Archive for ‘Daily Marriage Tip’
April 21, 2012
Do you discipline your kids differently? Tip: Take away wants, not needs. Dessert, TV, toys, driving, and video games are wants or privileges. Food, clothing and a loving and safe environment are human needs.
April 20, 2012
“There is no shame in seeking help for family problems, whether it be in the form of counseling, educational programs, or support groups.” (Follow the Way of Love)
April 19, 2012
Don’t let the “terrible trifles” eat away at your marriage. If the kind of toilet paper is important to your wife, don’t fight it. If your husband likes to buy in bulk to save money, it may be an annoyance but not the hill you want to die on. Keep your focus on why you [...]
April 18, 2012
Affair proof your marriage – have sex regularly. The frequency may vary depending on your age and circumstances, but the “regularly” is important. Couples differ in how often to make love. That’s where compromise and creativity come into play.
April 17, 2012
Share a childhood memory. Who was your best friend, favorite subject in school? What seemed like a crisis at the time that you were eventually able to overcome or forget? Talk it over.
April 16, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) I look my husband in the eyes when he is telling me a story. I really pay attention and try to be present.
April 15, 2012
“No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” (Acts 4: 32) What’s your attitude toward his money and her money? Does it matter who earns it? Does one of you have more say in how it’s spent than the other?
April 14, 2012
If you want someone to change, encouragement is more effective than criticism. Look for one thing about your spouse or child’s behavior that you can compliment today.
April 13, 2012
“We need to care for the environment: it has been entrusted to men and women to be protected…with the good of all as a constant guiding criterion” (Pope Benedict XVI)
April 12, 2012
Take a trip down Memory Lane. Retell the story of your engagement and wedding day to each other or your kids. What was the craziest, funniest, most endearing part of these milestones for you?
April 11, 2012
Fighting Fair Tip: Use “I feel” statements. This is an old standby but it still works. Instead of saying, “You make me so angry when you…” say, “I feel upset when you… Would you be willing to …” It’s not a magic cure but it decreases defensiveness.
April 10, 2012
Is the internet robbing you of couple time? Sure it saves time and answers a lot of questions, but it can also be an addiction. If your spouse complains about it, it’s a problem. Decide on mutually agreeable limits.
April 9, 2012
What’s your favorite thing you like to see your spouse wear? Maybe it’s time for a shopping trip.
April 8, 2012
(Easter) Celebrate new life today! Recall a hardship in your marriage that is now history. Rejoice that you’ve weathered it together. Remember this, and Jesus’ resurrection, in future tough times.
April 7, 2012
(Holy Saturday) Forgiveness was instant with Jesus. It may take the rest of us longer. Open your heart to the possibility.
April 6, 2012
(Good Friday) “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Do you need to ask forgiveness from your spouse? Maybe you need to offer it. If there’s nothing recent to forgive, forgive someone you’ve been holding a grudge against.
April 5, 2012
(Holy Thursday) A meal is a holy thing to share. Who cooks, prepares the table, or cleans up in your family? Who leads a prayer? Share it all.
April 4, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) I remember my wife and kids every day in the special intentions after praying the rosary.
April 3, 2012
Parents-In-law can be a great support both practically and emotionally to a young married couple, but the negative jokes and stereotypes about in-laws aren’t created out of thin air. If there’s in-law tension in your marriage, remember that you both love the same person.
April 2, 2012
Working together on decisions and projects is what marriage is all about. Are there any decisions that you leave only to your spouse? Don’t let family planning be one of them. Cooperate with each other and with God.
April 1, 2012
(Palm Sunday) From the ecstasy of Palm Sunday to the crucifixion on Good Friday, it all seems so foolish and surreal. Is your life ever like this rollercoaster? How do you calm each other in the midst of joy and tragedy?
March 31, 2012
Lent is a time of penance and purification but we needn’t walk around with sour faces. Do something foolish on April Fools Day tomorrow. Healthy families laugh together. Does your family have any running jokes?
March 30, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) Tell your kids how wonderful your spouse is.
March 29, 2012
Are you and your spouse of different religions? Interreligious couples can be pulled into a deeper understanding of their faith when explaining it to their beloved–and learning about the other’s religion. Praying at home is often unifying.
March 28, 2012
Many men and women are dissatisfied with their body – it’s too heavy, too thin, too old, too weak. Although love shouldn’t depend on being a hunk or sexy, taking care of oneself is a gift to your partner.
