In today’s episode of Embracing Your Season, Paige shares an interview from her recent trip to AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) in Dallas, TX with Dr. Sharon May. Dr. Sharon is an author and speaker, she holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Masters Degree in Theology, and is the founder and President of Safe Haven Relationship Center. Together, Paige and Dr. Sharon discuss how we can make our marriages a safe haven. From modeling self-awareness, removing negative assumptions about our spouses (and being curious instead), to purposefully taking the time to remember that you chose your spouse for a reason - there are myriad small steps we can take to move our marriage into health, strength, and a feeling of profound security.

Paige’s Takeaways

• Remember and think about: There is a reason you chose your spouse.
  • When we pause and remind ourselves that our spouse is our partner, our teammate, and someone we specifically chose - that can help reset the perspective of our spouse.
• Instead of putting meaning behind our spouse's actions or events, we can step back and approach them with curiosity and find out what their true motivation was.
  • Instead of jumping to assumptions we can ask questions, find out what’s really going on, and find ways to authentically connect.
• Build trust back.
  • When we make a mistake, how can we build back trust with our spouse? We can model self-awareness. When we can take responsibility when we’ve annoyed, angered, or disappointed our spouse, we apologize, ask for forgiveness, and ask, what do you need from me? This pattern, done with consistency, can help build back trust in your relationship.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: paigeclingenpeel@gmail.com

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YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

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Connect with Dr. Sharon May:

Safe Haven Relationship Center

About Dr. Sharon May

Safe Haven Marriage Book

How To Argue So Your Spouse Will Listen Book

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