One of the biggest communication pitfalls is confusing complaining with criticizing. Understanding the difference can dramatically improve how you and your spouse work through problems.

Sex is a vital part of a healthy, fulfilling marriage. To create an atmosphere where you and your spouse can experience deep sexual satisfaction and emotional connection, there are a few essential ingredients every couple needs to cultivate.

It’s that sudden wave of repulsion or disinterest toward a current or potential partner, often triggered by something small, like the way they chew, an awkward laugh, a bad outfit, an unusual sneeze, or even a quirky interest. For some, the ick is immediate and irreversible.

While it’s important for every person to find security and purpose within themselves first, there are still four critical needs you can meet for your husband to help your relationship grow stronger.

When a marriage struggles, it’s often because one person feels like their core needs are ignored or dismissed. When a woman shares what she needs and feels rejected, it’s deeply personal. Here are four needs every woman has, and how to meet them well.

If you want a deeper connection, better communication, and a renewed sense of partnership, it begins by showing up, on purpose, and with love.

Unforgiveness doesn’t just poison an individual’s heart. It also poisons a marriage, even if the unforgiven offense isn’t related to the relationship. Harboring resentment or bitterness toward others in your life will still have a negative effect on your marriage.

The Law of Pursuit isn’t about grand gestures or overnight transformations. It’s about rediscovering what made the relationship work in the beginning and choosing to build from there.

Marriage doesn’t have to be perfect to be great. It just needs two people willing to keep showing up, learning, and choosing each other every day.

Intimacy means closeness on the inside, not just on the outside. If you’re going to have true closeness in your marriage, you must be able to know each other and have unhindered access without fear. Think of intimacy in terms of the acronym INVEST.

If you’ve ever looked around your house—kids everywhere, someone always needing something, and a Velcro dog that follows you into the bathroom—and thought, “How are we supposed to have sex in this chaos?” you’re not alone.

Saying “I do” doesn’t automatically fix hurting people. The secret to success is whether you deal with those issues like a gardener or a consumer.