Welcome!  Today’s show is coming to you live from Branson, MO, because we are on the road.  Unfortunately, Jim is not feeling well and has been battling a cold.  His illness gives us the basis for our question to consider this week.

List three things I need to know about you when you aren’t feeling well.  Consider the following as you give your answer:

• Sicknesses and injuries are part of life.
• How you handle each other’s sickness is a big deal.
• It’s important to know each other’s expectations.
• This conversation will help you know how to comfort your partner physically and emotionally.
• Some people want to be left alone when sick, and others want lots of attention.
• These difficulties are a great chance to “step up” for each other.
• Remember, “sick” can be ill, injured, or emotionally unwell.

As you have this conversation, you will learn more about each other.  What do I need when I’m not feeling well?  What does my partner want when they are sick?  Now, think about it and discuss this topic with your partner.

Listener Question of the Week:  How do you know when you should see a doctor and when you should treat at home?

Fun Question of the Week:  What is your favorite comfort food and why?

Hey gang ...

Welcome to this week's episode of Your Marriage Matters for couples who are seriously dating or engaged to be married. We are dedicated to helping you build a healthy, vibrant relationship that will last a lifetime!

This week we are going to deal with the inevitable reality of the inevitable challenges and conflicts that will come up in our relationship! Trust us it is better to do it now rather than later. This week's conversation, from our 101 Conversations EVERY Couple Should Have Before They Get Married book, is as follows;

"What challenges or conflicts ...

have you encountered in your relationship and how have you worked together to resolve them"?

In this podcast we are going to give you two really important reasons why this is an important conversation. And, we will give you a couple of real world techniques you can use to help you process differences in a positive and productive way.

When it is all said and done there is nothing wrong with having conflict. As a matter of fact we are really concerned when a couple says they don't fight or argue about anything! That is a big red flag!

The question becomes ... "are you fighting in your relationship or fighting for your relationship"? The first will kill your connection to each other and the latter will make it stronger!

We hope you enjoy this week's episode!

Welcome!  Today’s conversation is an easier one than some, but it is still vitally important.  

Consider the question:  What are three things that make for a great date and why?

Let the following ideas prompt your thoughts:

• How we spend our “spare” time is important!
• Dates are to connect, communicate, and relax together.
• We must be intentional about the fun in our lives.
• We can create memories together.
• This will give you clues about what your partner likes.
• The bottom line is still COMMUNICATION!
• Hidden problems surface when one partner ALWAYS does what the other wants to do.
• Both partners should be equally involved in the planning.
• Dates don’t have to be elaborate or fancy.
• What do you like to do?
• What does your partner enjoy?

The results will be increased insight into your partner and more intention to the fun!  “Never, Ever Stop Dating!”

Listener Question of the Week:  What do we do if we don’t have a lot of similar hobbies?

Fun Question of the Week:  What are three things you think make for a great date?

Welcome!  Today’s topic comes from our book, 101 Conversations Every Couple Should Have Before They Get Married.  

List 10 qualities you look for in the marriage partner you will spend the rest of your life with.

This is an important, but challenging conversation and one that will take some time to accomplish.  It’s an opportunity to get insight into your partner’s expectations.  It will alert you to red flags and non-negotiables in your relationship.  Remember, the time to discover those non-negotiables is BEFORE you get married.

We all remember  “Y2K,” but, regarding marriage, think of “Why3A.”

• Why Me?
• Why You?
• Why Now?

Ask yourself the following questions to prompt your thoughts about your list of 10 qualities:

• What are your “must-haves”?
• How well can you collaborate?
• Do you agree together about some values?
• Can you value what your partner values?

So, your challenge is to make the list, and then take the time to discuss it with your partner.  It will identify things that require heavy conversations.  Listen in for more!

Listener Question of the Week:  How do you create a BIG vision for your marriage?

Fun Question of the Week:  What is your biggest fear?