You need to be accepted by your spouse, warts and all, just as you are. But not every change your spouse desires is an attack on you or your personality. So, instead of just ignoring them or bowing up to them, start by asking…  “On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being really, really important to you, how important is it to you that I change this action or behavior?” Then, focus on those 8’s, 9’s and 10’s…and put the other things on the back burner. By the way, your spouse needs to know that a list of all 9’s or 10’s is just not realistic. Focus on the things that mean the most to your spouse. Read more about Questions to Ask When Your Spouse Wants You to Change.

For more on parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.