We get asked THIS a lot… what are your go-to resources for your own marriage?
While there are quite a bit out there, you have to know that we are extremely particular in what we use and refer people to. The reason is because most information on marriage is either watered down or extremely confusing. We are all about having practical tools that actually work and these are our favorites:
Foreplay Radio Sex Therapy Podcast
We started with sex because, well, we knew it would get your attention. And we promise that this podcast by Laurie Watson, our favorite sex therapist, will help you have the best sex of your life. Her practical advice and topics are relevant to all couples.
Brené Brown
If you’ve followed us for any length of time, you’ve seen us quote, comment and share almost anything by Brené Brown. She has taken two areas that every married couple struggles with – shame and vulnerability and not only explains how shame is brought up in your every day life, but then teaches you how to get rid of it and live a vulnerable life.
What’s so funny is that we were discussing shame, blame, and vulnerability for years before we even knew who she was. And then we picked up one of her books and looked at each other in awe because she solidified everything we’d been teaching couples and backed it up with research. We highly recommend watching her 20-minute TED Talk on vulnerability with over 30 million views. Then make sure to read Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection. She is the real deal and we know you’ll be in the Brené Brown fan club with us!
The Love Languages Quiz and Book
Dr. Gary Chapman is brilliant as he recognized that all couples express love in different ways. Looking at the way you like to love and be loved is life changing so go take the free quiz and buy the book. We also have a worksheet inside of our Marriage365 membership that gives you ways to love each other based off of your love language and how to deal with conflict!
StrengthsFinder
It’s amazing how when we know what our natural strength and abilities are, we can stop wasting time at working towards goals we might never achieve and start focusing all of our time and energy in areas that come naturally. And then Jimmy Evans of Marriage Today took the StrengthsFinder research and combined it with marriage and wrote StrengthsFinder for your Marriage and explains how couples need to be aware of each others greatest strengths and also each others weaknesses. The test does cost money but we promise that it’s worth every penny. And after you both get your results, print them and post them in your office or on the fridge as a reminder that while you’re both different, you also compliment each other with those differences.
How We Love
Have you ever heard of attachment theory? We hadn’t until our mentors recommend that we take the How We Love quiz and read the book as follow up. While there are several books on attachment theory, this specific book is meant for couples who want to learn more of why their spouse does what they do. HINT: it all stems from their upbringing and how they were loved, or not loved.
Marriage365 Membership
Okay, yes, this is our most popular resource at Marriage365, but we actually use this for our own marriage. We pick a topic we are currently struggling with or used to struggle with, teach on it, and give you connecting questions that will get you talking and digging deeper in all areas of your marriage. We also have a relationship health assessment quiz, dozens of couples worksheets, all of our past videos, and so much more! So why is it life-changing for 96% of the couples who subscribe as members? Because it’s practical, realistic and will help build a strong foundation of trust and intimacy. Learn more here.
Different As Can Be CD by Tyrone and Elina Wells
So technically this is not a “resource” but we love it so much and listen to their songs often. Some are humorous and others are heart felt. And while most songs these days are crude and are about big butts that do not lie, this entire album is about love, forgiveness, and the ups and downs marriage has to offer.
We’d love to hear from you. What are your go to resources that have been helpful in your marriage?
Written by Meygan Caston
Meygan Caston is the co-founder of Marriage365 and lives in sunny Southern California with her husband Casey, their two children and dog Hobie. She loves her family, the beach, writing, spa days and helping couples connect in their marriage. Her life long dream is to live with the Amish for a month, walk the Camino and have lunch with Brené Brown.
