Taking out the trash when it's full is a great habit because it keeps your kitchen from stinking up your house!  There are habits you use at work like, being on time, following through with responsibilities, and doing first things... 1st each day.  Your Habits will predict your future.  Great habits build repour, trust, and integrity with those around you.

So why don't we think about our habits with our spouse?

Many times, our behavior depends on our mood, emotions, and what's going on with the kids and work.  Are we getting enough sleep or is our schedule stressing us out!

Some people are patient and easy going while others become tense and impatient causing them to be critical or explosive.  Which one are you?

You see... if you are critical or explosive, it's like a daily badgering to your spouse.

You see... if you are on the receiving end, the air is literally sucked out of life... each and every day.

Here's the thing... more than likely...

You don't realize how your behav...

 Tis the season when we get so busy we lose sight of what brings us joy.  I know when I'm tired and grumpy, I'm not bringing joy to those around me.   

Working together and sharing responsibilities lightens the load for both of you BUT... some people lack the ability to think past their own needs.  If you're married to a spouse like this... personal growth is a process. 

It will take patience, but there is hope!

1 - Evaluate what you each experienced growing up.

2 - How close are your family values?

3 - Do you find it easy and enjoyable to live with your spouse?

If not, the only way to expect a lifelong marriage is to find

ways to overcome what divides you. 

After 46 years of marriage, kids, and life... I believe understanding how people think and make decisions differently, show emotions, and respond to stress... will move the needle in your relationship in the BIGGEST Way!  First understand personality, then decipher through the rest.  www.theextraordinarymarriage.com/redi...

You never want to think about your marriage as SCARY... but sometimes you get something after the knot is tied... that you never imagined! 

It might be moodiness, outburst of anger, constant criticism, overspending, you might feel neglected and you're thinking, IS THIS WHAT MY WHOLE LIFE IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE?

We all put our best self forward when we're dating, but living together can bring out the worst in people.  There are many reasons you couldn't see this in the first place and you're thinking, why is this happening?

Well, it's not that everyone changes on purpose but now you're together even more than before.  Here are some the causes of a ScArY Marriage.

• You and your spouse are opposites
• ScAry emotions and trouble from the past are now evident 
• Your upbringing & values are different
• There's a lack of respect, thoughtfulness, & kindness...because it wasn't learned 

What can you do?

• I believe Christianity is your first stop... God's help... Prayer 
• I believe...

I'm always saying that bringing different personalities and backgrounds together in marriage can be challenging, but what happens when the In-laws don't cut the umbilical cord?

Just picture Husband on the Left side of the couch...

his parents in the middle...

and the wife on the right side of the couch. 

There's a big distance between husband and wife.  Everything he thinks or says to his wife, has to go through the parents first.  She feels like an outsider.  Romantic love is impossible.  They become distant, combative, resentful.

This happens way too often.  Why is it?  Here are a few thoughts.

• Control - Are the parents being self-centered, don't have faith in the abilities of their grown kid, disrespecting or don't like the new spouse, or are they just ignorant in how destructive this is to the new relationship? 
• Narcissistic Behavior - Parents are controlling and manipulative, jealous of the spouse, insist on being the top priority, they meddle in decisions, criticizing...

You know TIME is an issue that divides many couples.  We all make choices of where we spend our time.    TIME is a basic NEED of many people, in order to feel valued, appreciated, and wanted.  I like to say when we way YES to one thing we are saying NO to another.  It's important to put your spouse at the top of your list, when it comes to spending time together.  Listen below.  #TheExtraordinaryMarriage 

Listen Here on Spotify

Listen on Apple Here

Could it be that your spouse's DNA is already programed with neatness or messiness?  The Answer is yes!  Their mom can only do so much... the rest is DNA.  This same DNA predicts how they perceive the world, make decisions, and what motivates them. 

This is the first half.... find the second half on YouTube.  

 https://youtu.be/-iAmqjoYV6g 

#TheExtraordinaryMarriage #personalitystyles #opposites 

In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy to forget that your spouse can’t read your mind. Communication is vital for overcoming marital challenges, and learning to open up, trust, and express your feelings can be the key to a thriving relationship.

Here are three ways to recognize trouble, three ways to resolve those problems, and the joy of resetting and renewing your marriage.

Recognizing Trouble

1. Increased Tension: If conversations feel more like arguments than discussions, it’s a sign that something deeper needs to be addressed.

2. Emotional Withdrawal: When one partner starts to pull away or stops sharing their feelings, it can create a rift that leads to misunderstandings.

3. Unresolved Conflicts: If issues keep resurfacing without resolution, it’s time to dig deeper and address the root causes.

Resolving Problems

1. Open Dialogue: Set aside time to talk with your spouse about your feelings, needs, and concerns. Remember, this isn’t an interrogation; it’s an opportuni...

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy and lasting relationship can be challenging.

However, understanding the dynamics of communication and embracing differences can pave the way for a harmonious and fulfilling partnership.

Here are some insights and strategies to help you and your partner thrive.

Understanding differences is crucial in any relationship.

Every couple comes from different backgrounds, which shape their perspectives and expectations. Recognizing these cultural and environmental influences can help you appreciate your partner's unique viewpoint. Additionally, acknowledging that each partner has distinct personality traits can enhance your understanding of their reactions and motivations, allowing you to support one another better.

Effective communication is at the heart of a thriving relationship.

Good communication involves both listening and expressing thoughts clearly. It's essential to listen to your partner and share your feelings openly,...

Unlocking Your Marriage:

Effective Communication Strategies for Lasting Love

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a strong and healthy marriage can be challenging. Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship. This article explores key strategies to enhance communication, understand personality differences, and foster a deeper connection with your spouse.

Understanding Personality Differences

Every individual has a unique personality that influences how they communicate and interact. Recognizing these differences is crucial for effective communication: 

     Direct vs. Indirect Communication: Some individuals are straightforward, while others may communicate more subtly. Understanding your spouse's style can help bridge communication gaps. 

    Open vs. Closed Communication: Some people share their thoughts freely, while others may be more reserved. Encourage open dialogue to foster trust and understanding.

The Importance of Active Listeni...