In today's episode, we discuss how to manage outside influences in your marriage.  We have been thinking about this topic for quite a while and when we received a couple of questions from our listeners on this topic, we though now would be a great time to have a conversation.

Big idea = being careful and intentional about who you let speak into your life and into your marriage

Influence from each other’s friends

"My husband and I are currently at an impasse and would appreciate any advice you could offer me.  My group of girlfriends and I naturally share the details of our lives during our weekly girls night. During one of our recent night’s out I may have shared some of the frustrations I’m currently experiencing with my spouse.  I assure you my intentions were pure and I was simply having an open conversation with my trusted group of friends but when I hosted a girls night this past week, a couple of comments were made that made my husband aware of my recent complaints.  He didn’t react to either comment initially but the next day he told me I had embarrassed him and he no longer wants me to have girls night if it’s just a husband bashing session.  What should I do?"

Other things to look out for:

• Bringing negativity
• Over dramatizing situations
• Guilting you
• Speaking ill of your spouse or complaining about your spouse

Influence from in-laws & immediate family

"I am curious to know your thoughts on a situation I’m having with my husband.  A little insight into who we are…We’ve been married for two years and have been together for five.  My husband and I have been recently making some life changes and decisions in preparation for starting our family but my husband seems to not make a decision without consulting his parents first.  I love my husband but he’s a bit of a mama’s boy…I’m worried this is going to get worse once we start having kids. "

Other things to look out for:

• Depending on parents to help in decision making
• Turning to parent rather than your spouse for emotional support – apron strings
• Sharing too much and in turn betraying your spouse’s trust
• Sharing too much with people that in turn use that against you in the future