THE FAMILY AS A UNIT

FAMILY
- A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption living together (US Census
Bureau, 2009)
- Two or more people who live in the same household (usually), share a common emotional
bond, and perform certain interrelated social tasks ( Allender and Spradley, 2008).
Types of Family
1. Dyad Family
- Consists of two people living together, usually a woman and a man, without children.
- Newly married couples.
- Single young same sex adults who live together in shared apartments, dormitories or
homes for companionship and financial security while completing school or beginning
their careers.
- Generally viewed as temporary arrangement
2. Cohabitation Family
- Composed of heterosexual couples, and perhaps children who live together but remain
unmarried.
Have a higher divorce rate (Cherlin, 2008) no real commitment
3. Nuclear Family
- Composed of husband, wife and children.
- It has the ability to provide support to family members, because of the genuine affection
to each other
4. Polygamous Family
- Marriage with multiple wives
- Polygyny one man and several wives
Jealousy and rivalry between wives because of perceived favoritism
5. Extended / Multigenerational Family
- Includes not only the nuclear family but also other family members such as
grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandfather
More support system during crisis but financial resources must be extended
6. Communal Family
- Formed by groups of people who choose to live together as an extended family.
- Relationship is motivated by social or religious values rather than kinship
7. Single Parent Family
- Can offer a special parent-child relationship and increase opportunities for self-reliance
and independence.
8. The Blended Family
- A remarriage or reconstituted family
- A divorced or widowed person with children marries someone who also has children
9. Gay or Lesbian Family
- Individuals of same sex live together as partners for companionship, financial security,
and sexual fulfillment.
10.Foster Family
- Children whose parents can no longer care for them are placed in a substitute home by
child protection agency.
- Children can experience constant insecurities
11.Adoptive Family

a. Agency Adoption
b. International
c. Private Adoption
Family Tasks
- Duvall and Miller (1990) identified 8 tasks that are essential for a family to perform
1. Physical Maintenance
- Provides food, shelter, clothing, and health care
2. Socialization of family Members
- Involves preparing children to live in the community and to interact with people outside
the family
3. Allocation of Resources
- Determine which family needs will be met and their order of priority of allocation of
resources
4. Maintenance of Order
- Establishing family values, rule about expected family responsibilities and roles and
enforcing common regulations for family members.
5. Division of Labor
- Even division of work load among family members
6. Reproduction, Recruitment, and Release of Family Member
- Accepting the birth of an infant, additional member of the family, separation of other
members of the family
7. Placement of members into the larger society
- How family members socialize in the community
8. Maintenance of Motivation and morale
- Maintain a sense of unity and pride
Family Life Cycles
- Depend on the age of the first child
Stages of the Family Life
Cycle
1. The married Couple

Positions in
Family
Wife / Husband

the

Family Developmental Tasks

Establishing
marriage

mutually

satisfying

Adjusting to pregnancy

2. Childbearing

3. w/
children

Preschool-aged

4. w/ School- aged Children

5. Teenage Children

Wife (mother)
Husband (father)
Infant
Wife (mother)
Husband (father)
Daughter (sister)
Son (brother)

Fitting into the kin network

Having and adjusting to an infant
Establishing a satisfying home for
parents and infant
Adapting to the needs of preschool
children
Coping with energy depletion and lack
of privacy as parents

Wife (mother)
Husband (father)
Daughter (sister)
Son (brother)

Fitting into the community

Wife (mother)
Husband (father)
Daughter (sister)

Balancing Freedom with responsibility

Encouraging childrens
achievements

educational

Establishing post-parental interest

Son (brother)
6. Launching the Children

7. Middle aged Parents

8. Aging Family Members

Wife
(mother
grandmother)
Husband
(fathergrandfather)

Launching youth into adulthood

Wife
(mother
grandmother)
Husband
(fathergrandfather)

Refocusing
relationship

Widow / Widower
Wife
(mother
grandmother)
Husband
(fathergrandfather)

Maintaining a supportive home base

on

the

marriage

Maintaining kin ties with older and

young generations
Coping with the death and living alone
Selling the family home
Adjusting to retirement

NebGuide Getting Connected, Staying Connected: Families Across the Lifespan The Normal, To-beExpected, Satisfactions and Challenges Couples and Families Experience

Activity 1
1. Family Assessment
a. Identify the members of the family
b. Determine the type of family
c. What Stage of Family Life Cycle

CHOOSING A PARTNER
-

Marriage is an intimate relationship between husband and a wife. A conjugal relationship

between a man and a woman, a union between two people of opposite sex. Marriage is
institutionalized by payment of bride price, religious, cultural or legal injunctions or
ceremonies.

