Improve Your Relationship with Better Sleep
Note: This is a guest post from Philip J Reed of the Sereno Center for Snoring Solutions on a topic that I know MANY couples struggle with.
We all know that a good night’s rest is important for helping get a new day off to the right start. But did you know it also helps keep your relationship on track?
Studies have shown that a leading cause of resentment in marriage stems from dealing with a snoring issue at night. If you or your partner is struggling with sleep issues, don’t set up a bed in another room just yet.
Researchers are beginning to consider that when dealing with issues like sleep apnea and snoring problems, professionals should also consider how those problems affect an individual’s interactions with others and their relationships. One sleep study has indicated that women in particular tend to express more negative emotion when they struggle to sleep. It’s possible that men experience some of these same feelings, but oftentimes, they don’t share how they feel.
When sleep problems lead to a person feeling testy, it can be difficult to know how to even broach the subject of helping a partner stop snoring or taking care of other issues. Remember, this is a matter that ultimately affects you both.
How to Handle Heated Arguments
Note: This is a guest post from Jennifer Bell.
Every couple gets into arguments with one another. In many cases, these arguments happen on a daily basis.
Hopefully, level heads prevail, but couples will inevitably encounter times when the discussion can turn a bit ugly. With the divorce rate being approximately 41% for first marriages, it is crucial that every couple learns how to handle heated arguments.
Understanding the Differences Between Men and Women
It’s important to understand the differences between men and women in relation to handling an argument. Women tend to be more emotional and react to their feelings. On the contrary, men tend to be less emotional and more matter-of-fact.
During an argument, a woman may get even more upset and emotional if their spouse isn’t showing any sign of emotion, because it might make her think that he doesn’t really care. Similarly, a man may not understand why his wife is upset and crying about something that he doesn’t think is that big of a deal. By understanding these key differences, you can try to better relate to your spouse by putting the situation into his or her perspective.
10 Ways to Stop a Relationship from Withering
Note: This is a guest post from Kelly Austin.
Making your relationship last is the goal of every couple. However, since couples are individuals with different needs and values, this goal may prove to be a real challenge.
To be able to stop a relationship from withering, it is important to really be proactive and do everything you can to make your connection strong. Keep the tips below in mind next time you start to feel your relationship drying up a bit.
10 Tips to Keep Your Relationship Strong
1. Communication. Quality communication is the lifeblood of every relationship. Discuss your feelings rather than the events. Intimacy is built by emotions, not by being objective.
It is important to keep an open line of communication. Always be honest to your partner. Tell your partner the dreams and fears you harbor as well as share your triumphs and failures. Open up about the people you feel attracted to and possible temptations at work. This will help keep you from acting on them.
2. Compromise. You cannot have what you want 100 percent of the time. A relationship requires that you meet each other halfway. When conflicts arise, you need to come up with a solution that satisfies you both. If you insist on doing things your way, your partner may develop ill feelings toward you.
Psychology Tips for Married People
Note: Enjoy this insightful guest post from Allison Gamble of PsychologyDegree.net.
In recent years, research has shown that the psychology and communication skills being taught in college courses are resulting in better marriages and a lower divorce rate. The overall divorce rate has declined to about 40 percent and the rate of divorce among college graduates is only 16 percent.
In fact, divorce rates have been slowly dropping since the seventies when psychologists developed rules for good communication between partners. These strategies for enhanced communication encouraged acceptance, honesty and appropriate methods of self-expression.
However, you don’t have to have a psychology degree or even take a psychology class to improve your marriage. All you have to know are the basic psychological causes of marital problems and then implement the appropriate communication styles to reason out your problems.
Develop Positive but Realistic Attitudes Toward Each Other
During the sixties, there was book called “I’m OK-You’re OK” that provided readers with relationship advice. While the book was helpful, the title itself is the golden rule of marriage. Both people in a marriage need to see themselves and their spouse as good people.
Disengaging from the Cell Phone to Re-Engage Your Family
Note: This fantastic guest post by Edward Lee deserves your attention. Did you hear me? Put your phone down and listen! 
This morning, I went through my normal wake up routine, which puts my cell phone in my hand within the first three steps of my feet hitting the floor. This quick grab of the cell allows me to check my email on my way to the bathroom to handle the normal wake up stuff.
After leaving the bathroom, I head down stairs and jump back on my cell to check my favorite news sites. Once my wife and son wake up, I go back upstairs to greet my family with a kiss.
This is about the time that I begin playing with my son, as my wife now begins the routine of checking her important overnight emails and texts. After hitting a few golf balls and kicking around the soccer ball in the hallway or crashing around Matchbox cars on imaginary trips to the ice cream store, my son will ask to see my phone.
He will begin, at daddy’s insistence, with educational math and reading games. But eventually he will move over to daddy’s golf and racing games when he thinks no one is watching.
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I'm Dustin, the guy behind Engaged Marriage. I'm living and loving the crazy life of a young husband and Dad.
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