Blog
Welcome to the Rick and Jane blog, where couples can find practical encouragement and tools for building a stronger marriage. Alan and Autumn Ray draw from more than 20 years of MarriageTeam coaching experience. They make relationship skills easy to understand and apply.
Here you will find information about communication, listening, anger, forgiveness, conflict resolution, problem-solving, personality differences, intimacy, and faith. These important issues affect every marriage. This blog is designed for couples at every stage of married life. You may be newly married, raising a family, or facing a difficult season. You may simply want to make a good marriage even better.
Our goal is not to present perfect marriages or offer quick fixes. Instead, we provide hope and useful steps that couples can practice together. Visit often for new ideas, encouragement, and practical resources. These resources can help you communicate with greater care, work through challenges, deepen your connection, and enjoy your marriage.
Conflict becomes dangerous when your teammate starts feeling like the enemy. Learn how the SAME TEAM approach can help you listen, lower tension, resolve disagreements, and protect your relationship.
Coaching vs Counseling
Marriage coaching or counseling—which is right for you? Learn how they differ, what concerns each addresses, and how to choose the best support for your relationship.
When Anger Takes Over: How Teammates Recover
Anger often arrives loudly, but the real hurt underneath it may be fear, disappointment, or feeling unimportant. Discover a practical three-step reset that helps married teammates slow escalation, name what is really happening, and choose a better play together.
Trust in Your Marriage is Made or Broken by Little Promises
Trust is rarely built or broken in one dramatic moment. It grows—or erodes—through the little promises teammates make every day. Discover how greater follow-through, honest communication, and healthy accountability can strengthen your marriage.
Healthy Approach to Winning Arguments
Winning an argument should strengthen your marriage—not defeat your teammate. Learn how to validate feelings, accept responsibility, address one issue, and create clear agreements with friendly Relapse Reminders.
A Better Approach to Communication
Better communication begins when spouses take turns talking and listening. Learn how to use “I” statements, listen for understanding, and reduce defensiveness. This simple process can slow conversations down and help you both feel heard, valued, and understood.
How to Stop Arguing With Your Spouse
Arguments do not have to damage your marriage. Discover three practical concepts that can help you break unproductive patterns, reduce defensiveness, and approach disagreements as teammates. You can address difficult issues while protecting your relationship.