Welcome! Today’s episode is an outgrowth of what Christy has learned by recently attending the Gottman Certification Training, and what Jim has learned from reading Dr. John Gottman’s book, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. We didn’t plan to focus on Gottman’s principles simultaneously, but it just worked out that way. We found out that we are actually doing his seven principles, but we aren’t doing them INTENTIONALLY. Gottman’s principles of making marriage work are based on much intentionality in the relationship. If you aren’t familiar with Dr. Gottman, then you may not know that he is a leading researcher in the science of marriage. He and his wife, Julie, run the Gottman Institute and the Love Lab, which is a center for scientific research on marriage and relationships.
From a list of many questions, today we are focusing on these Six Questions to ask each other:
If you want to build a Sound Relationship House, then you have to know the other person and pursue making your marriage better. So much of the work we need to do involves simple listening and being in each other’s world. We hope these questions will be the basis for good conversations that will help you get to know your partner better. Thanks for listening!
Welcome! Believe it or not, the holidays are fast approaching! Today’s topic we want you to consider involves putting some thought into YOUR holiday celebrations as a couple.
*What are three things that you want to make sure that you personally get to do during the holidays?
Consider the following about this topic:
To complete this assignment, do the following:
Remember, the holidays are coming FAST! You cannot wait to address this issue in your relationship. The time is now!
Listener Question of the Week: What is your partner’s favorite holiday?
Fun Question of the Week: What is your favorite Christmas gift that you’ve ever received?
Welcome! Today’s topic is one that requires more transparency and vulnerability than some that we’ve covered. Have an open mind and approach with honesty!
Here is the question to consider: What is one habit that you would like to change about yourself, and why?
There are several reasons that this is an important issue:
How do we change habits? There are five steps: self-awareness, self-regulation (discipline), motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Your assignment is to set a time to get together and discuss today’s question. Find out what your partner can do to help you, and vice versa. Have a follow-through plan of how to proceed in a positive manner.
Listener Question of the Week: How do you handle the chores that neither one of you likes to do?
Fun Question of the Week: What is one wedding tradition that you’ve seen that you really like?
Welcome! We just wrapped up two different “Prepare to Last” classes with engaged couples. Check out our website for upcoming dates for classes and retreats. Our topic today is an outgrowth of the recent classes because much discussion happens concerning how we spend our money and how we view our partner’s spending.
Here is today’s question to tackle with your partner: What do you think are three things that are a waste of money?
This is a great date night conversation and not one that is too heavy. Consider these two questions and answers as part of your conversation:
Listener Question of the Week: We are about 8-9 months away from getting married, and we are dealing with a serious drug and alcohol addiction problem. What do you think we ought to do?
Fun Question of the Week: What is one thing you’d like to have for Christmas?