The official newsletter of Marriage Partnership magazine
Thursday, May 17, 2007
"We were like two worlds colliding."
It was one of the worst breakup lines I'd ever heard. For while the young man appropriately identified disparities in background and lifestyle, he overlooked the reality that every relationship—and, I've since learned, every marriage—is a world collision of sorts.
Indeed, male and female perspectives differ on everything from communicating emotions to dealing with life's many trials. And when a trial affects one spouse more than the other, it proves just how problematic their differences in response can be.
- One husband shares how he learned to respond when his wife endured the intensely personal pain of miscarriage.
- And another husband offers his own innovative response to any hurdles interrupting the marathon of marriage.
- But if talk of marathons—or any exercise—is a trial in itself, a discussion of some surprising facts about sex might arouse a more active mood.
- Plus, voting in this week's poll will reveal just how often most couples undertake that exciting activity.
- And responding to this week's question will reveal how you as a couple coordinate all your various activities: Is one of you punctual while the other is always running late? Let us know how you and your spouse cope with your differing time clocks.
Then stop the clock and visit MarriagePartnership.com, where you'll find articles to help you enjoy time together—and prevent collisions along the way.
Thanks for reading,
Andrea Bianchi
Newsletter Editor
The Marriage Connection
To reply to this newsletter: marriage@christianitytoday.com
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 SPIRITUALITY/EMOTIONS /HELP & HEALING
When Mr. Fix-It Won't Do
After my wife miscarried, I realized she needed something from me that was different from my normal responses.
By Bob Perry
I had it wired. I read the books. I attended the seminars. I had t-shirts, even a lapel pin, that touted my proud claim to be a "Promise Keeper." The second line of my personal Life Purpose Statement was a bold pronouncement that I would support and encourage my wife in all ways and love her "as Christ loved the church."
More …
BETTER SEX
7 Things You Need to Know About Sex
By Debra Taylor and Michael Sytsma
EMOTIONS/ COMMUNICATION
Training for the Long Haul
Marriage is a lot like running a marathon—but the rewards are even better.
By Billy Milton
 Surprised by Remarriage: A Guide to the Happily-Even-After, by Ginger Kolbaba
Successfully combining lives in a second marriage can be challenging. From unresolved hurts and unshared histories to resentful stepkids and bitter exes, there can be obstacles to happiness the second time around. But you can have a happy and lasting relationship despite divorce in your past. With candor and uplifting stories, Ginger Kolbaba, herself a second wife, offers practical guidance for those seeking a joyful remarriage.
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 One Night with the King, DVD
Step into the exotic world of the Persian court, where one courageous woman dares to speak the truth on behalf of her people. Based on Tommy Tenney's blockbuster novel. |
 Put God First
Study 1 Samuel and learn how the trials and tribulations of Hannah, Samuel, and others show how God wants to work in our lives today, using this ChristianBibleStudies.com guide.
|
 One Flame
The unity candle is a popular element in many wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the joining of two single lives into one. What happens when the winds and storms of life threaten to extinguish the flame? With warmth and humor, relationship expert Gary Smalley uses real-life examples to show you how to maintain unity. |
Tips for a Red-Hot Romance
These five suggestions will convince your sweetie that it's Valentine's Day all year round:
- Bake a love note into a cupcake or write a message in icing on a large cookie.
- Buy a box of chocolates and remove a few of the candies. In the empty paper cups place a few trinkets such as jewelry or a tiny love note.
- Spend the night in heaven. Rent a dry ice machine from a theater company to form a cloud around your bed.
- In the middle of the night, write a romantic message such as "You look beautiful!" or "What a gorgeous hunk!" on the bathroom mirror.
- If you hear "your song" on the radio, call your mate, hold the phone to the speaker, and let the music do the romancing.
Adapted from Red-Hot Monogamy by Bill and Pam Farrel (Harvest House)
Marriage Connection
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How often do you have sex?
- almost every day
- 2 or 3 times a week
- about once a week
- a couple of times a month
- maybe once a month
- once every two months
- a few times a year
- almost never
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Have you and your spouse ever struggled with different sleeping patterns or habits?
Total votes: 441
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Beyond Help
Feel as though you're "beyond help" in attitude, action, or appearance?
I'm Amazing
Think about all you do as a mom.
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