Marriage + Change = ________

There are milestones that come along in the life of a marriage which shake up the old routine and bring stress to the relationship. The first big change for most couples is bringing home that first baby! That sweet little bundle of joy changes your schedule, your fatigue level, the division of labor in the home, the financial picture—who knew that seven pounds of person could cause such a ruckus?

Children are a blessing, but they do force couples to think more about how to meet one another’s needs and keep things happy at home. Of course, for some couples, babies are a breeze, but other experiences like job changes, moves, or an illness cause the wheels to fall off the bus. So whatever change has sparked tension in your relationship, try to pinpoint what is leading to stress or conflict, communicate it clearly with your spouse, and find solutions.

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