The older we get, the more intentional we have to be in actually hearing one another. Regardless of our age, we often fall into the trap of talking to each other from different rooms. This is frustrating for both individuals.

Therefore, why not make it a habit of coming into the same room and look each other in the eyes while talking. Don't wait for the other to make the first move. Just start doing it. See if it makes a difference.

The #1 Complaints Therapists Report Hearing From Unhappy Husbands in Therapy

1. His partner is way too critical.
2. He feels his spouse judges him way too much.
3. He is experiencing a serious lack of intimacy.
4. He has a grocery list of smaller issues with his spouse. For example:

- She talks all the time.

- She repeats herself and rambles on forever, so I can no longer remember what she is saying.

- She complains she does everything and I do nothing without regard to my work time, commute time, car, yard and house maintenance.

-She hates my friends, so any social life we have is her friends.

Well, I think you get the picture.

The Bible reminds us to encourage one another. While written to believers, these verses, as well as others, can certainly be applied to one's spouse.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Romans 12:10 -

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Come hear real stories of love, redemption, and faith in action.

This is an evening where couples share how God has worked in their marriages through both the joys and the challenges.

For more information, or to register: click here.

A Lifeline for Troubled Marriages

Retrouvaille is an international program designed to help couples heal, rebuild trust, and restore love. They often succeed where other efforts have failed.

The program is grounded in practical tools for better communication and deeper connection.

The next one in our area is:

Louisville

Mt. St. Francis, IN

Aug 21 - Aug 23, 2026

Registration Fee:

400.00 USD* per couple.

This is not the full cost of the program.

* The registration fee is per couple and is non-refundable, but is not the full program cost, which includes your meals and lodging. Retrouvaille is a self-supporting non-profit, and they invite couples to "pay it forward" to help others transform their marriages. This ministry relies on your generosity to continue. While the donation request if substantial, you can pay what you can.

For more information or to register, click here.

A New Beginning is a turn-around weekend designed to help couples who feel stuck in an unhealthy marriage, couples who are frustrated and unhappy, and couples considering divorce. Any marriage can be saved, and our experience with thousands of couples proves that it really is possible for both husband and wife to fall deeply in love with each other again, and build a mutually satisfying relationship that will last.

July 24 - 26, 2026



A New Beginning – Nashville, TN (Registration open through July 17th)

For more information, click here.

30 Days to a Stronger Marriage

Merry Mama Designs has a neat download you can purchase for $2.69.

As an example, here is a sample of the first five days. Once downloaded it gives you additional suggestions for the rest of the month.

If interested, click here.

Big Marriage Questions by Dr. Valerie Vincent

Q. When my wife gets upset with me, she won't tell me what's wrong. She seems to huff and puff and then a few days later she acts fine, like nothing is wrong. I never know what to do. How should I respond?

A. Ahh, the games couples play. Some couples have cyclical patterns of relating that can be destructive to a marriage. Here are a few games couples play:

• Guess what I'm thinking.
• Read my face.
• If you really loved me, you would know what I want and do it (and even do it the way I want it done.)
• If you don't meet all my needs and make me happy, you don't really love me.
• Fine, if you're going to treat me this way then I know just what to do to get back at you.
• You have hurt me, so now I will punish you: I will withdraw. I will be silent and not speak to you. I will leave. I will exclude you. I will ignore you.

continued in next column

40 Summer Date Ideas

Ryan Gossman with FamilyLife Kentuckiana, shared that at the "Weekend to Remember"

conference, it is taught that couples need to "Calendar their Companionship." The formula is simple, but powerful:

• Connect (30 minutes of intentional conversation).
• Date weekly.
• Get away annually.

If you would like some ideas for dates, Ryan explained that friends at WinShape Marriage, compiled a list of 40 summer date ideas.

If interested, click here.

Big Marriage Questions continued. . .

The problem with these games is they are dishonest. Rather than practicing self-control, the game is played to control the other person. The prizes for playing these games often are anger, misunderstanding, jealousy, doubt and pain.

You are right in wanting to stop playing these games. Often such games are played when we feel threatened and want to protect ourselves.

In gentleness and love, invite your wife to share with you what is upsetting her. You might respond, "I can see you are upset. I am wondering if I have hurt you in some way. I would like to know what is wrong." With the same spirit, you might confront her about the games and seek her help in the two of you choosing a different approach to feeling hurt or being upset.

God directs us in Scripture to be forthright, open and honest in our relationships. This includes marriage. You can model a new direction for your marriage with a loving attitude and gentle spirit.

Dr.Valerie Vincent