I wish I had known...
That love alone will solve all their problems.
What is one unrealistic belief many couples have before marriage?
Our parents’ behavior often shapes our beliefs and habits about love and conflict.
How do family backgrounds influence marriage?
Listen to understand, not to win.
What’s the key to resolving conflict respectfully?
Forgiveness is a choice, not something we wait to feel ready for.
What does Chapman mean when he says forgiveness is not a feeling?
Open, honest communication.
What is one foundation of a healthy marriage?
Falling in love is easy, but staying in love requires effort and choice.
What does Gary Chapman say about falling in love?
To understand what behaviors they want to repeat or avoid.
Why should couples discuss their parents’ relationship styles?
Take time to calm down and revisit the issue when emotions are steady.
What does Chapman suggest couples do before reacting in anger?
It builds emotional distance and weakens trust.
Why is holding onto resentment harmful in marriage?
By sharing daily thoughts, appreciation, and quality time.
How can couples strengthen emotional intimacy?
How their expectations differ about daily life, money, or family roles.
What is something couples often overlook before marriage?
It can trigger frustration or misunderstanding if the other partner expects something different.
What happens when a partner unconsciously imitates their parent’s behavior?
It shows teamwork and mutual respect instead of power struggles.
Why is compromise important in marriage?
Acknowledge the hurt and choose to release blame.
What is one step toward genuine forgiveness?
It helps partners understand and validate each other’s emotions.
What role does empathy play in a healthy relationship?
Learning and speaking each other’s love language consistently.
What can help couples stay connected after the “in-love” phase fades?
They teach us how to show affection, handle anger, and respond to stress.
How can childhood experiences affect emotional expression?
Identify root causes instead of focusing only on surface issues.
What can help partners prevent recurring arguments?
Move forward and rebuild the connection after mistakes.
What does forgiveness allow couples to do?
A healthy marriage requires continuous learning and intentional effort.
What does Chapman say about growth in marriage?
Marriage doesn’t create maturity — it reveals it.
What does Chapman say about marriage and personal growth?
Create new shared traditions that represent both partners equally.
What is one healthy way to address differences in family traditions?
It helps them learn more about each other and strengthen their communication.
What does healthy disagreement teach couples?
Forgiving means choosing peace even when we remember the hurt.
How is forgiveness different from forgetting?
It provides tools for communication, emotional regulation, and mutual understanding.
How can therapy support developing a healthy relationship?