I think we can probably all agree that we are living in a weird moment. Ten years ago, who would have thought that the concept of gender would become so convoluted and divisive? Sure, some people would get defensive at the idea of gender differences, but it wasn’t quite a “third rail” in the way it is today. In our cultural moment, it can feel easier to avoid the whole topic. Read more
“What do you say to people in today’s cultural space who insist that gender differences do not exist or are a social construct?” Read more
Wondering why your husband wants sex? Explore the emotional side of his desire, how intimacy impacts your relationship, and practical tips for deeper connection. Read more
Sometimes it’s good to simply stop and laugh out loud. Or even to tear up with a good cry. I can go either direction. There really are terrifically funny humans on this planet. And when caring people go that extra mile to make someone else’s day better, I can get a little misty eyed even if seeing it on my phone while I’m in line at the grocery store. (Oh, sorry, I just got a little bit of dust in my eye …) I keep a little running file of both … and summer feels like a good time to share them with you. I’m sure it is no coincidence that each have something to do with communication, marriage, or books in some way! Read more
If you’re trying to figure out how the boys (and men) in your life operate, this week’s guest on the podcast is a must-listen. Jenilee Samuel, host of the popular podcast Java With Jen, offers heartfelt tips—including one question she and her husband have learned to ask that is nearly guaranteed to dial down conflict. Read more
This week’s Father’s Day guest blog comes to you from singer/songwriter and co-host of the Dadville podcast Dave Barnes. I love his take this week on how home is like a lab (social media loved it too, because the post went viral)! Dave is heartfelt and hilarious, and I hope you’ll check out his music and his podcast. -Shaunti Read more
This week, we’ll look at the final two expectations that men often have. (And I encourage you to backtrack through this whole series, starting with part 1, to understand how to save confusion and heartache in marriage by avoiding all 8 expectations.) If you know a young newlywed or engaged couple, please forward this content to them. They will be so glad. Read more
Expectations are appropriate in marriage, right? Things should be a certain way. We stepped on a landmine and we’re not even three sentences into the blog. Should. What if our “shoulds” are leading to unnecessary unhappiness? More to the point, what if we have expectations of our spouse that they are just not wired to meet? Read more
Much of the unhappiness we experience in marriage is due to unhelpful expectations. I prefer “unhelpful” over “unrealistic” because I don’t want to suggest that we should lower our standards. But neither do we want to set ourselves up for heartache by setting expectations that are unhelpful. Read more
Much of the unhappiness we experience in marriage is due to unhelpful expectations. Notice that I say “unhelpful,” rather than “unrealistic.” The latter is also true, but it can sound as if we’re suggesting we lower our standards—which we aren’t. But neither do we want to create heartache by holding naïve assumptions about what we’re walking into when we walk down the aisle. There is a sweet spot in the middle where we land on and live with helpful expectations of marriage and our spouse. Read more
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