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Showing posts with the label marriage

Tell her how you feel

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From Focus on the Family Husbands aren’t known for sharing their feelings too often, but there are some things our wives need to hear from time to time. Saying “I love you,” is just one of them. Let her know that she is of great worth to you. Tell her that no one will ever take her place in your life … or your heart. Make sure she understands how committed you are to the relationship — that no matter how bad things get, you will always be willing to work it out. All couples argue, but commitment to the marriage will always overcome any disagreement. Say to her, “I will always be truthful with you,” and then hold yourself to that promise. Honesty is critical to a successful relationship. Don’t assume that your wife knows how you feel about her. Take time to tell her every chance you get. From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 06-Sep-2010 ----- Related articles by Zemanta Love:the Only Secret to Everlasting Marital Bliss (socyberty.com) My Night at a Focus on the Family Event ...

The Comparison Trap

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By Dr James Dobson Have you played the “if only” game? It goes like this: If only my wife was more like Judy. She fixes exotic dinners, keeps a sparkling house and even goes golfing with her husband. Or if only my husband was like Johnny. He is always giving flowers to his wife, takes her dancing and does not slurp on his soup during dinner. What is wrong with comparisons like these? For one thing, the conclusions we draw are based on a distortion. We are equating the obvious flaws and shortcomings of a person we know intimately with the public image of the person we idealise. That individual is imperfect too, though it may not be as apparent across a crowded room. Besides, the comparison game insults our marriage partner and weakens the bond that makes a relationship successful. In other words, everyone loses when we engage in this mind game. We should seek to elevate each other as husband and wife: That’s the best way I know to make marriage go the distance. From TODAY, ...

When friends’ marriages break up

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Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson Divorce may be happening more and more these days, but there’s still something about it that shocks us when we hear that close friends are separating; and we say to ourselves: “I wish there was something I could do.” It’s very easy for us to be so overwhelmed by our friends’ problems that we simply ignore them. We don’t know what to say, so we say nothing, and we leave these lonely people to their private pain. Or else we join the chorus of people who offer simplistic solutions and fail to address the pain. “It never was meant to be,” some may say. Or: “You’ll be better off without him.” And yet, survey after survey confirms the fact that couples in crisis will hint of their pain to friends long before seeking professional help. And when friends do come alongside the troubled couple, sometimes a marriage could be saved. A man can meet with another man for lunch and talk about his marriage, and offer encouragement and support during the ha...

High-voltage marriages

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By Dr James Dobson If you really want a “ high-voltage ” marriage that will go the distance, I have a suggestion for you. Which of the following two marriages is likely to enjoy the greatest physical attraction ? Is it the couple who spends every waking hour together and focuses almost exclusively on one another? Or is it the man and woman who have other interests, and then after a time of some independence come closer together again as the pendulum swings? Surprisingly, it is the one that varies from time to time. According to behavioural researchers, the healthiest relationships are the ones that “breathe” – relationships that move from a time of closeness and tenderness to a more distant posture. This ebb and flow sets up another exciting reunion as the cycle continues. This is why it's not always advantageous for a husband and wife to work together or to concentrate exclusively on one another in the absence of friends and colleagues outside the family. There is just some...

Fighting marital boredom

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By Dr Bill Maier Are there nights when you sit at the dinner table with nothing to say to your spouse? If so, maybe your marriage needs a shot of adrenaline. During the dating years, couples never seem to run out of things to talk about. We all remember the days when we spent hours laughing and sharing and just enjoying being together. Then, wed go home only to call and talk some more. So, what was different back then? In a nutshell, the romance was fun because it was fresh. We had a lot to say because new things were constantly being introduced into the relationship. Theres no reason that should stop when we get married. Its easy to fall into a rut and take each other for granted. But smart couples work at fighting boredom in order to keep their marriage alive. Sometimes thats as easy as taking up a new hobby, or planning a fun weekend away. Dont let your marriage get stale with age. Look for ways to keep it fresh and exciting. From TODAY, Voices - Wednesday, 19-May-20...

The Man Who Would Not Lead His Family

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I was looking for some leadership articles, and at the same time, something that may be applicable to the family as well. Look what I found; lifted from Ezine article directory. This is my 1,200th post, by the way. Read on, and be blessed! ----- The Man Who Would Not Lead His Family by Angie Lewis "My husband won't lead the family in bible study or prayer . He won't even discipline the children . What can I do?" "Is your husband a Christian?" "Oh, yes." She replied. "Have you talked with your husband about how you feel?" "Yes, I have told him until I am blue in the face about his lack of support in the home." "Well, that's the problem. You're telling him what he should do rather than allowing him to appreciate what his God -given responsibilities are. When a wife is bossy or naggy with her husband it makes him feel like a child. But he isn't married to his mother. You should allow your husb...

When children divorce (2)

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Image by Collaborative Law Institute of Texas via Flickr By Dr Bill Maier Watching your child go through a divorce can often feel worse than getting one yourself. Any parent who has had to help a child suffer through a divorce knows how devastating it can be for everyone involved. It’s easy to point fingers and pass judgment, but that’s not what your child needs most. During these times, the best you can do is to first make sure your own emotions are in check. Then, carefully choose your words and actions. Your job is to help diffuse anger and frustration, and to bring a healthy perspective. Blaming only causes more resentment, when forgiveness is the only road to true healing. Sometimes, young children are involved, and someone needs to be there for them, helping them navigate the feelings of pain and resentment they may be experiencing. A clear head and a helping hand is what people most need during tough times. And you may be the only one who can offer that. From TOD...

When children divorce

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Image by Jeffry B via Flickr By Dr Bill Maier It’s always tough to hear that someone’s getting a divorce . But what about when that “someone” is your child? There’s nothing quite as devastating as a divorce in the family and when your own child is involved the pain and shock can feel unbearable. You want to protect them but you don’t know how. The best you can do is to simply be there for them — physically and emotionally. Your first step should be to discern whether there’s any chance of reconciliation. You might even encourage them to postpone the divorce until they’ve had a chance to go through marital counselling. But keep in mind that the decision isn’t yours to make. If they decide to go through with the divorce, give your unconditional support and stay with them. Be ready with advice and counsel but only when asked. Above all, don’t pass judgment — on your child or their spouse. What they need is support, not more guilt. From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 06-May-2010...