Four Habits of Happy Couples
Day 5 - May 3, 2024
Habit 4 - Build Close Relationships with Other Believers
Finally, it's important to cultivate individual relationships as well as relationships with other couples. Choose those friends wisely, because bad decisions run in packs. Couples who spend time with ungodly or immoral couples tend to end up with ungodly marriages.
Or in other words, if your friends don't value their marriage, then you probably won't value yours.
Your friends can dictate your future. You can love everyone with the love of Christ, but your closest relationships need to be the kind that build you up. You need the support of strong believers, you should be the same for them.
Take Action
Healthy couples are people of prayer. They know how to let go of negative feelings. They are each other's best friends. And they are deeply connected with other Christians.
- Are you current friends a positive influnce in your life and reflecting Godly priniciples? NO! We are not talking about perfect people. But, we are talking about friends who know and love the Lord, and their lives reflect it.
- How would your current friends answer that question about you?
What other habits do you need to pursue to improve the health of your marriage? Focus in on just ONE new healthy habit!
Day 1 - Apr 28, 2025
Creating Lasting Habits in Your Marriage
Habits, disciplines, and traditions are the backbone of a strong marriage. The daily actions and routines you establish together play a crucial role in determining your future happiness as a couple.
- Good habits don’t just happen; they require intention and effort.
Research shows that it takes about 60 days to turn a new behavior into a lasting habit. At first, it might feel unfamiliar, but with time and consistency, it can become second nature. Remember, successful marriages aren’t built on luck or chemistry; they thrive when both partners commit to putting in the work. Building an emotionally healthy marriage takes dedication.
Take Action
Take a moment to reflect:
- Identify one or two habits you’d like to cultivate in your marriage.
- Be specific and write them down.
- Start by practicing these habits on your own.
- Avoid telling your spouse they need to change—focus on your own actions.
- Pray about how and when to gently invite your spouse to join you in these new habits.
You may also want to consider any habits that might need to change. Remember, the goal is to grow together and support each other on this journey!
By being intentional about your habits, you’re laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier marriage.
Day 2 - Apr 29, 2025
Habit 1 - Pray Together & Trust God.
In the early days of our marriage, Mandy and I often prayed separately. It wasn’t intentional; it was just a pattern we fell into. We would only pray together for bigger issues or when things got tough.
- Then it hit us: Why wait for a crisis to pray together? Life is full of surprises, and we realized that addressing our worries together and speaking God’s word over our challenges brought us closer.
As we became more intentional about praying together regularly, everything changed. Bringing our anxieties and concerns to God as a couple filled our home with peace. Now, when worry starts to creep in, we join together in prayer and bring our requests to the Lord. We’ve turned our worries into a prayer list, and we often pray while walking by the lake—a routine we cherish!
When stress arises, we give it to God. This habit can transform your marriage, too.
Take Action
Yesterday, we asked you to list one or two habits you’d like to cultivate in your marriage. If praying together isn’t on that list yet, add it now.
Remember:
-
Keep it Simple!
Don’t make it feel like a chore or a religious obligation. -
Be Real!
Speak from the heart—no need for fancy language or long prayers. -
Be Honest!
Share what’s on your mind and why you’re praying about it. -
Find a Verse!
Pick a scripture that resonates with you both, and agree to stand on it together.
Your prayers don’t need to be loud or elaborate; they just need to be sincere and filled with faith. Start this habit today, and watch how it strengthens your relationship!
Day 3 - Apr 30, 2025
Habit 2: Resolve Negative Feelings Daily
Anger is a natural emotion, but it’s important to keep it from lingering. Ephesians 4 reminds us not to “let the sun go down” on our anger.
Every marriage will face moments of anger, but a healthy marriage doesn’t let those feelings fester. When something bothers you, talk about it openly. Share what upset you and how you felt.
- Make sure to listen and empathize with each other.
- Work through those emotions together instead of letting them build up.
- Remember, love thrives when we address anger instead of letting it take root.
In any marriage, conflicts are inevitable. At Marriage Minute Ministries, we've seen many couples struggle with navigating their disagreements in a healthy way. How you handle them can make all the difference.
Why Conflicts Escalate
Often, conflicts escalate because one spouse feels unheard or misunderstood. This can lead to hurt feelings, anger, and resentment. According to the American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, 44% of married couples report having significant conflicts in their relationships.
Take Action
A Better Approach: Simple and Sincere Communication
So, how can you handle conflicts in a better way? Here are some practical steps:
- Express Your Feelings: When something bothers you or hurts your feelings, let your spouse know. Be clear and direct about how you feel.
- Listen and Empathize: Try to understand your spouse's perspective. Put yourself in their shoes and see things from their viewpoint.
- Resolve, Not Dwell: Work together to resolve the issue rather than dwelling on it. This will help prevent resentment from building up.
The Power of Forgiveness: If you need to ask for forgiveness, do so sincerely. Remember, forgiveness is not about forgetting; it's about releasing the hurt and moving forward.
As Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- What are some common triggers for conflicts in your relationship?
- How can you and your spouse work together to resolve conflicts in a healthy, constructive way?
Day 4 - May 1, 2025
Habit 3: Cultivate Fun and Friendship in Your Marriage
Remember the spark that brought you and your spouse closer? It was the fun, laughter, and adventure you shared together! As you started dating, you allowed each other into your worlds, and that's what made your relationship thrive.
However, many marriages start to dry up when the fun disappears. Imagine taking the excitement and intimacy out of your relationship, leaving you with a business-like partnership. That's why date nights are essential for a healthy and thriving marriage.
Make Date Nights a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Don't let your kids, work, or bills dominate your lives. Instead, prioritize regular time with your spouse, just the two of you. Even if it means packing a dinner to save, find ways to have some alone time together.
Shift your mindset and stop associating date nights with expensive outings. It's about reconnecting, not spending. A simple coffee date or a walk to your favorite spot can be just what you need to revive the fun in your marriage.
Take Action
Tips for a Fun and Meaningful Date Night
- Both of you should be involved in the planning process.
- Keep it fun and light-hearted! This is not a business meeting.
- Important issues should be discussed at a separate time. Save Date Night for relaxation and bonding.
By making date nights a priority, you'll cultivate a stronger, more fulfilling marriage. Remember, fun is essential to a thriving relationship!