Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage

The wear and tear of everyday life can take a toll on your marriage. Any given day a couple may face challenges in their faith, church, extended family relationships, recreation, sexual intimacy, friendships, household responsibilities, finances, hectic schedules, or a never-ending stream of parenting decisions.

Whew!

Is it any wonder that most relationships could use a little maintenance? The question is, how do you fill your marriage with good things without it all becoming just one more thing to juggle?

On the Focus on the Family Broadcast “Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage,” Dr. Randy Schroeder is offering simple, practical tips for giving your marriage a tune-up.

Dr. Schroeder says the number-one way couples can take their marriage to the next level is to communicate their expectations to each other clearly. It’s not healthy to expect your spouse to read your mind and then blame them for your unhappiness when they fail.

Instead, be specific about your expectations. Explain how important budgeting is for you. Talk about which weekend activities you find most enjoyable. Discuss how often you agree to dine out each week, go to the movies, or finance a round of golf.

Those conversations will vary from couple to couple, but generally speaking the goal is to agree on marital expectations that honor God and each other.

My conversation with Dr. Schroeder will help you do that. We’re focusing on nuts-and-bolts skills that will improve an already good marriage. Listen on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you’re facing more serious issues and your relationship is really suffering, consider these other Focus on the Family Broadcasts: Hope for Every Marriage; Friends Helping Friends: Identifying Abuse in Marriage; The Spiritual Battle for Marriage.

We also have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Dr. Schroeder is a pastor and former seminary professor and has been a marriage and family counselor for over 30 years. He’s been married to Ginny for over 45 years, and together they have two children and six grandchildren.

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Dr. Schroeder’s book, Simple Habits for Marital Happiness: Practical Skills and Tools that Build a Strong Satisfying Relationship as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).