The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: The Winning Mentality for Marital Conflict

 

In this episode, I dive into a fresh perspective on handling conflicts that many of us encounter. As we know, disagreements are a normal part of life, especially when shared responsibilities like caring for the kids and managing a home come into play. However, the way we handle these disagreements can make all the difference.

The Lens of Conflict: Problem Solving vs. Winning

Consider this the next time you find yourself in a disagreement with your spouse. Are you focused on solving a problem, or are you attempting to win an argument? This shift in focus from confrontation to collaboration can redefine your marital dynamic. Instead of instilling a win-lose mindset, nurturing a problem-solving approach promotes understanding, compassion, and love.

Understanding the Roots of Conflict

In my early days of dating and marriage, I was all about winning arguments, a habit shaped by what I witnessed growing up. It was more about placing blame and less about understanding. However,...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: Keep The Fun Alive While Working On Your Marriage

 

Maintaining the spark in your marriage can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when you're knee-deep in tackling the more challenging aspects of your relationship. Much like the chaos of spring cleaning, where things seem messier before they become tidy, the process of working on your marriage can feel overwhelming. Yet, amidst this occasionally tense journey, it’s crucial to remember the importance of fun and connection.

Just as with our closest friendships, fun and camaraderie form the bedrock of a strong marriage. Think of your marriage as a friendship with added layers of romance and intimacy. Rediscovering activities you both enjoy—laughing at inside jokes, supporting each other during difficult times, or simply spending time together—can help reinforce this foundational bond.

Here’s the thing: friendships help smooth over conflict. When we maintain a friendly connection, we navigate disagreements more gracefully, avoiding the...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: Is Arguing Bad In Marriage?

 

 

In this episode I dive into the topic of arguing in marriage. Is it bad to argue with your spouse?

Why Disagreements Happen

To kick things off, let's talk about what arguing actually entails. Disagreements in marriage are natural and, believe it or not, healthy. They show honesty and authenticity between partners. When you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye, it simply reflects that you’re being true to yourselves instead of just going along to keep the peace. This honesty forms the foundation for growth and deeper understanding in any relationship.

The Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Arguing

Now, not all arguments are created equal. The key is learning how to handle disagreements in a way that strengthens rather than weakens your connection with your partner. Healthy arguing looks like respectful conversations where both people feel heard and valued. It's about understanding each other’s perspectives, working together...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: Why Slowing Down Can Transform Conflict in Your Marriage

 

 

How Slowing Down Can Transform Conflict in Your Marriage

Conflict in marriage is inevitable. It’s a natural part of being in a close, committed relationship. But arguments? Those are optional. If you’re in a marriage that feels like a never-ending cycle of arguments, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. We’re going to explore how slowing down during conflict can lead to better communication, deeper understanding, and a stronger relationship.

Conflict Is Normal, But Arguments Don’t Have to Be

Conflict often arises because two people have different perspectives, needs, or experiences. That’s normal. The real issue isn’t the conflict itself; it’s how we navigate it. Unfortunately, many of us weren’t taught how to communicate effectively during moments of tension. Instead, we may rely on unhealthy habits we picked up from childhood or past relationships.

The good news? You can break the cycle. You can...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast - Signs Communication In Your Marriage Is Improving (And When To Get Help)

 

How to Know if Your Communication is Improving in Marriage (and When to Get Help)

Let’s talk about something most of us aren’t naturally taught: healthy communication. Unless your parents modeled it, or you sought out resources, communication skills are often learned through trial and error. But here’s the good news—improving your communication doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through recognizing signs of improvement in your communication with your spouse and knowing when it’s time to seek outside help to take things to the next level.

Why Communication Feels So Hard

For many of us, communication struggles are a learned pattern. Growing up, we absorb how our family handles conflict—whether it’s yelling, avoiding tough topics, or shutting down. Without a strong foundation, you end up figuring things out on your own....

