Christian Marriage Articles

Your Husband Does Have a Need for Emotional Intimacy!

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.

Not All Men Need to Keep Talking about Their Hurts and Vulnerabilities

Not All Men Need to Keep Talking about Their Hurts and Vulnerabilities

When I used to do marriage counseling during my days as a pastor, I noticed a distinctive trend among the couples who would come to my office. The husband typically played it close to the vest during the session.

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

Not All Men Need to Keep Talking about Their Hurts and Vulnerabilities

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.