Blog - First Things First

What To Do When Your Spouse Gives You The Silent Treatment

Here's some help for those times when silence is NOT golden.

When your spouse gives you the silent treatment, it can be frustrating, painful, and confusing. It happens when one spouse refuses to communicate, ignores, withdraws from, or totally avoids their partner. It may not mean there’s absolute silence. You might still talk about daily tasks like who’s picking up the kids, who’s handling laundry, or…

What to Do When Your Spouse Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations

Talking about your expectations can help your relationship thrive.

Expectations are part of a healthy marriage. But unmet expectations can cause frustration and tension. You expect something from your spouse. Maybe you expect them to do something (but they’re not). Or to not do something (but they are). Your expectation is for them to live up to a certain standard. And for whatever reason,…

The Difference Between Realistic and Unrealistic Expectations in Marriage

Your expectations don't have to derail your relationship!

We all have expectations. We expect the sun to rise and seasons to change (all in one day for those of us in Tennessee). Perhaps we expect our spouse to put their dirty clothes in the hamper. We expect the post office to deliver our mail. We base our expectations on personal experiences and understanding,…