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: How To Overcome The Rut and Start Fresh In Your Marriage

 

 

Embracing Change in Marriage and Motherhood this Fall

As we are well into Fall now, this episode was inspired by the falling leaves I see on my daily walk and how it is so symbolic of learning to let go of what doesn't serve us and making room for growth, much like the beautiful trees shedding their leaves.

Fall as a Symbol of Renewal

Living in Georgia, I'm mesmerized by the diverse and brilliant colors around me—it's a breathtaking contrast to my old home in California. This got me thinking about how fall is a perfect time to reflect on what we might need to prune in our marriages, just as we might in gardening. It's about identifying what's not contributing to the vibrant life we envision with our partners.

What Do You Need To Allow To Fall Away in Your Marriage?

Consider the routines or habits that might be hindering your relationship. Are there moments when you've slipped into autopilot—like spending solitary time during bedtime rather than...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: Deal With The Hard Now To Have It Easy Later

 

 

Embracing Hard Conversations for a Stronger Marriage

Navigating the complexities of marriage can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when confronting those hard, often uncomfortable conversations. It's so common to shy away from these tough talks, feeling a swirl of anxiety, fear, or even dread. You might find yourself thinking, "Why bother?" because the uncertainty of a positive outcome looms large. But here's the thing: conflict is inevitable in any close relationship. Whether it’s with your spouse, children, or even colleagues, disagreements are bound to surface because it's simply unrealistic to expect complete harmony at all times.

The key, though, is in how we handle these conflicts. Choosing to avoid them might seem tempting because it keeps us comfortable in the short term. However, this avoidance can lead to deeper issues, with growing resentment and prolonged discomfort. Instead, we can choose to confront these challenges head-on with the intent...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: Choosing To Have The Right Relationship With Your Husband

 

 

The Secret to a Stronger Marriage: Choose Connection Over Being Right

It's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be right in our relationships, especially in marriage. After all, proving our point can feel so satisfying in the moment. But, as I've come to learn as a marriage coach, the real prize isn't in winning an argument – it's in nurturing a loving, connected relationship. In this quick read, let's explore how shifting from seeking victory to prioritizing partnership can transform your marriage.

You Can Be Right or You Can Have the Right Relationship

One of the biggest realizations I've had is this: in any conflict, you can either be right or have the right relationship. This doesn't mean you should become a doormat or always be wrong. It's about recognizing that in marriage, feeling connected and understood outweighs the temporary thrill of being right. It's the emotional intimacy that builds a strong couple, not the moments when one stands...

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: How I Handle Unmet Expectations In My Marriage

 

 

Navigating Marriage: Turning Conflict into Connection

This episode is about embracing imperfection, the strength of vulnerability, and how practicing what I preach to my clients and my community can transform relationships. Let's dive into an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at how one can apply principles of understanding and calm even in frustrating moments.

Facing Frustration: Recognizing Patterns

Marriage isn’t perfect, and for many of us, it's a continual learning path. At times, we face disappointment and unmet expectations, especially when juggling responsibilities. With one partner deeply immersed in work and the other managing a business, stress levels can rise when communication falters.

A Familiar Scenario: Juggling Responsibilities

Imagine the scene: hectic weekdays where one drops off and picks up kids, balancing between dance classes and school pickups. Tuesdays were meant for a shift in routine—where my husband covers the pickup....

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The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast: Learn How You Get Mad At Your Husband To Help Your Marriage

 

 

Navigating Anger in Marriage: Turning Arguments into Conversations

In this episode, we're diving into how recognizing and understanding emotional patterns can transform arguments into more productive conversations, ultimately fostering growth in our marriage.

Understanding Emotional Patterns

Let’s be honest, no one wakes up hoping to have an argument with their spouse. In fact, most of us hope for smooth sailing each day, desiring progress rather than setbacks in our relationships. Recognizing our emotional patterns is a pivotal step toward achieving that. Once we understand the habitual ways we react during conflicts, we can begin to navigate them more effectively. These patterns often form as protective responses, but they don’t always serve our best interests.

Teaching Our Children Emotional Management

Our emotions heavily influence our daily interactions, so it's crucial to handle them wisely. This is especially important as parents, as our children...

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