What does it take to build a marriage that will last? Tony and Lauren Dungy have together known the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. They fell in love, built a family, and made sports history when Tony became the first African American head coach to win the Super Bowl. Yet they’ve also gone through difficult, relationship-testing setbacks, including job loss and devastating personal tragedy. In a culture where it seems harder and harder to make marriage last, what has kept the Dungys strong through it all? In Uncommon Marriage, Tony and Lauren share the secrets that hold them together, revealing what they’ve learned so far about being a good husband or wife; getting through times of loss, grief, or change; staying connected despite busy schedules; supporting each other’s dreams and goals; and helping each other grow spiritually. In their new book they offer encouragement and practical advice to equip your marriage to survive tough issues and flourish with joy, purpose, and partnership—in other words, to be a marriage that is truly uncommon.
One suggestion they suggest to create the Uncommon Marriage is to Talk, Walk, Pray, and Stay connected with your spouse
What does that look like? How can you begin working towards an Uncommon Marriage?
Here are some practical ways that we found on Mark Merrill’s family blog
1. Talk.
Are you communicating well with your spouse? To avoid conflict in your marriage, there are two things you can do: use your mouth and use your ears. First, always speak the truth with love by telling your spouse right away when something is really bothering you in your relationship. Second, when your spouse is sharing something with you, be sure to stop what you are doing, make eye contact, and really listen. If you’re struggling with communication in your relationship, try this Tried and True Technique for Marriage Communication. And it might help for you to take a look at these 5 Ways Not to Communicate with Your Husband or 5 Ways Not to Communicate with Your Wife.
2. Walk.
Are you spending time with your spouse? During stressful times, taking a walk with your spouse, away from the kids, can help clear your mind, put things in perspective, and provide a few moments just to relax and enjoy each other. These 5 Ways to Help Your Marriage Feel Less Stressed might help as well. And these 6 Ways Your Marriage Can Thrive in a Busy Season will not only help you to survive the challenging times, but also thrive in your relationship.
Click here to continue reading about Pray and Stay on Mark Merrill’s family blog