Right before I got married I read Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman. There is a great list of “flags” to go through in conversation with your significant other before, and even after, you marry. I believe most sources of conflict in marriage can be worked out so I didn’t see anything on... >Read More

Tags: Andi Shair, Andrea Shair, Being in love, communication, Gary Chapman, healthy marriage, love, love languages, marriage, marriage advice, marriage preparation, relationships, resolving conflict, Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married

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It’s been just over a year since I got married. I’ve been reflecting over this first year of marriage that everyone has cautioned could be one of the hardest years we’ll ever go through. What were the hardest parts? I can only speak for myself, but for me the hardest thing is to stop keeping score. Can you relate to... >Read More

Tags: communication, expectations, first year, healthy marriage, housework, improving your marriage, marriage, roles, sex and love

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It's easy to fall in love with a man you don't trust, but it's hard to live with him. Real, lasting relationships are built on trust. Trust is foundational because it creates a safe environment for intimacy to grow. If your relationship is going to work you need to be able to trust your partner with your past, your present... >Read More

Tags: Claire Colvin, communication, marriage, relationships, sex and love, single, singles, women and men

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How do you feel when your spouse tells you "we need to talk"? Do you get excited? Or do feel a surge of dread, anticipating an unpleasant conversation about what may have gone wrong? Most marriage experts would affirm that communication is key in marriage -- but  just how can spouses do so effectively? Neal Black, the former Associate... >Read More

Tags: communication, communication in marriage, conversation, effective communication, family issues, FamilyLife, love language, marriage, marriage help, marriage tips

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Do you sometimes feel emotionally disconnected even though your spouse is standing right next to you? FamilyLife Directors Neil and Sharol Josephson have been married for over thirty years and have spoken with thousands of couples. In this video series, they discuss gender and personality differences for emotional abandonment, and how the way your...... >Read More

Tags: communication, desire, disengaged spouse, emotional abandonment, family issues, family life, FamilyLife, intimacy, marital issues, marital problems, marriage

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What could be more romantic than receiving a love letter? A good old fashioned, hand-written love letter is still one of the best Valentines around, but don't just save it for February. A love letter is a powerful expression any day of the year. You don't have to be Shakespeare to write the perfect love letter. All you need to... >Read More

Tags: boyfriend, Claire Colvin, communication, FamilyLife Favs, girlfriend, healthy marriage, how to, husband, improving your marriage, intimacy, love, love letter, marriage, Men, rekindling romance, relationships, romance, romantic idea, sex and love, Valentine's Day, wife, Women, write

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“Are we ready for this?” The decision to start a family is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.  There is excitement and apprehension, not to mention all the comments from family who think it is about time. So how do you get ready for this momentous occasion? Let me suggest a few things to consider before you... >Read More

Tags: baby, better parenting, commitment, communication, finances, neal black, newlywed, parenting, pregnancy, priorities, protecting your marriage, resolving conflict, start family, values

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