For Your Marriage » Daily Marriage Tip

June 19, 2013

ecortright — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:00:07 +0000

“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (2 Cor. 13:12) There are kisses and there are kisses. Some cultures greet even strangers with a kiss on both cheeks. The marital kiss is special. Pay attention to how you kiss each other today.

June 18, 2013

ecortright — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:00:18 +0000

“We are responsible for the process we use in parenting, not the outcome. Our children have free will and can choose their own paths, even destructive ones. We can guide but we can’t control. Sometimes all we can do is pray.” (Susan Vogt)

June 17, 2013

ecortright — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:09 +0000

“Why” questions are fine for inquisitive minds but can be an obstacle during marital arguments. Why? It can sound accusatory. “Why did you do that?” “Why don’t you just…” Be careful of “Why” questions disguised as innocent queries.

June 16, 2013

ecortright — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 04:00:47 +0000

(Father’s Day) What is one specific thing about your husband’s parenting that you admire? His patience with the kids, his willingness to enter into their play, his way of encouraging them? Tell him today!

June 15, 2013

ecortright — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 04:00:02 +0000

Marriage Challenge (8-15 years): If you desire children but are not yet parents, tenderly support each other. Consider how your love may flow out to others needing your generosity.

June 14, 2013

ecortright — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:16 +0000

Marriage Challenge (8-15 years): If you have a child(ren), the challenge is to negotiate child care responsibilities and still have the energy to be lovers. Consider starting the custom of a weekly date.

June 13, 2013

ecortright — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:38 +0000

Marriage Challenge (0-7 years): Blending personalities, customs, family traditions, and financial decision making. Which has been easiest for you? For your spouse?

June 12, 2013

ecortright — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:11 +0000

Equality doesn’t mean sameness. As males and females we are differently made. As human beings we have unique talents and personalities. How does your spouse’s gift “serve” your family and the community?

June 11, 2013

ecortright — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:00:26 +0000

As desired as children usually are in a marriage, they also bring stress. Don’t let arguments over child discipline sap your energy and alienate you from each other. Take a break. Build a list of reliable sitters.

June 10, 2013

ecortright — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Balancing couple, parent, work, and personal time: Which one gets the least attention in your marriage? Take a concrete step to fix it.

June 9, 2013

ecortright — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 04:00:17 +0000

We remember what we want to hear. When my husband asked me to take out the compost after dinner, I unintentionally but conveniently “forgot” because it was cold and I figured it could probably wait another day. Sound familiar?

June 8, 2013

ecortright — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:00:18 +0000

Triangles are the most stable geometric form. Invite another person into your marriage to make it a threesome – you, your spouse, and God. Prayer can provide a perspective when both of you want your own way.

June 7, 2013

ecortright — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 04:00:32 +0000

Marriage is not so much a matter of finding the right partner as being the right partner. Although some people have a natural talent for relationships some skills can be learned. Check out ForYourMarriage.org for resources.

June 6, 2013

ecortright — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:41 +0000

“Do what’s natural” is a common approach to many important decisions. Have you considered using a natural method to plan your family? Check out Natural Family Planning (NFP).

June 5, 2013

ecortright — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:00:45 +0000

“Everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine.” (John 17:9) Although Jesus was addressing his Father with these words, they also apply to married couples. Are there any possessions that you are reluctant to share with your beloved?

June 4, 2013

ecortright — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:00:39 +0000

What’s the difference between constructive criticism and nagging? Repetition. Unless your spouse is hard of hearing, trust that saying your criticism once (or at most twice) is enough.

June 3, 2013

ecortright — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:00:39 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) When life gets busy, my husband and I cook supper together. We get some time together and the kids normally steer clear!

June 2, 2013

ecortright — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 04:00:16 +0000

(Feast of Corpus Christi) Today we celebrate the nourishment we receive from Jesus in the Eucharist. What one thing do you do to spiritually nourish your marriage? If you can’t think of something, start by saying a prayer together before bedtime.

June 1, 2013

ecortright — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 04:00:40 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) No one’s perfect! Share a weakness with your spouse and listen for constructive feedback.

May 31, 2013

ecortright — Fri, 31 May 2013 04:00:53 +0000

”J” months have the highest number of divorces. In January many spouses have waited until after the holidays. In June even more couples file for divorce (after school is out). Don’t become a statistic. Avoid the “D” word by tending to your marriage every month.

May 30, 2013

ecortright — Thu, 30 May 2013 04:00:22 +0000

One of the top 10 things couples argue about is the past. Let it go. You can’t change it, but you can learn from it. Focus on what you’re doing today to stop a bad habit or start a healthy routine. Fix yourself, not your spouse.

May 29, 2013

ecortright — Wed, 29 May 2013 04:00:54 +0000

(Reader’s Tip) In bad times repeat your vows aloud: “In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, ’til death do us part.” Remind yourself that you vowed not to give up; that can help make it easier to go forward with repairs.

May 28, 2013

ecortright — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:00:13 +0000

“Wee, wee, wee, all the way home.” Marriage is not for piggies, but our language can betray our values. Do you refer to “my home,” “my money,” or “my kids”? Try changing it to “our home,” our money,” “our kids.” Our words can remind us that we’re a team.

May 27, 2013

ecortright — Mon, 27 May 2013 04:00:24 +0000

(Memorial Day) Today we honor those veterans who gave their lives for their country. Say a prayer of gratitude for those who risk their lives for others.

May 26, 2013

ecortright — Sun, 26 May 2013 04:00:14 +0000

“Everything that the Father has is mine.” (John 16:15) The same can be said for spouses. This sounds nice and fair until you talk specifics, like my paycheck, my time, my toothbrush… Is there anything you don’t want to share?