There comes a time in all marriages where the words do not flow as much as they used to. This commonly happens as the result from constant stress. 5 to 6 days per week of work and traffic will deplete your mental communication resources.
Since your responsibilities will not end anytime soon, you will at times find it difficult to hold a meaningful conversation with your mate. Here you will find 11 questions you can ask in your marriage on date nights, on road trips, and during tough times that will initiate deeper communication in your relationship.
When using questions like these as conversation starters, remember to keep the questions open-ended (don’t ask anything that will elicit only a “yes” or “no” answer), and always follow up. After your mate has shared his or her thoughts, engage and share your own answers.
Questions for Date Night
Date night is a time for you to unwind together, reconnect, and decompress. Use these questions to keep your conversations positive and focused on one another.
1. What is your favorite memory from our first date?
You may be surprised to learn what aspects of your first date together stood out the most to your mate. You may have more vivid memories of your first romantic moments together, while your mate focused more on the things about you that would matter the most in a serious relationship, like personality, behavior, and character.
2. How do you like to be romanced?
Maybe you already know the answer to this question—or do you? Your mate’s preferences could have changed since you married, or perhaps you’ve lost focus of their preferences. Take a little time to find out if there’s anything you can do for your mate to help him or her feel more loved and cared for.
3. What are your dreams for our future?
Because dreams are often fluid, you may find that your mate’s dreams for the future have changed since you last talked about them. Be sure to share your dreams as well, so that you can work together to align them.
4. What interest or activity would you like me to be more involved in with you?
Married couples can have major differences in their interests and activity preferences, so this is a great way for you to find out if there’s something your mate dearly wants to share with you. Maybe he or she feels like you aren’t interested—and maybe you weren’t in the past. This question will help you to become involved, if even a little, in something your husband or wife really loves.
Questions for Road Trips
Travel can reignite a sense of adventure that has stagnated under the pressures of everyday life. Take advantage of the excitement of the journey to learn a little bit more about each other and your place in the world.
5. What places do you dream of visiting?
Ask your mate about cities, states, or countries he or she would love to see, then share your own travel dreams. This will bring you one step closer to helping one another live those experiences.
6. What is your favorite childhood vacation memory?
This is a fun topic that will help the two of you get better acquainted with who you were as kids. It might even spark some ideas for future vacations, or even detours on your current road trip. If you have kids, it will get your wheels turning on how to create memorable experiences for them.
7. What mission fields are you inspired to support?
Getting away from home and out of your comfort zone expands your view of the world around you. What better time to start a conversation about areas of your country (or the world) where your family might serve together?
Questions for Tough Times
Going through difficult times can be a major strain on communication in your marriage. Your challenge could be from external forces, or within the marriage itself. Regardless of the problem’s source, these questions will give you some tools to get started on serving one another and working together to get through a tough time in your life.
8.How can I pray for you?
When you and your mate are hurting, it can sometimes be difficult to focus in prayer, together or separately. Take the time to find out what your mate needs, and pray on his or her behalf. Don’t be afraid to share the things you need your mate to pray about for you, as well. You can do this separately, together, or both.
9. What are some things I can do to help you alleviate stress?
Find out what things you can do to help make a difficult time easier for your mate. Share your needs with each other, and work together to relieve one another’s stress and focus on positive things.
10. What are the most memorable ways God has blessed you?
This question will jog your mate’s memory to the times in his or her life when blessings have been abundant. Share your answers as well, and then go a step further by discussing the blessings you currently have, despite the storm you’re facing. Focus on the hope that your difficult situation will soon pass.
11. What new experiences would you like to share together?
A wonderful way to cope during a hard time is to focus together on making new, happy memories. Whether it’s a hobby or activity, a romantic date, a day trip, a long vacation, or a new tradition, you can craft experiences that will be a ray of sunshine during tough times.
Conclusion
Using these prompts will enrich your marriage by helping you and your mate get to know one another on a deeper level. Start with these ideas, then add your own—the possibilities are endless. When your communication is deep and meaningful, you will be better equipped with the tools you need to face tough times, and to fully enjoy the abundant blessings of marriage.
Well Live and Learn
Author, Tre Revilo, is a writer and solutions enthusiast for Life Element. He is well aware that his style is an acquired taste and that his brutally honest delivery isn't for everyone. If you enjoy talking about traveling, investing, flirting, dating or relationship issues, he's your dude. The opinions of writers do not reflect those of the company. We certainly do appreciate, however, their research and unique perspectives.