It’s no surprise that smart phones have changed the way we live, but what you may not realize is that your phone may change your relationship with your spouse. A new survey shows that three quarters of adults bring their phone to bed with them – and more than a third of Americans say their sex life has suffered because of it.

If your spouse is struggling with depression, it may be difficult to know how to help. In our book, 6 Secrets to a Lasting Love, we identified six different biblical loves that can help a married couple through their years together. One of them is persevering love. That kind of love is what helps a husband and wife navigate loss, tough times, and setbacks and get through the other side.

Q: We went through some rough times in the past. My spouse and I are reconciled, but my in-laws can’t forgive me.

We’re continuing our monthly series from our book, The 5 Sex Needs of Men and Women. We’ve already hit the top 4 needs for both husbands and wives, so we’re down to the end of the list. So what did women rank as their #5 sex need? Romance. Many of you husband may be thinking, “Okay. Of all of my wife’s sex needs, this is the one I know the most about."

Love is the number one reason people marry in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans cited love as a very important reason to get married. And as for what helps people stay married, couples said having shared interests and a satisfying sexual relationship were very important to a successful marriage.

Q: Between work, the kids, and taking care of the house, I have almost no time or energy to dedicate to my husband. What can I do to make sure he doesn’t feel neglected?

Q: My husband seems to enjoy watching football and spending time with his friends more than he enjoys spending time with me. How can I get him to take more interest in us spending time together as a couple?

Q: My spouse just walked out. I’m devastated. Where do I turn now?

Most wives may not realize how much power their words and attitudes carry: Words can tear down their husbands or build them up. If a wife wants her husband to be all God created him to be, she needs to affirm him in every way possible.

My spouse drinks/smokes and I hate it. Is there anything I can do?

It’s not a matter of if, but when, you and your mate will have an argument. It’s a natural part of any relationship, but did you know there is a right way to argue? You have to be purposeful and prayerful, but you can argue in a healthy way in your marriage. Here are some helpful tips:

To keep anything fresh, alive, and in good order requires care, maintenance, and at times, repair. A marriage is no different. No marriage can last unless it is kept fresh and nurtured. Marriage is a dynamic love relationship between a man and a woman, and at every moment that relationship is either growing deeper and richer, or stagnating and decaying.

If you and your spouse have different work schedules, it can be difficult to find time to be together.

It’s a question we’ve been asked many times: “Why should we get married? Isn’t living together easier?” We know many young adults are keenly aware of the fragility of marriage today. They see so many people getting divorced (in many cases, their own parents) and they often know firsthand the heartbreak of divorce. So often they believe they will forgo marriage and just live together – with the mistaken notion that if it doesn’t work out, they can call it quits and it won’t hurt at all.

Have you ­ever been hurt by your spouse, burned in some way by the husband or wife you trusted? If you ­can’t answer yes to that question, you either ­haven’t been married long or you married the proverbial angel! Couples won’t get far in their marriage before tripping over at least a few relational transgressions.

Finances are a notoriously tough subject for couples to discuss, but talking about them is actually good for your relationship!

Couples who spend time together are happier! Research has actually proven this is true.

I know I’m supposed to be the spiritual leader in my home, but I’m just not comfortable doing that. What can I do?

Forgiveness can be costly. A major step in the process of forgiveness is releasing your offending spouse, giving up on revenge and retribution, and allowing God to work in your spouse’s heart. It means letting your spouse off the hook and giving up your right to hold an offense over his or her head. And if you are the one who caused offense, forgiveness means surrendering your pride, admitting guilt, and seeking restoration. That’s tough stuff.

Most of us start our marriages in that blissful, love-filled state we had while dating. But all too often that close relationship we had with our mate before marriage deteriorates into a series of unresolved conflicts and unhealed hurts.