Factors Influencing the Choice of a Spouse

1. Personality
- Deals with natural characteristics of an individual. A would be husband or wife needs to
understand the personal characteristics of his/her spouse.
Character - display of honesty, loyalty, perseverance and industry
Adjustment - implies the way a person gets along with others and adapts in an
environment
Temperament - relates to whether or not a person gets angry quickly, easily
upset, or cool headed and calm
Interest - the likes and dislikes of an individual. It refers to the activities which
an individual does or enjoys doing with little or no expectation of reward
Attitude how a person feels about other people, events or things.
- Understanding of these personality characteristics by prospective couples would
promote effective and efficient marital relationship.
2. Religious Belief
- Is an essential part of a believers life. Religion influences the adherents behavior what
an individual does, says, wears, eats and drinks may be determined by his/her faith. It is
better for the husband and wife to share common faith.
3. Cultural / Family Background
- Knowledge of the cultural background of either the spouses are necessary. This is
because in some community there are cultural practices which need thorough
assessment and discussion before the knot is tied.
- Family background should also be considered such that there are some hereditary traits
that intended spouses inherited from parents
4. Health Condition
- This is the state of an individuals body or mind. Information needed are genotype,
rhesus factor, mental ability, sexual experience, state of the mind.
5. Physical Appearance
- Everyone has the mental picture of his or her desired spouse. This is necessary because
it gives joy
6. Age Difference
- Too much Gap in age could be a source of marital conflict
7. Educational Attainment
- An individuals status or achievement in life is largely determined by the level of his /
her educational attainment and skills acquisition.
- The aspiration, the vision and perception of a well educated person could be different
from that of an individual who is not well educated.
8. Value Orientation
- Deals with what an individual considers important, useful and appropriate based on
personal opinion rather than scientific reason.

Values include academic pursuit, business acumen, religious or ethnic affiliations and
extended family ties.

9. Nature of Job
- The couples job is one of the important factors that can influence marital relationship.
Some professions are demanding and require a long absence from home.
10.Peers Influence
- Friends have important influence on teenagers and youths.
Dating and Courtship

Courtship
- A standard progression of romantic relationships that encourages love to
develop during the process.
- Generally refers to mate selection leading to long term partnership
1. Rapport or a feeling ease with one another - result of shared attitudes and
backgrounds, which encourages homogamy (or the tendency of people to
marry others who are similar to themselves in background and experience).
2. Self revelation each partner exposes it self to the other
3. Mutual dependency - each partner begins to rely on the other and feel as
part of an interdependent unit.
4. Intimacy Needs fulfillment result in official partnering
Dating
- Spending time with one or more potential partners, to having fun without any
expectation of permanence
- Both men and women will likely hide or minimize negative attributes and
highlight other characteristics that would make him or her more attractive in
dating arena.
- Sexual assault
Roles of Married Couple
1. Camaraderie and Companionship
- Need for committed friendship, a confidante and solid supporter with whom
you can share affection, insecurities, success, fears, plans and goals
- Spouses commit to care for and support one another even in times of illness
and tragedy
2. Collaborative Teammates
- Offers partnership, to share with financial and parenting responsibilities.
3. Intimate Partners
4. Culture
Ways of Maintaining Love and Respect between Husband and Wife
1. Marital Relationship
a. Positivity
- John Gottman, one of the nation's leading experts on marital relationships, has found that the
main difference between stable and unstable marriages is the amount of positive thoughts and
actions spouses engage in toward each other.

If there is too much negativity criticizing, demanding, name-calling, holding grudges, etc.
the relationship will suffer. However, if there is never any negativity, it probably means that
frustrations and grievances are not getting air time and unresolved tension is accumulating
inside one or both partners.
ways to foster positivity in a marriage:
Being affectionate,
truly listening to each other
taking joy in each other's achievements
being playful

