For Better or For BEST

HELP! HOW DO WE PRIORITIZE OUR MARRIAGE AS NEW PARENTS? (3 of 4)

When parenting requires the majority of your time, what are some ways you and your spouse can prioritize your marriage?

PLAN DATE NIGHTS, EVEN IF THEY’RE DATE NIGHTS IN

If you can, plan date night together as often as you can. When you have infants and small kids, these might be more seldom than you’d like. Still, making time just for one another is important whenever possible.

It might be difficult to get out of the house, depending on your circumstances. In that case, maybe planning date nights in could give you and your spouse the time you crave without taking you away from home. Consider asking family members or trusted friends to babysit for a little while, whether you stay in or go out.

HELP! MY SPOUSE IS A KNOW-IT-ALL. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

When you’re married to someone for a long time, certain parts of their personality can feel challenging. ... If your spouse tends to behave like a know-it-all, you have probably felt this discomfort.
You can’t change your spouse’s behavior, but there are some things you can do to encourage improvement. ... We can speak into one another, helping each other to see areas where we can improve. ...

WHEN DOES YOUR SPOUSE ACT LIKE A KNOW-IT-ALL? ... Does this happen all the time, or just with friends or family? Do they engage in these behaviors at home, or just when you’re out together? ... if your spouse acts differently with friends or family than they do with you ... your spouse may be feeling insecure around certain people.

UNDERSTAND WHERE YOUR SPOUSE IS COMING FROM ... They may take on this persona in social situations in order to impress others ... they want to be seen in a certain way – maybe as knowledgeable or helpful. ... your spouse may have started to believe that being “the one with all the answers” got them the acceptance they craved.

CREATE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT OF YOUR OWN ... offer them some positive reinforcement of your own. They may be looking for love, reassurance, and acceptance, so make sure you’re giving them that at home. ... Clearly, your spouse is excited to share interesting information with others. If it’s appropriate, you may want to acknowledge that.

LET YOUR SPOUSE EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES ... some habits and behaviors – like being a know-it-all – carry social consequences. People aren’t drawn into conversations with know-it-alls. ... they tend to avoid those interactions.

Even if it isn't now, has your marriage ever felt stale? Check this out (from Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott), and then - like the Bible - don't just read it ... DO IT!