Jim Daly Christian Blog and Commentary

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Compromise Not Always the Best Answer to Marriage Disagreements

  • Jim Daly Jim Daly is president and chief executive officer of Focus on the Family, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families thrive.
  • Updated Mar 10, 2014

Many people think that learning to compromise is one of the keys to a successful marriage.

Would it surprise you to learn that Focus marriage experts Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley disagree?

According to the husband-wife team, compromise – an agreement where each person makes concessions – may not be the best way to help ensure long-term satisfaction in a marriage.

“I hate the word ‘compromise,’” explains Greg. “I don’t want to settle. I want to reach for something better.”

That’s why, instead of compromising, the Smalleys have found that it’s best to find a solution that feels great to both of them.

It might sound too good to be true. The Smalleys, however, promise their system works.

In today’s broadcast, Greg and Erin explain how couples can work through disagreement in a way where both the husband and wife will feel satisfied with the outcome. They provide examples from their own marriage as well as offer practical hints and advice that will help listeners understand how to employ these “win-win” techniques in their own relationships.

You can listen to “Making Win-Win Decisions in Marriage” via your local radio station; online; or through our free Daily Broadcast smart phone app. I hope you’ll tune in!


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