Resource Library

Strengthen Marriage Tip: Learn to tolerate the little things that annoy you

It really doesn’t matter which way the toilet paper comes off the roll, don’t waste your energy on the little things. Prolonged focus on that which is imperfect only blinds us to all that is good about our spouse. When experiencing the tinge of annoyance with your spouse, choose instead to appreciate something that you [...]

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

Don’t expect your spouse to know what you’re thinking – Too many good relationships are divided by poor communication. Misunderstanding and need for clarity are inherent to any relationship. Take time daily to check-in with one another. Remember, it is the little things that keep a marriage on track, and on the list of little [...]

Strengthen Your Marriage Tip: You are on the same team; be on the same team!

Even when you don’t agree on everything, agree on one thing: what is best for the relationship will be more rewarding than what is best for the individual… and, as the relationship becomes more rewarding, your growth as an individual will follow! ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of February!  [...]

Strengthen Your Marriage: Take a moment to think of your spouse during the day

A parent shares: “We check in each morning via phone call or text to see how the other’s morning is going. And sometimes he even leaves me nice little note on my desk, so when I wake up it’s one of the first things I see.” ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month [...]

Strengthen Your Marriage: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude

Any relationship worth building up and strengthening is something to be deeply grateful for. Having an attitude of gratitude means that your partner will know that you appreciate them. Your appreciation will be obvious in your thoughts, words and actions, and they will never have need to question your feelings. Being thankful for your mate every day is one of the most empowering [...]

Strengthen Your Marriage: Forgive and seek forgiveness

We all make mistakes, and imperfections are readily discernible and ever-present in close, meaningful relationships. It’s been said that a great relationship is made up of two good forgivers. Fault finding, hyper-focus on imperfections, and unrealistic expectations will quickly stifle cherished feelings of love, acceptance and safety in a marriage. ——————————– Join us in strengthening and [...]

Court your spouse

Schedule regular dates with your spouse. Plan activities that interest your spouse. Spend this time in the manner you did during courtship; put on your nice clothes, wear your best fragrance, be on your best behavior and attend solely to your spouse. ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of February!  [...]

Don’t keep score

Avoid tracking your spouse to ensure he/she carries their share of the workload. Instead, adopt the attitude that it is of no importance if you end up doing more than half of what has to be done. There is no benefit in attempting to make sure that everything in your relationship is divided fifty-fifty. Instead, [...]

Be fluent in your spouse’s language of love

Each of us is unique in the manner in which we give and receive affection. What is deeply meaningful to you may not translate with the same meaning to your spouse, and vice-versa. Investigate those things that communicate love, affection and appreciation most meaningfully to your spouse; speak your spouse’s language often! ——————————– Join us [...]

Our lives are given to that which we give our time

Does your planner communicate to your spouse that he/she is a priority? Periods of demanding, high-stress scheduling make a surprise lunch date or a romantic evening all the more meaningful. ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of February!  You will find daily thoughts and suggestions throughout the month of February [...]

Manage your finances

Marital research often highlights financial strain as a significant contributor to marital discord. Communicate about finances and discipline yourselves to a budget. Discuss financial priorities and negotiate mutual goals. Work with a financial consultant if this process feels overwhelming. Brainstorm inexpensive means to enjoy entertainment and recreation. ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage [...]

Tell your spouse something you love about them

Right now, think of one thing. Maybe a flood of things will come to mind. Call them, write them a note, send them a card, close your electronic device and look at them, tell them. Let them know… right now! ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of February!  You will [...]

Learn something new about your spouse today

People are ever-adapting and expanding. Life has a way of promoting this evolution. You and your spouse are different today than you were yesterday, and the same will be true for tomorrow. Discover one another! ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of February!  You will find daily thoughts and suggestions [...]

Conflict is a catalyst for change

Learn to see conflict as an opportunity to better understand differences and negotiate solutions. By taking time to really understand and work-through marital conflict, you create unity in the present and avoid similar disputes in the future. In this manner, methodical conflict-resolution serves as an investment in marital harmony. ——————————– Join us in strengthening and [...]

Have a fundamental change of attitude from “Me” to “We.”

Focus on serving the self can seem rewarding in the present, but often leads to disconnection in your relationship and lack of attention to the needs of your spouse. In the long-run, your relationship will suffer as both partners begin to guard their own self-interests at the expense of the other. Instead, pursue win-win solutions [...]

Strengthen and Celebrate Marriage: Speak kindly

Don’t gossip about your spouse to family members, friends, coworkers, children, etc. Negativity breeds negativity, and seemingly innocent but demeaning conversations can in time create a cynical view of your companion. Resolve marital differences with your spouse and let others provide nourishing support. ——————————– Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of [...]

Strengthen and Celebrate Marriage: Don’t go to bed angry, just go to bed

Remember some problems need time. Taking time to allow emotions to de-escalate, to gather your thoughts and to evaluate your stance are all important conflict-resolution strategies that often need time. —————————— Join us in strengthening and celebrating marriage for the month of February!  You will find daily thoughts and suggestions throughout the month of February [...]

Strengthen and Celebrate Marriage: Be polite.

“Please” and “Thank You” – One of the beautiful dynamics of marriage is the freedom to let down your guard. The comfort and acceptance felt in marriage can create a scenario wherein we allow ourselves to lose sight of our relational etiquette. Your spouse is your most worthy relationship, mind your manners! —————————- Join us [...]

Strengthen and Celebrate Marriage: Repair faster

Too often days, weeks, months and even years are allowed to go by before conflicts and concerns are given their due attention. Reflect often on your part in the relationship and repair quickly when mistakes are made.

Strengthen and Celebrate Marriage: The 5 to 1 rule

Gottman’s Rule: 5 positives to every negative in your marital interactions – According to John Gottman, a researcher and renowned relational specialist in the field of psychology, members of a healthy marital relationship will exhibit 5 positive interactions to every negative interaction. Track your interactions for a day, week or month and see if you [...]

Articles Published by New Haven Therapists and Staff