn’t count.

February 8, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:47 +0000

Fighting Fair Tip: Keep it current. One couple has the rule of thumb that any issue older than the milk in the refrigerator is no longer game. Recurring arguments usually mean that there’s something behind the presenting problem that irks the other.

February 7, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:01 +0000

Look at your beloved’s hands. Then, try eating with your non-dominant hand today. (Remember that some people have no hands or disabled hands.) Everyone’s gifts and talents are different. Cherish the ways that you and your spouse are “differently abled.”

February 6, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:21 +0000

High school biology is good – but not sufficient for the more important medical decisions we make in life. Learning Natural Family Planning as a couple can update and deepen your knowledge of how the female body works. Information is always helpful.

February 5, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:40 +0000

“They brought to [Jesus] all who were ill.” (Mk 1:32) How do you like to be treated when you are ill? Do you want to be left alone or fussed over? What about your spouse? Don’t assume that what you like is what your beloved would like. Ask.

February 4, 2012

ecortright — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:04 +0000

What trait most annoys you about your spouse? He/she probably already knows it. Let it go.

February 3, 2012

ecortright — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:23 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) I sing to him whenever he needs a little encouragement. Love songs work really well.

February 2, 2012

ecortright — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:48 +0000

(Ground Hog Day) Today it is customary for the groundhog to look for its shadow. Psychologists like to talk about recognizing our shadow side – our weaker traits. Identify one of your weaknesses. Does your spouse balance that with a corresponding strength? Vice-versa?

February 1, 2012

ecortright — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:07 +0000

(Black History Month) What is your ethnic heritage? Is it similar or different from your spouse? February is Black History Month. No matter what your race, it’s interesting to learn about your ethnic heritage. Are there any ethnic traits that you carry into your relationship?

January 31, 2012

ecortright — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:48 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) E-mail or write one or two positives to your spouse every day. They are worth the time!

January 30, 2012

ecortright — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0000

“The deepest insecurity for women is the fear of isolation and deprivation, and for men it’s a dread of failure and shame.” (Kristin Taveira) Does this ring true for you? Check it out with each other.

January 29, 2012

ecortright — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:12 +0000

In 2 Samuel, we hear of King David giving into lust for Bathsheba and then covering it up. To find another sexually attractive is not bad in itself, but don’t put yourself in places of needless temptation. Put your energy into the one you vowed to love.