The usual approach to a great marriage is to learn how to resolve conflict. Unfortunately, this assumes both spouses are emotionally mature. Here’s our approach to a great marriage.

Top 10 Tips For A Great Marriage

1. I understand that two emotionally mature & healthy people make a great marriage.

Wounds of the childhood (physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse [including incest], abandonment [real or perceived]) are common and often stunt emotional maturing. Possible signs of emotional immaturity are mishandling anger, lack of intimacy, withdrawing, and emotionally shutting down.

2. I take responsibility for my reactions to the wounds of my childhood that have become the problems of my adult life, and I seek answers.

Common reactions to wounds include aggression, passive aggression, passivity, irresponsibility, drunkenness, drug addiction, battering, cutting, food disorders and sexual addictions – Hurting people hurt people.

3. I embrace maturing and change throughout my life.

4. I emphasize taking personal responsibility over placing blame

5. I take every thought captive and examine it for truth, validity and priority.

6. In an argument, I consider where I may be wrong before I consider where I know I am right.

7. In a conversation, I look for where the other person is right.

8. I focus on how I am contributing to my relationships.

9. I believe for the best in myself and others.

10. I maintain a lifelong learning posture in my relationships.