Communication

How to Handle the Silent Treatment in Marriage Without Escalating Conflict

By Mary Ellen Goggin / April 15, 2025
Couple sitting across the table from each other as they figure out how to handle the silent treatment in their marriage.

The silent treatment in marriage can be one of the most painful things to experience. You walk into a room and feel the temperature drop—not because anything was said, but because everything wasn’t.​ You ask a question and get nothing. You try to connect, and your spouse pulls further away. You know the difference between…

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I Can’t Talk To My Husband About My Feelings? What Should I Do?

By Mary Ellen Goggin / August 12, 2024
Sad woman holding a paper with a smile drawn on it.

When you feel you just can’t talk to your husband about your feelings, it’s hard to be you or feel whole. It can seem as if every time you try to talk with him, the words get stuck in your throat, or the conversation doesn’t go the way you hoped. You’re definitely not alone. Many…

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My Wife Won’t Talk To Me Anymore. What Should I Do?

By Mary Ellen Goggin / July 9, 2024
Woman by the shore refusing to talk to her husband.

If your wife won’t talk to you anymore, you are probably frustrated, confused, isolated, and lonely. It’s also likely you are wondering what exactly went wrong and how to fix it. When communication breaks down in a marriage, it is often a red flag that there are deeper issues needing attention. Your wife’s silence could…

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How To Talk To Your Spouse About Money Without Fighting: 5 Peaceful Strategies

By Mary Ellen Goggin / May 13, 2024
Spouses drinking coffee and talking about money without fighting.

Money discussions don’t have to lead to arguments. Imagine ending a conversation about finances feeling closer to your spouse instead of frustrated or misunderstood. Many couples, especially those balancing demanding careers and family life, find financial talks challenging. However, it’s entirely possible to transform these discussions into opportunities for strengthening your bond. Choosing to practice…

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How To Eliminate Stonewalling In A Relationship

By Mary Ellen Goggin / February 7, 2024
Man walking toward his stonewalling spouse in an effort to repair the rift in their relationship.

Stonewalling, a silent barrier to conversation, can stealthily infiltrate our most valued relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding. This defensive mechanism, while not uncommon, has the potential to significantly erode the trust and intimacy of your connections. Tackling stonewalling in a relationship goes beyond merely re-establishing communication—it’s about reinforcing a dedication to mutual…

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Why Marriage Communication Coaching Could Save Your Marriage

By Mary Ellen Goggin / January 9, 2024
Husband and wife happily cuddlng.

Communication is the lifeblood of marriage. When it’s done well, it keeps relationships vibrant and growing. Like dancers in a tango, partners must respond and lead in harmony. Achieving this synergy while life is happening is challenging – to say the least. Misunderstandings, missteps, and missed cues often lead to conflicts and emotional distance and,…

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Blessing for Love in Time of Conflict

By Mary Ellen Goggin / October 31, 2023

When the gentleness between you hardens and you fall out of your belonging to each other May the depths you have reached hold you still. When no true word can be said or heard and you mirror each other in scripts of hurt When even the silence has become raw and torn May you hear…

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10 Tips & Guidelines For Fighting Fair In Marriage

By Mary Ellen Goggin / August 3, 2023
Couple sitting by a campfire on the beach discussing how to fight fair in marriage.

Anyone who’s been in a long-term relationship knows that conflicts are part of the package. These disagreements, however, needn’t be destructive. On the contrary, when handled properly, they can become catalysts for a deeper understanding and a stronger marriage. This is where the concept of “fighting fair” in marriage comes into play. “Fighting fair” doesn’t…

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