Recommended Marriage Resources
One of the things I love most about couples starting out in their marriage journey is their desire to learn. They know they are starting something big (and a little scary), and they want to find out all they can about how to do it well.
My greatest tip for them, and for that matter, any married couple I get the opportunity to talk to, is to:
Foster a culture of learning in your marriage.
There is ALWAYS more to learn! On this side of heaven, we will never know everything. We can always learn more about ourselves, our spouses, and ways to grow and develop in our marriage and relationships.
A commitment to learning and growing is so important in all stages of marriage. Not only does it show your spouse that you value them, but it speaks volumes about the commitment you have to your marriage.
Technology has opened up so many different ways that we can develop ourselves and our marriages. Nowadays you don’t just read books (recommended by your friend), the world of marriage resources is at your fingertips. Podcasts, online courses, audiobooks, marriage and relationship apps, marriage bible studies, books available on our phones, and even this humble blog page.
All of these options, and more, give us endless learning materials, so if something doesn’t suit or work in our current lifestyle we always have another to investigate. Below are several ideas to start with which I highly recommend.
Marriage & Relationship Books
- For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women by Jeff & Shaunti Feldhahn
- For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn
- From This Day Forward: Five Commitments to Fail-Proof Your Marriage by Craig & Amy Groeschel
- The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex: (And You Thought Bad Girls Have All the Fun)by Sheila Wray Gregoire
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman
- Fight Fair: Winning at Conflict without Losing at Love by Tim & Joy Downs
- Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs
- Strength Based Marriage: Build a Stronger Relationship by Understanding Each Other’s Gifts by Jimmy Evans & Allan Kelsey
Marriage & Relationship Podcasts
- Anatomy of Us and Anatomy of Sex by Seth and Melanie Studley
- Awesome Marriage Podcast by Dr. Kim Kimberling
- Sexy Marriage Radio by Dr. Corey Allan
- One Extraordinary Marriage by Tony & Alisa Delorenzo
- Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage by Greg & Erin Smalley from Focus on The Family
Other Marriage Resources
- The Dating Divas Website – Great Date Night Ideas and Marriage Tips
- Gottman Card Decks App – Hundreds of conversation starters, perfect for date nights
- Weekend To Remember by FamilyLifeNZ – A weekend getaway to strengthen your marriage
- The Alpha Marriage Course – Marriage Course is now available online or in person
- Gallup Strengths Assessment and Coaching – Discover your strengths and ways to fulfill your potential. A basic strengths understanding can be very helpful in understanding your spouse and how you can complement each other well.
