Instead of getting stuck in the past, you can look to a hopeful future for your marriage using these 5 simple tips.
Talking Points:
- Stay positive. Frame your problem as an opportunity for growth.
- Be specific about what you need. Don’t make your spouse guess at what you’re expecting.
- Make the solution measurable. Create specific behaviors your spouse can do to fix the problem.
- Think baby steps. Don’t try to accomplish too much in the immediate. Be patient and gracious as you both grow and learn.
- Celebrate along the way. Praise your spouse when you see them making efforts to do what you’ve requested.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Identify an issue in your marriage where you hope to improve. How can you frame that as an opportunity for growth?
- Examining that issue, how can you be specific about what you feel is missing or what has been hurtful?
- Why is it important to create measurable solutions? Based on question #2, what are some specific things your spouse can do to improve on that issue?
- What are some smaller goals you can work toward that can help to move your marriage forward in a healthy way?
- With your spouse, decide on a time to revisit these goals in one or two weeks. At that time, evaluate whether you have accomplished your first step toward the goal and decide on the next step.
- How can you celebrate your spouse more and the efforts they make toward positive change?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