b. Empathy
- Understanding a person's perspective by putting oneself in his or her shoes
- People are more likely to feel good about their marriage and spouse if their partner expresses
empathy towards them.
- Husbands and wives are more content in their relationships when they perceive that their
spouses truly understand their thoughts and feelings.
c. Commitment
- Involve both spouses' commitment to the relationship.
- When two people are truly dedicated to making their marriage work, despite the unavoidable
challenges and obstacles that come, they are much more likely to have a relationship that lasts.
In most Western cultures, individualism is highly valued. Individualism focuses on the needs and
fulfillment of the self.
Being attentive to one's own needs is important, but if it is not balanced by a concern for the
needs of others, it can easily lead to selfishness in marriage.
Husbands and wives who only focus on themselves and their own desires are not as likely to find
joy and satisfaction in their relationships. However, when spouses are committed to investing in
their marriage and are willing to sacrifice some of their own preferences for the good of the
relationship, they usually have high-quality marriages.
d. Acceptance
- One of the most basic needs in a relationship is acceptance. Everyone wants to feel valued and
respected. When people feel that their spouses truly accept them for who they are, they are usually
more secure and confident in their relationships. Often, there is conflict in marriage because partners
cannot accept the individual preferences of their spouses and try to demand change from one
another. When one person tries to force change from another, he or she is usually met with
resistance. However, research has shown that change is much more likely to occur when spouses
respect differences and accept each other unconditionally. Basic acceptance is vital to a happy
marriage.
e. Mutual love and respect
- Perhaps the most important components of successful marriages are love and respect for each
other. As time passes and life becomes increasingly complicated, the marriage often suffers as a
result. It is all too easy for spouses to lose touch with each other and neglect the love and
romance that once came so easily. It is vital that husbands and wives continue to cultivate love
and respect for each other throughout their lives. If they do, it is highly likely that their
relationships will remain happy and satisfying.

2. Sexual Adjustments
-

Sex in the context of marriage can bring great joy and fulfillment to the couple. The intimacy of
sexual union binds a couple together and distinguishes the relationship from all other relationships.
The exclusiveness of sexual union bonds a couple together for a lifetime.
couples encounter difficulties, which rob them of full enjoyment of this special gift of sex.
Misunderstandings often arise because of lack of understanding or communication.
There are differences in the felt need for sex between males and females.

 This can lead to frustration if husband and wife are not sensitive to their differences.
Needs may not be fully met, which can lead to quarrels and strained relationship.
- Husband and wife need to learn to communicate openly about their sexual life. Feelings of fears,
anxiety have to brought to the open. Likes and dislikes too need to be made known to each other.
Case # 1: My wife will not respond to me sexually unless the circumstances are just right. It isnt
enough for us to just enjoy each other physically. I have to talk to her and spend time with her
before we even get to bed or she is disinterested. Are other women like this?
- The majority is just like that. Sex for a woman is not exclusively a physical experience. It must have a
romantic element to satisfy her. Unless a woman feels a certain closeness to her husband at a
particular time unless she believes he respects her as a person she may be unable to enjoy a
sexual encounter with him. When she makes love in the absence of that romantic closeness, she
often feels used. In a sense, her husband has exploited her body to gratify himself. Like your wife,
she may either refuse to participate, or she will yield with reluctance and resentment.
-

To the contrary, a man can come home from work in a bad mood, spend the evening slaving over his
desk or in his garage, watch the eleven oclock news in silence, and finally hop into bed for a brief
encounter. The fact that he and his wife have had no tender moments in the entire evening does not
inhibit his sexual desire significantly. He sees her on her way to bed in her clingy nightgown, and that
is enough to arouse him. But his wife is not so easily moved. She waited for him all day, and when
he came home and hardly even greeted her, she felt disappointment and rejection. His continuing
coolness and self-preoccupation reduces her desires. Therefore, she may find it impossible to
respond to him later in the evening.

The inability to explain this frustration is, I believe, a continual source of irritation to women.

Case # 2 : Is the felt need for sex the same in both males and females?
- Many men and women differ significantly in their manifestations of sexual desire. Research seems to
indicate that the intensity of pleasure and excitation at the time of orgasm in women and ejaculation
in men is about the same, although the pathway to that climax takes a different route. Most men can
become excited more quickly than women. They may reach a point of finality before their mates get
their minds off the evening meal and what the kids will wear tomorrow morning. It is a wise man who
recognizes this feminine inertia, and brings his wife along at her own pace.
-

This coin has two sides, however. Women should also understand how their husbands needs differ
from their own. When sexual response is blocked in males, they experience an accumulating
physiological pressure that demands release. Two seminal vesicles (small sacs containing semen)
gradually fill to capacity; as maximum level is reached, hormonal influences sensitize the man to all
sexual stimuli. Whereas a particular woman would be of little interest to him when he is satisfied, he
may be eroticized just to be in her presence when he is in a state of deprivation. A less passionate
wife may find it difficult to comprehend this accumulating aspect of her husbands sexual appetite,
since her needs are typically less urgent and pressing. Thus, she should recognize that his desire is
dictated by definite biochemical forces within his body, and if she loves him, she will seek to satisfy
those needs as meaningfully and as regularly as possible. Im not denying that women have definite
sexual needs that seek gratification; rather, I am merely explaining that abstinence is usually more
difficult for men to tolerate.

Case # 3: Why are some men and women less sensual than others?
- Adult attitudes toward sexual relations are a function of genetics and conditioning during childhood
and adolescence. It is surprising to observe how many otherwise well-adjusted people still think of
married sex as dirty, animalistic, or evil. Such a person who has been taught a one-sided, negative
approach to sex during the formative years may find it impossible to release these carefully
constructed inhibitions on the wedding night. The marriage ceremony is simply insufficient to reorient

ones attitude from You shall not to You shall regularly and with great passion! The mental
turnabout is not easily achieved.

Let me address the other related factor. Not all differences in intensity of the sex drive can be traced
to errors in childhood instruction. Human beings differ in practically every characteristic. Our feet
come in different sizes, our teeth are shaped differently, some people eat more than others, and
some are taller than their peers. We are unique individuals. Accordingly, we differ in sexual appetites.
Our intellectual computers are clearly programmed differently through the process of genetic
inheritance. Some of us hunger and thirst after our sexuality, while others take it much more
casually. Given this variability, we should learn to accept ourselves sexually, as well as physically
and emotionally. This does not mean that we shouldnt try to improve the quality of our sex lives, but
it does mean that we should stop struggling to achieve the impossible trying to set off an atomic
bomb with a matchstick!

As long as husband and wife are satisfied with each other, it doesnt matter what popular magazines
say their inadequacies happen to be. Sex in this culture has become a statistical monster. The
average couple has intercourse three times a week! Oh no! Whats wrong with us? Are we
undersexed? A husband worries if his genitalia are of average size, while his wife contemplates
her insufficient bustline. We are tyrannized by this preoccupation with sexuality. I hereby make a
proposal: Lets keep sex in its proper place; sure, it is important, but it should serve us and not the
other way around!

Case # 4: Would you weigh that most marital problems are caused by sexual difficulties?
- No, the opposite is more accurate. Most sexual problems are caused by marital difficulties. Or stated
another way, couples that have problems in bed often have bigger problems in the other 23 hours
of the day.
Case # 5: My husband and I never talk about the subject of sex, and this is frustrating to me. Is
this a common problem in marriage?
- It is, especially for those who are having sexual difficulties. It is even more important that the doors of
communication be kept open in marriage when sex is a problem. When intercourse has been
unenthusiastic, and when anxiety has been steadily accumulating, the tendency is to avoid referring
to the topic in everyday conversation. Neither partner knows what to do about the problem, and they
tacitly agree to ignore it. Even during sexual relations, they do not talk to one another.
-

One woman wrote me recently to say that her sex life with her husband resembled a silent movie.
Not a word was ever spoken.

How incredible it seems that an inhibited husband and wife can make love several times a week for a
period of years without ever verbalizing their feelings or frustrations on this important aspect of their
lives. When this happens, the effect is like taking a hot Coke bottle and shaking it until the contents
are ready to explode. Any anxiety-producing thought or condition that cannot be expressed is almost
certain to generate inner pressure and stress. The more unspeakable the subject, the greater the
pressurization that tends to weaken sexual desire.

Furthermore, when conversation is prohibited on the subject of sex, the act of intercourse takes on
the atmosphere of a performance each partner feeling that he or she is being critically evaluated by
the other. To remove these communication barriers, the husband should take the lead in helping his
wife verbalize her feelings, her fears, her aspirations. They should talk about the manners and
techniques that stimulate and those that dont. They should face their problems as mature adults,
calmly and confidently. There is something magical to be found in such soothing conversation;
tensions and anxieties are reduced when they find verbal expression.

3. Question: My husband and I dont get in bed until nearly midnight every evening, and then Im too
tired to really get into lovemaking. Is there something unusual or wrong with me for being unable
to respond when the opportunity presents itself?
- There is nothing unusual about your situation. Physical exhaustion plays a significant part in many
womens inability to respond sexually. A mother who has struggled through an eighteen-hour day
especially if she has been chasing an ambitious toddler or two may find that her internal pilot light
has flickered and gone out. When she finally falls into bed, sex represents an obligation rather than a
pleasure. It is the last item on her to-do list for that day. Meaningful sexual relations utilize great
quantities of body energy and are seriously hampered when those resources have already been
expended. Nevertheless, intercourse is usually scheduled as the final event in the evening.
-

If sex is important in a marriage, and we all know that it is, then some prime-time moments should be
reserved for its expression. The days working activities should end early in the evening, permitting a
husband and wife to retire before exhausting themselves on endless chores and responsibilities.
Remember this: Whatever is put at the end of your priority list will probably be done inadequately.
For too many families, sex languishes in last place.

This article was written by Focus on the Family Malaysia and the Questions and Answers are extracted from The Complete
Marriage & Family Home Reference Guide by Dr. James Dobson with permission.www.family.org.my

4. Power, Decision-Making and Communication

Effective marital communication

When your spouse talks to you, try to understand what he or she is feeling.

Give your partner both verbal and nonverbal feedback so he or she will know that you have
understood what he or she meant.

Be aware of the nonverbal messages you send when someone is talking to you, such as facial
expressions or body posture. These can be very powerful!

Refrain from voicing judgmental comments and jumping to conclusions before your partner is
done speaking.

Show respect for your spouse's perspective, even if you do not agree with it.

Take the time to really listen when your spouse needs to talk. Doing this will help him or her feel
that you value his or her opinions and ideas.

When you need to have an important discussion, remove distractions as much as possible so you
can talk with each other more easily. For example, take a walk outside in order to get away from the
telephone or talk in your bedroom where the children will not interrupt.

Communicate clearly and directly so your partner will have a greater opportunity to understand
you.

When you are speaking, focus on expressing your own feelings, not trying to guess what your
partner is thinking.

Open communication
- Good communication can be difficult at times especially during conflict. People often hear a different
message than what the speaker intended.
- There are several possible reasons for this.
a. First, spouses are often preoccupied with their own concerns or are preparing a rebuttal and do not
really listen to what their partners are saying.
b. Second, spouses may communicating can also result in misunderstandings.

Partners can learn to communicate better by developing more effective ways of speaking and listening.
It is important to take turns in a conversation so each can have the opportunity to express his or her
thoughts and ideas.
The person talking should focus on his own feelings and not attempt to read his partner's mind.
Should also be positive and avoid making accusations or criticizing spouse.
The person listening needs to be aware of her body language. Eye rolling, negative facial expressions
and crossing one's arms may signal disapproval to the person who is speaking.
Even if the listener does not agree with what her partner is saying, she needs to make an attempt to
understand his viewpoint and be respectful.
Showing genuine interest in someone's feelings and refraining from giving unsolicited advice go a long
way in creating an atmosphere that is conducive to positive communication.

Managing conflict
Conflict in marriage is inescapable. All marital relationships even the best ones experience at least
some conflict from time to time. However, many people are successful and happy in their marriages, despite
the conflicts that arise. The key to their success is how they handle their conflicts and disagreements.
Common areas of conflict
1. Money
Regardless of the amount of money a couple has, it is often the biggest source of marital conflict.
Husbands and wives often have very diverse ideas about how money should be handled because they
have experienced different family values and goals regarding money. Potential disagreements about
money include how to spend it, how much to save and who should be responsible for paying the bills. It
is important for spouses to discuss their values and feelings about money so each partner can try to
understand the other. Constructing a budget and financial planning often require negotiation and
compromise, but they are important tasks and aid spouses in identifying their priorities and goals for the
future.
2. In-laws
Conflicts over in-laws are usually most problematic in the first years of marriage. A common issue that
arises is one partner feeling that his or her in-laws are too critical or intrusive. Husbands and wives may
disagree about the length and frequency of their parents' visits. Some people may also feel that their
spouse is too dependent upon his or her parents. All of these in-law issues can trigger conflict within the
family. Spouses can deal with in-law problems by sharing their feelings and discussing what kind of
relationship they would like with their in-laws. It is important to avoid being accusatory and speaking
critically of one's in-laws, especially during such talks. Expressing negativity towards in-laws tends to
worsen the situation because it alienates spouses from each other and promotes defensiveness.
Sex
Sex is an emotion-filled issue and many spouses are afraid of getting hurt or rejected by their partners in this
area. Thus, people frequently avoid discussing their feelings and expectations about sex. Even when
partners do talk about sexuality issues, they are often embarrassed and speak indirectly about their feelings.
These patterns can lead to conflict in the marital relationship. Difficulties with sex often reflect problems in
other areas of the marriage as well. In order for couples to resolve conflicts about sexual matters, it is crucial
that they communicate directly and specifically about their needs and desires. Many people feel very
vulnerable in this area, so it is important that the discussion be done in a gentle, loving manner.
Children
Child rearing is a time-consuming task that requires huge amounts of energy. It's easy for spouses to
become frustrated with each other over this issue. Husbands and wives often have conflicting views about

how to parent because they were raised differently. Agreement about the best way to raise children may not
always be possible, so it is necessary that spouses learn to compromise and negotiate in this area. Whatever
decisions and rules parents make, it is important that they be united in front of their children. Otherwise, the
children will learn to play one parent off the other, further contributing to marital disharmony.
Gender differences in conflict
Due to a combination of social and biological factors, men and women have different styles of interacting and
handling conflict. Women raise concerns and problems far more often than men do. Men are more likely to
avoid conflict and downplay the strong emotions that they feel inside. When men close down and suppress
their feelings, women often become more insistent that they discuss the issues that have been raised. At this
point, however, men only want to withdraw further. These different ways of interacting can lead to frustration
and misunderstandings.
In order to overcome frustration with communication styles, it is essential that both husbands and wives
improve their methods of dealing with conflict. Wives need to make sure that they bring up issues gently and
in a positive, non-confrontational manner. A soft, gentle approach in introducing a topic for discussion usually
has a greater chance of leading to a satisfactory solution for both partners. Husbands need to respond to
their wives' concerns and complaints in a respectful manner. They can learn to recognize when their wives
need to talk and take a more active role in resolving issues instead of withdrawing. It is each partner's
responsibility to respect and honor his or her spouse and make an effort to communicate as effectively as
possible.
The importance of managing conflict well
Although some conflict is unavoidable, it is critical that spouses manage their differences in constructive
ways. There are several reasons for this. First, if husbands and wives do not handle conflict effectively, it is
likely that negativity will increasingly become part of their relationship. As unresolved conflict and negativity
grow in a marriage, the good aspects of the relationship often diminish and partners become disenchanted
with each other. Second, research has shown that, when spouses are unhappy in their marriages, they tend
to experience more physical and emotional problems than do happily married couples. People who are
satisfied with their marriage even tend to live longer than those in unhappy marriages.
This finding leads to a third reason why it is important for spouses to manage their conflict well. A strong and
satisfying marriage establishes a firm foundation from which spouses can function. When the quality of
marriage is positive and supportive, partners can better attend to their personal responsibilities and
obligations. A strong marriage also provides people with a greater opportunity to develop their personalities
and talents than does an unhappy union. Although marriage requires a considerable amount of time and
effort, it is crucial that partners care for their own needs and development as well. They can best do this
when the relationship is warm and encouraging and they know how to handle marital conflict effectively.
Finally, it is essential that spouses practice good conflict management skills for the sake of their children.
Conflict and hostility are extremely harmful to children's well-being. Many studies have shown that marital
conflict leads to poor outcomes in children, such as decreased self-esteem, greater stress and anxiety, low
achievement at school and behavioral problems. Conversely, spouses who support each other and have
peaceful marriages are more likely to have well-adjusted, competent children. However, an unhappy
marriage should not be preserved solely for the children's sake. Children in two-parent families marked by a
lot of conflict often fare worse than those in families that have undergone a peaceful divorce. Whatever the
situation, it is important that spouses learn to manage their disagreements effectively and control the amount
of conflict in their relationship. This will help foster the well-being of themselves and their children.
Skills for handling conflict
Because managing conflict is so important, it is essential that you practice certain skills that will enable you to
handle conflict well. The following sections highlight some of the skills needed for dealing with differences
and disagreements effectively.

Controlling negative thoughts

The way a person treats others usually reflects the kinds of thoughts he or she has about them. This pattern
holds true for spouses, especially during times of conflict. When partners focus on each other's shortcomings
and weaknesses, they often fall prey to having negative thoughts about each other. This negative thinking
makes it more likely that they will treat each other unkindly.
Suppose a wife comes home from work at the end of a long, hard day in a bad mood. Her husband is in the
kitchen making dinner and calls out, "How was your day?" Instead of responding to his question, the wife
snaps at him for having left his coat and briefcase on the kitchen table. How might the husband react? If he is
in the habit of thinking positively about his wife and giving her the benefit of the doubt, he may think, "She
must have had a really hard day." He might stop what he is doing and give his wife his full attention so he
could try to find out what is really bothering her. However, if the husband takes offense at his wife's complaint
and thinks, "Here I am, cooking dinner, and all she can do is criticize me," he will be more likely to respond
negatively to his wife's complaint and further escalate the conflict.
Research supports these ideas about the power of one's thoughts. Marriage researchers have determined
that stable marriages have more positive than negative interactions, while the opposite is true for unstable
unions. Because negative interactions are often fueled by one's thoughts, negative thinking can have a
significant impact upon a relationship. Therefore, because the substance of a person's thoughts is often a
powerful determinant of his actions, it is very important for spouses to control the way they think about each
other. Husbands and wives can do this during times of conflict by focusing on the troublesome issue instead
of their partner's flaws. By keeping their feelings about the issue and their spouse separate, it is more likely
that they will manage conflict better and have a healthier relationship.
Forgiveness
Because there will be hurt feelings and conflict from time to time in every marriage, it is very important that
spouses forgive each other when arguments and disagreements occur. Forgiveness enables partners to stay
emotionally connected and keep their marriage positive. If people want their relationships to grow and
become stronger, they must be willing to forgive their spouses whenever necessary. When spouses do not
forgive each other, remain bitter and hold grudges, they often experience physical and emotional problems.
Thus, forgiveness is important to the individual health of each partner as well as to the health of the
relationship!
Problem solving
All couples will encounter problems in their marriage that will require problem solving skills. At these times, it
is very important that the spouses work together as a team, instead of insisting on their point of view and
working against each other. It is crucial to understand problems before attempting to solve them. Problem
solving is a much smoother process when spouses have discussed the issue thoroughly and each partner
feels understood. Surprisingly, research has shown that after a good discussion about a troublesome issue,
most people are so satisfied that there is no need to come up with a solution to the problem. Usually, people
just want the opportunity to express themselves and feel as if they have really been understood.
Of course, many problems still need to be resolved, even after open, productive discussion. Markman,
Stanley and Blumberg, a team of prominent marriage researchers, have identified an effective process for
solving problems.

It helps to set a specific time to work on the problem so that partners can mentally and emotionally
prepare. During the meeting, spouses should think of as many solutions to the problem as possible,
ruling out nothing until all possible solutions have been presented.

The next step is to choose the solution, or combination of solutions, that will best solve the problem.
It is likely that negotiation and compromise will be necessary at this step of the problem solving process.

After testing the chosen solution for an agreed upon length of time, it is important for spouses to
discuss the solution and whether the problem is being solved adequately. If not, adjustments should be
made.

Not every issue that arises will require such an extensive problem solving process, but these steps can help
couples solve their problems in a calm, controlled manner.
Changing oneself first

It is common for husbands and wives to overlook their own weaknesses and focus instead on the faults of
their spouse. In some marriages, one person feels that his or her partner is the cause of their marital
problems and the only one who really needs to change in order for the relationship to improve. This may
occasionally be true. However, in the vast majority of marriages, both partners make a contribution to the
conflict and problems that arise.
It is crucial that spouses realize that the only person's behavior they can control is their own. In marriage, it is
typical for partners to become annoyed or irritated with what they perceive to be their spouses' personal
shortcomings, unusual habits and weaknesses. For example, a wife may feel upset because her husband
arrives home from work late on a regular basis. Or, the husband may resent how his wife cuts him off in the
middle of conversations. Frustration over shortcomings such as these often builds over time, motivating
people to insist that their partners change. However, people usually end up discovering that their demands
are not granted and their efforts to change their partners have failed.
Instead of trying to compel each other to change, it is more effective for partners to honestly assess
themselves and think about what they can do to make the relationship better. Considering the contributions
they make to disagreements and trying to overcome their own weaknesses will accomplish far more than
dwelling on their spouse's faults.
Note
When husbands and wives stop trying to change each other and instead shift their attention to improving
their own behavior, they will likely be more content, even if their partner continues to do the things that they
do not like
When spouses choose to make changes in themselves first, regardless of what their partner does, they are
often surprised to find that the overall quality of their relationship improves dramatically. In an ideal situation,
of course, both spouses continually strive to improve themselves and overcome their weaknesses. However,
one spouse is often more committed to self-improvement than the other, at least for a while. Nevertheless,
even if the other person does not feel a need to change himself or herself, the marriage will likely improve
through the efforts of the one trying to change.
Strengthening the marital relationship
Although it is important for spouses to learn how to resolve differences, having a good marriage requires
more than just being able to manage conflict effectively. What else is needed to create a strong and
satisfying marriage? Recent research has shown that the most satisfied spouses have marriages based on
good friendship. Nurturing the positive aspects of the marital relationship on a regular basis is also important.
This final section will highlight ways in which husbands and wives can strengthen their marriages, including
being good friends, performing daily acts of kindness, sharing enjoyable times and creating family traditions.
Remain good friends
Many people say that having a friendship with their spouse is an important goal of their marriage. Life usually
becomes more complicated as marriage progresses. If a marital relationship is not built upon a solid
foundation of friendship, it may become more difficult for partners to stay connected over time. It is also easy
for spouses to become less polite and respectful to each other as time passes because they feel more
comfortable with each other. However, spouses who remain good friends throughout life usually find much
more enjoyment and satisfaction in their relationship.
There are many things spouses can do to keep their friendship alive.

