Standing Up to Your Spouse

Conversation Starters

Dr. Cloud says marriage is multiplicative — one times one equals one, but one times a half equals a half. If you're honest, is your marriage multiplying your life right now, or has it been slowly reducing you to a fraction of who you used to be?

You've said the same thing a hundred times and nothing has changed. Dr. Cloud would ask you a pointed question: "What goodies is your spouse still getting that make not changing feel okay?" What would happen if those goodies had conditions?

There's a difference between a spouse who steps on your toe and says "I'm sorry" and one who says "I don't care" or "you shouldn't have put your toe there." Which conversation are you actually having — and have you moved past words to the level of consequence the situation actually requires?