Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Transform Your Marriage Through Simple Lifestyle Shifts (Part 1 of 2)
Mar 31, 2026
Ashley Willis, relationship coach and biblical counselor, and Dave Willis, marriage ministry leader and speaker, share practical, faith-rooted advice. They outline seven simple shifts for daily marriage habits. Topics include curiosity over criticism, why tone matters, self-regulation before responding, prioritizing marriage over kids, and seeking mentors for real change.
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Small Shifts Yield Big Marital Gains
- Small, consistent lifestyle shifts across common marriage areas yield big payoffs over time.
- The Willises framed seven shifts (money, communication, sex, parenting, legacy) as bite-sized changes rather than wholesale overhaul.
Use Curiosity Not Criticism
- Approach your spouse with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism.
- Ashley recommends asking questions, softening tone, and assuming you might need to be clearer because clarity is kindness.
Match Your Partner's Processing Style
- Adjust for different processing styles: ask whether your partner needs time to think or wants to process out loud.
- Ashley shares she processes aloud while Dave needs quiet time, which once caused misunderstandings until they adapted.
