Congrats—you’re engaged! An exciting time for sure!

Scrolling through endless Pinterest posts for inspiration, compiling guest lists, and stressing about the wedding venue—sound familiar?

Is your growing checklist feeling like a second job?

If you're losing touch with the thrill and exhilaration of getting engaged, it’s time to hit the pause button. Your engagement isn’t just a countdown to the wedding—it’s your first lesson in building a marriage worth savoring.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Navigating family dynamics can feel like walking a tightrope—every misstep can strain a relationship, break trust, or spark recurring conflicts.

Yet, establishing healthy boundaries with family isn’t about pushing people away—it’s about creating safer, more authentic connections.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

_{When it comes to marriage and keeping love alive, communication is key. Most couples would agree that for communication to be effective with your partner, it is best to come from a place of love.}

_{However, that may sound easier said than done, especially if you and your partner argue constantly. So, what is fair play in arguments? It's unrealistic to think that we will never have disagreements in marriage. But is there a line you should not cross?}

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We may have hard heads but we don’t have rock-solid hearts—our hearts are soft and vulnerable. In committed relationships, we need a lot of understanding to build bridges, especially when our needs collide with our partner’s.

Do you know how to advocate for your needs without getting into an argument?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Empathy for relationships?

Yes, I can confidently vouch for empathy—it transformed my marriage! And it may be THE most important quality of every long-lasting relationship.

Do you want to improve communication with your partner, deepen understanding, and sweeten your love? Here's how.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

People-pleasers often secretly view their congeniality, kind nature, and generosity as a badge of honor. However, relationships where both partners share these traits can be problematic.

While every relationship has its unique challenges, being in a relationship with two people-pleasers can feel a bit like Bill Murray felt in Groundhog Day. Life feels surprisingly familiar and unsettling, but there's a ton of guesswork.

Estimated reading: 4 minutes

One of the biggest triggers in a relationship or marriage is personalizing your partner's behavior. This one relationship tendency causes a multitude of misunderstandings, verbal disagreements, and arguments. When we are offended by our spouse's snarky remarks or disrespect, our defenses rise and we position ourselves for a comeback, or a cold war!

How do we hold the line for respect while refraining from hurtful behavior ourselves?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

After decades of a happy marriage (learning the hard knocks way) and coaching couples for almost as long, I’ve learned that every couple needs a few indispensable relationship skills. If you master them, they set the foundation for a healthy and happy relationship. Drop one of these skills, and all the rest will be affected.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes