Marriage + Challenges go hand and hand. Life brings about challenges so just know when you add someone to your life challenges will still be there, but how do you handle challenges?
This week in our household, we have faced a broken water heater, teenager issues & a grandbaby in the hospital. This all happened while the hubby is out of town for work.
With so much happening, I could have gone into the woe is me & why isn’t he here to handle these things?
Having an accusatory mindset will only make matters worse. Remember it’s the challenge that you are mad at not your spouse or their lack of participation in the challenge.
So how do you get pass the challenges without damaging your marital relationship?
5 Steps to get pass a challenge:
1. Understand really what the challenge if the day is. What is causing discomfort in your day?
2. If you are able to correct the issue immediately do so. Don’t wait!
3. If the challenge is bigger than you, you should employ the right people to help you quickly get over this challenge. Now remember you are not looking for people to help you stay in a pity party or those that are just nosey & have no intentions of helping you better your situation.
4. Stop. Breathe. Pray. Plan your attack. Don’t react emotionally. Take time to really evaluate what’s happening & plan accordingly.
5. Take a warm bubble bath & deal with it later. (Smile) sometimes you just need Calgon to take you away even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Bonus tip: TALK to your spouse about what’s happening. LISTEN to what your spouse is saying. TOGETHER decide your plan of attack.
Most importantly, you guys are a team. Don’t allow a challenge to divide you.
What process do you guys have in place to handle the challenges of life/marriage?
Photo credit: Cobalt123 on Flickr
Quote credit: Still Dating My Spouse
Dawn says
Definitely take care of issues that you can now! I so agree with that! Putting things off just makes for a massive pile later.
Dawn
Kelley Johnsen says
So true! I have learned so much in my 15 years of marriage and one thing is that sometimes you just need to walk away and breath. Balancing your emotions is so important to keep from getting into a bigger arguement. Great tips Pam!
Sharon says
Together we can tackle anything! My husband and I are a team. When we have the challenges, we have to work together. Great reminders.
Jennifer Williams says
I have known several people over the years that were good for making things worse because they revolved around drama. I love the approach of calgon taking it away. I have to give my husband credit, he does always assist when I need it.
Julia Potvin says
Wow tough week, sorry…Hope it all works out, it usually does.
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
I definitely need to work on my listening skills! Great tips!
Jessica says
Great points. Sometimes it seems quicker to handle the challenge on your own, but communication is key!
Monica says
Great tips as always Pamela. Thanks.
Alyssa McVey (Giveaway Overload) says
Great pointers! We always talk things out calmly. If we can’t be calm we take a break and revisit it later. No name calling, no yelling.
Esther Cerecedo says
Thank you for the great tips! They will come in handy whenever we have conflict.