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Same Facts, Different Views: His and Her Marriages

Same Facts, Different Views: His and Her Marriages

Did you know we can ask a husband and wife identical questions about identical issues but receive two different replies? Why? Because the husband and wife are each experiencing two different marriages: his and hers.

Pick Your Battles Wisely (And Avoid Those About His Driving!)

Pick Your Battles Wisely (And Avoid Those About His Driving!)

Can you relate to the couple who was driving on the highway, with their exit still a few miles away, when the wife said matter-of-factly, “You’ll need to get in the right lane”?

Your Husband Does Have a Need for Emotional Intimacy!

Your Husband Does Have a Need for Emotional Intimacy!

Wives, I’m sure you’re well aware by now of your husband’s need for sexual connection. He needs sexual release as you need emotional release.

What Can I Say to My Spouse When They Treat Me Like a Doormat?

What Can I Say to My Spouse When They Treat Me Like a Doormat?

Do you ever reach the point of exhaustion in your relationship, where you feel like you are always being criticized, unappreciated, dumped on and ripped apart—like a doormat? You think you are being taken for granted or are expected to simply agree with whatever your spouse says or does.

Decision Making in Marriage - A Hot Button Topic? - Part 2

Decision Making in Marriage - A Hot Button Topic? - Part 2

Emerson’s Reply, Part Two - Please read the previous post which presents the question on Decision-Making, and includes Part One of my reply. Today I’ll address the second suggestion from the wives: “Wait for God to change her/him on the matter.”

Decision Making in Marriage - A Hot Button Topic? - Part 1

Decision Making in Marriage - A Hot Button Topic? - Part 1

Recently I received an email question from a colleague who has a vital ministry in the marriage arena. I found his question most interesting and worthy of careful consideration. I’d like to share his email with you followed by my response, over the next few days. My friend writes: Emerson, I am dealing with a tough topic…

Hot-Button Words – Part 2

Hot-Button Words – Part 2

In my last post, I shared how Sarah uses certain hot-button words that can push my buttons – and how I’ve learned to not react so defensively. I hope you took some time to figure out what the hot-button words are in your relationship so you can stop the crazy cycle before it spins out of control! Recognizing where we irritate our spouse – and being willing to do something about it – goes a long way towards improving communication.

Hot-Button Words

In our current series on the Love and Respect Connection, we have addressed the importance of our spoken words – and how men and women perceive the same words differently. This week I want to talk about those hot-button words that can cause trouble in every relationship!

Hot-Button Words

Men and Women Hear the Same Words Differently

Men and Women Hear the Same Words Differently

Excess oil. What comes to mind when you hear these words? Two women discussing excess oil may be concerned about their skin. Two men discussing excess oil are probably concerned with machinery or perhaps a slippery garage floor.

In Marriage, the Mouth Matters

In Marriage, the Mouth Matters

Almost everyone has probably heard or read the nursery rhyme that makes the brave but naïve claim “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Mutual Understanding Became the Key to Our Marriage

Mutual Understanding Became the Key to Our Marriage

In my last post, I suggested that there is more to good marital communication than simply “talking”…we need to understand what the other is saying. That’s the “Love and Respect Connection.”

Is Communication Really the Key to Marriage?

Is Communication Really the Key to Marriage?

According to a survey conducted by Focus on the Family for the Love and Respect Ministries the answer certainly would appear to be yes. Respondents were asked, “What was (and possibly still is) the biggest problem affecting your marriage?”