I know a lot of couples who have happy marriages, and they all share one thing in common: they’re deliberate about nurturing their relationship, connecting, and communicating with their spouse regularly. By contrast, unhappy couples aren’t intentional with each other or don’t know how to be.
Authors and relationship experts Bill and Pam Farrel are joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to teach you how to invest in your relationship through “marriage meet ups” – regular meetings as a couple that provide you an opportunity to connect, reflect, and plan intentionally.
Sound intimidating? It doesn’t need to be. Bill and Pam developed the habit of meeting together early in their marriage. These meet ups allow them to establish productive habits and strengthen their connection. They say:
• Meet ups help couples resolve frustration in communication. Early on, Pam brought up her concerns randomly, out of the blue, which frustrated Bill. Scheduled meetings encourage Pam to think through her ideas more fully and allow Bill more time to respond better.
• Meet ups help couples handle conflict proactively. Meet ups encourage couples to address their disagreements before the problem escalates. The result is less arguing day-to-day.
• Meet ups help couples safeguard their love life. Meet ups don’t reduce a marriage to business meetings. Instead, couples are encouraged to praise each other, plan date nights,and joyfully anticipate spending time together.
Tune in for my conversation with Bill and Pam on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
While you’re online, why not take a few moments to try our free Marriage Assessment online tool? It will help you quickly determine what’s working well in your relationship and identify areas where you may need some improvement.
If you’d like to speak with a counselor about conflict within your marriage, call Focus on the Family for a free consultation. Leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
If you’re on the brink of divorce, our Hope Restored marriage intensives can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and restoring your relationship. The intensives take place in four locations:
• Branson, MO
• Greenville, MI
• Cave Creek, AZ
• Wimberley, TX
The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915, or click here.
Bill and Pam Farrel’s book Marriage Meet Ups: A Planner for Couples Who Want a Productive, Passionate and Purposeful Life is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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