Marriage

Seek Mutual Understanding, Not Divorce

She Asks, "What About My Needs?"

She Asks, "What About My Needs?"

We’ve all thought that before, right? Many times, in fact. After all, we are a selfish people. It’s only natural for us to get caught up in thinking about what I need, and what you can do for me.

A Wife’s Hurt Feelings: Beyond a Husband’s Apology, Rethinking a Fresh Approach

A Wife’s Hurt Feelings: Beyond a Husband’s Apology, Rethinking a Fresh Approach

If I ranked comments from wives to me, this one comes in close to the top: “My husband hurts my feelings.”

Seek Mutual Understanding, Not Divorce

Seek Mutual Understanding, Not Divorce

Countless divorcees have told us over the years that had they known the Love and Respect truth underlying the negative cycle they found themselves constantly on (which we refer to as the Crazy Cycle), they would never have divorced.

When Disappointed in Our Spouse, Do We Address Their Conduct or Attack Their Character?

When Disappointed in Our Spouse, Do We Address Their Conduct or Attack Their Character?

Husbands and wives are going to disagree . . . many times. They’re going to have arguments . . . many times. On top of that, husbands will disappoint wives, and wives will disappoint husbands, bringing reason for the offended or hurt spouse to broach a possibly sensitive or tough topic.

“My Response Is My Responsibility”—7 Fears and 7 Benefits

“My Response Is My Responsibility”—7 Fears and 7 Benefits

There is an axiom that I have used in my teachings for as long as I can remember that, to this day, I still fully believe in its simple but life-changing truth: “My response is my responsibility.”

When Disappointed in Our Spouse, Do We Address Their Conduct or Attack Their Character?

“My Response Is My Responsibility”—7 Fears and 7 Benefits

How to Impact Others' Marriage

How to Impact Others' Marriage

My name is Matt Loehr, founder of Dare to be Different and now director of marriage mentoring at Love and Respect. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and I partnered a couple years ago and together we have trained over seven thousand mentors all over the world. When speaking at a church recently, I asked the congregation to raise their hands if they knew of someone wanting out of their marriage. A flood of emotion filled the room as thousands raised their hands in the air.

How to be Truthful Without Being Hurtful

How to be Truthful Without Being Hurtful

Some questions from one spouse to another are nearly impossible to answer without causing heartache. For example, what is a husband to say when his wife asks, "Does this red dress make me look fat?" A good-hearted husband longs to be truthful without being hurtful, but that isn't an easy rope to walk on. Most men feel totally trapped by this question, because they have learned, perhaps the hard way, that saying nothing or saying "I don't know" actually means "you look fat."

What Overwhelms a Wife and Husband?

What Overwhelms a Wife and Husband?

All of us can feel overwhelmed at times by the challenges we face in marriage. The Husband: On the one hand, a husband can feel overwhelmed by his wife’s complaints and criticisms toward him.He feels he is never good enough. He can feel he does not deserve all of her negativity. Frankly, her negativity is beyond his understanding.

Yes, What You Said Is True, but Did It Sound Loving and Respectful?

Yes, What You Said Is True, but Did It Sound Loving and Respectful?

People hear your words of truth, but they your words of kindness. They feel your love and respect. Is this why God commands a husband and wife to show love and respect in their marriage (Ephesians 5:33)? It is not enough to speak the truth Ephesians 4:15. If spoken unkindly, the truth can hammer a person in a cruel way that leaves them emotionally shattered. Truth must be spoken in loving and respectful ways. Even international treaties among different governments must convey the desire to have the other country's interest in mind.