Set aside a specific time each day to talk and reconnect. In some marriages, spouses stop confiding
in each other and stop having stimulating discussions, only to later discover that they do not know each
other very well anymore. All people change over time, and partners need to continue to learn about
each other's thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

Another way to maintain friendship in marriage is to have weekly "dates." Dates allow spouses to
spend time along together, which can be especially important if they have children. Partners can also
build friendship by trying to avoid conflict during "couple times," making the time spent together more
enjoyable and memorable.

How to be best friends

Talk.

Hold hands.

Go for walks.

Dance.

Play games.

Work on a mutual project together.

Plan little surprises for each other.

Laugh together.

Compliment each other often.

Create memories together.

Leave unexpected notes of praise.

Develop signals that say "I love you."

Go on a date.

Say "thank you" for little kindnesses.

Talk about your dreams.

Listen to music.

Say "I love you."

Remember birthdays and anniversaries.

Have a candlelight dinner.

Go for an evening or afternoon drive.

Adapted from Kansas State MU Extension

Perform daily acts of kindness
Another way for couples to strengthen their marriage is to express fondness and concern for each other on a
daily basis. Showing kindness in little ways is important for several reasons. First, it enables spouses to
increase their love for each other and become better friends. It also keeps little annoyances from being blown
out of proportion, which helps the relationship stay strong. Daily acts of kindness can also promote the
growth of romance in the marriage. When many people think about romance, they envision going away for a
weekend to celebrate their anniversary or receiving a dozen roses. Instances such as these are certainly
romantic. However, John Gottman has found that true romance is best preserved when partners frequently
respect and care for each other in ordinary ways.
There is an endless variety of little things spouses can do to show thoughtfulness to each other on a daily
basis. A few examples include writing love notes or sending special email messages, helping each other with
a project and preparing a favorite breakfast. It is important that spouses do not take for granted the power of
such actions. Performing small, simple acts of kindness regularly can have a dramatic impact upon the
quality of one's marriage.
Share enjoyable times
Most relationships start out with a lot of emphasis on dating and having fun together. After they get married,
many spouses become busier and stop making special times a priority.
Note
It is very important for partners to take the time to enjoy their relationship

Research has shown that the amount of fun time spouses spend together is a major factor in the happiness
of their marriage. Sharing enjoyable times prevents people from getting bored with their relationships and
helps rejuvenate them when they are very busy and preoccupied with other cares and concerns.
In order for spouses to increase the amount of enjoyment in their relationship, it is likely that they will have to
deliberately plan leisure time into their schedules. Planning and scheduling goes a long way in ensuring that
the activity will actually happen and not be shoved aside by a more pressing matter. Spouses can have fun
together in simple ways, such as going on picnics, taking walks, laughing together and having long talks.
They can also plan more extensive times for pleasure, such as all-day outings or vacations. It does not
matter what the activity is, as long as it allows both partners to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Create family traditions
Observing family traditions and rituals is another way spouses can strengthen their marriage. Traditions and
rituals serve many important functions in families. First, they enable husbands and wives to figure out what is
important to them and their relationship. They also give meaning and predictability to marriages and families.
Rituals help couples recharge themselves from the stresses of everyday life and increase the amount of
intimacy in their relationships. A marriage that is marked by many traditions and rituals is often richer and
more purposeful than those that are not.
There are many ways to incorporate traditions and rituals into the marital relationship.

Having a private conversation at the end of each day is one common ritual observed by many
spouses.

Going on a weekly date is another typical marriage ritual. However, traditions and rituals can be less
formal than these examples. In fact, many marriages include traditions and rituals of which the spouses
may be unaware.

Kissing each other goodbye each morning, talking on the phone during lunch and taking walks on a
regular basis are all examples of less obvious rituals.

Many spouses also have rituals connected to special days, such as Valentine's Day and wedding
anniversaries.

These traditions enable them to reaffirm their love and devotion to one another. Whether traditions and rituals
in marriage are simple or elaborate, they are important and give the relationship shared meaning and
significance.
Conclusion
Marriage is a challenging endeavor that requires hard work, determination and discipline. However, as this
guide has shown, it also has the potential to be very rewarding and satisfying. Spouses who seek to
incorporate positivity, empathy, commitment, acceptance, and mutual love and respect into their relationship
are more likely to have a fulfilling marriage. Husbands and wives also benefit when they understand the
nature of conflict and know how to manage it successfully.
Finally, when people base their marriages on friendship, thoughtfulness, fun and traditions, they usually find
joy and happiness in their relationship. Creating a strong and satisfying marriage is possible, and it is
definitely worth the effort!
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