Christian Marriage Articles

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

What’s Really Going On with the Husband Who Doesn’t Want His Wife’s Input?

What’s Really Going On with the Husband Who Doesn’t Want His Wife’s Input?

Sadly, many a man will not include his wife in decisions because he fears her input as an attempt to control him rather than as her desire to be his helpful teammate. Not only is this man extremely insecure (which calls into question his manhood), but some would call him imprudent.

Do Different Reactions Toward Their Spouse’s Contempt Mean One Is More Justified than the Other?

Do Different Reactions Toward Their Spouse’s Contempt Mean One Is More Justified than the Other?

Over the years, I have heard from many women who feel they have more of a right to speak harshly and disrespectfully to their husband than he does to speak unlovingly toward her.

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

A minor unannounced U-turn after church escalates into hours of tears and despair for one wife, revealing how everyday preferences quickly spiral into the Crazy Cycle of missing love and respect.

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Most of us long for a better marriage, and that longing is to be applauded. However, how might some go about improving the relationship?

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

A husband has a need to be respected by his wife. That is what Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:33. As well, a wife has a need to be honored (respected) by her husband.

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

When Your “Love and Respect Meters” Appear Broken

When Your “Love and Respect Meters” Appear Broken

I am often asked about “exceptions” to the Love and Respect message. In short, while both husband and wife need love and respect equally, research reveals that during conflict, the felt need of the majority of women is love while the felt need of the majority of men is respect.

Trusting Your Wife's Goodwill

Trusting Your Wife's Goodwill

Goodwill is the intention to do good toward a husband. During conflicts or disagreements, a husband should give his wife the benefit of the doubt. Proverbs 31:11,12 states: The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Reactions?

Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Reactions?

Have you ever experienced a conflict with your spouse like this one I described in my book Love & Respect? The husband is gone for a week on a business trip. As his plane lands, he starts envisioning a romantic evening with his wife, so he hurries home as quickly as he can.

Are You Manipulating Him or Motivating Him?

Are You Manipulating Him or Motivating Him?

Have you ever gotten the results you wanted but not in the way you wanted them, and as a result you were not as satisfied as you had hoped you’d be at that point? For example, your goal was for your son to clean up his messy room, which he did.