The Names We Use Matter
What we call each other and how we address each other impacts the sense of trust and safety in our relationship. Let’s make the names we use for each other a blessing.
Seven Years – But Who’s Counting?
Some time ago, we were chatting with a man in his late twenties. He had been living with his girlfriend for some years, and she was restless: she wanted a commitment to marriage and family. After seven years together, he was still uncertain.
God is Close to the Lonely
Towards the end of July, we celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year (2024), the theme is loneliness and references Psalm 71:9 — “Do not cast me off in my old age”.
Couple Decision-Making
Behind every behaviour or decision that you make, is a value; something that you hold in high esteem and is advanced in some way by the action. Deliberately choosing to make what is important to one, important to both, is the way you can intentionally develop your coupleness.
When I am Winning, WE are Usually Losing
Pride is profoundly I-centred. It defends our threatened ego by diminishing the other and consequently puts distance between us. Humility is the foundation of harmony and love between husband and wife. It helps us get the focus off winning and onto each other.
Protesting Against Disconnection
In one simple sentence, Dr Johnson nailed the foundation of couple arguments: “Arguments are a protest against disconnection.” It revolutionised our interactions.
Relational Entropy and What to Do About It
It’s the second law of thermodynamics and we use the term regularly in ordinary conversation. But what does entropy have to do with relationships?
Making the Wedding Vows Stick
Renewing our vows can be done as frequently as we choose; from the mundane routines to settings in the extreme. When we start to think this way, there must be thousands of opportunities for couples to renew their vows.
Attached – For Better or Worse
An intentional marriage that is loving and affirming, is a powerful way to heal the wounds of insecure attachment. It’s one of the great graces of marriage as we grow in attachment to each other by providing consistent and responsive care.
Private Vows: Good Idea or Not?
The phenomenon of eloping to avoid the drama and cost of a big event is not a new idea. What is new, is having the big event, but exchanging vows separately in a smaller, more intimate, ceremony.
