Good Conversations
A weekly newsletter encouraging couples to start talking like friends
Check back here for past conversation prompts.
Your Aspiration
How would you like your spouse to experience you?
Or
What kind of person do you aspire to be to your spouse?
Chore Love
Of all the household chores that need to be done, which ones do you appreciate when your spouse does them, especially without being asked?
Your Ordinary Speech
Grouse, verb : to complain angrily.
Synonyms: beef, bellyache, carp, crab, fuss, gripe, grumble, groan.
On a scale of 1-10, 1 being rarely, 10 frequently, determine your Grousing Score in respect to your Ordinary Speech Around the House.
DO NOT SCORE YOUR SPOUSE, but if you are brave enough, share your score with them and get their feedback.
Positive Change
What would you like to be true in your marriage that might not be true now?
(Warning: Try to answer this without becoming critical of your spouse or marriage. Keep it safe, constructive and encouraging.)
A Thoughtful Question
What are some strengths you appreciate about your marriage?
(Not about your spouse. Your marriage.)
New Year Conversation
Two Conversations
1. Privately with yourself:
What could you do this year to enrich your marriage? (Sharing optional.)
2. Together:
What could you do together this year to enrich your marriage?
For ideas go to visit my latest article, Enrich Your Marriage.
What Means A Lot? | Purpose Filled Love
I really feel loved and cared for when you . . .
Guideline: The vulnerability ante is raised a bit in this prompt, so: Don’t disguise a complaint when you speak and don’t get defensive or critical when you listen. Be open, curious, and supportive.?
Your Favorite Time Of The Day | Purpose Filled Love
What is your favorite time of the day?
For extra credit – what is your favorite day of the week?
Remembering Back To School | Purpose Filled Love
When you were growing up was going back to school exciting or scary, or a combination? Was it more an opportunity for new experiences or a threat of uncertainty? Describe a particular year going back to school was great fun. Describe a year that was hard.
What was special this summer? | Purpose Filled Love
Describe an experience that was particularly special for you this summer?
Summer Edition | Purpose Filled Love
The following dates are suggestions if you prefer to maintain the weekly cadence. Otherwise, feel free to ponder these questions while on vacation with your loved one.
Hot and Cold | Purpose Filled Love
When you were growing up, how was anger expressed in your family? Was your family hot or cold when it came to anger? Or, neither? What was set in your attitude and expression of anger? How does it affect you today? (Warning: This conversation will test how safe is your relationship. No judging, no blaming, no fixing! Set your listening dial on Curiosity, Understanding and Compassion. Talk like friends.)
What if? | Purpose Filled Love
What if a relative died and left you $100,000? How would you spend it?
Change | Purpose Filled Love
Even though you may be pretty perfect and you have managed to accept yourself as you are, if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
(Try to avoid any change that would satisfy the expectations of others or of culture. Make it something that would satisfy you.)
Admiration | Purpose Filled Love
Take a minute to prepare for this conversation by writing down on a piece of paper or note card 3 things you admire about your
partner. If you have more, feel free to add them. When you both are done, share your list.
An Easter Conversation
Couples often find it hard to talk about personal, spiritual beliefs. Regardless of your faith experience, you probably have some knowledge about the life of Jesus. Do you have a favorite story from his life? Or something he said or taught that means a lot to you? If so, what might it be and why is it meaningful?