Mankato Marriage Solutions Blog
Marriage is one of life’s most fulfilling yet challenging relationships. Every couple faces ups and downs, from communication struggles and intimacy issues to financial stress and parenting conflicts. At Mankato Marriage Solutions, we believe that with the right guidance, support, and practical tools, couples can navigate these challenges and build a stronger, healthier relationship. Our blog is dedicated to providing expert advice, real-life solutions, and encouragement to help you and your partner reconnect, grow, and thrive together. Explore our articles to find the insights you need to strengthen your marriage today.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
There’s a phrase that shows up quietly in couples counseling. It doesn’t yell. It doesn’t accuse. But over time, it can erode the connection between partners.
"You used to..."
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
It’s easy to get swept up in December. Shopping lists. School programs. Family gatherings. The stress, the schedule, the swirl of expectations—it's a lot. And often, the one person we promised to put first gets lost in the shuffle.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
So many couples drift into routines—raising kids, going to work, managing bills—and suddenly realize they’re operating more like business partners than actual partners. But when a couple sets meaningful goals together, they shift from simply coexisting to actively building something with each other.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Autumn is a season of change. The air cools, the leaves shift into brilliant colors, and life seems to slow down just a little. For many couples, fall can also mirror the changes happening in their own lives: children moving out, careers shifting, health concerns surfacing, or even just the recognition that 20 years of marriage doesn’t look the same as year five.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Let’s be honest: most couples don’t book their first therapy session during a calm, connected season of life. More often than not, therapy enters the picture after something big—a betrayal, an explosion of conflict, or months (or years) of feeling emotionally distant.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Becoming parents is one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences a couple can share. Children bring joy, purpose, and a deeper sense of connection to a marriage. But let’s be honest—parenting is also exhausting, overwhelming, and often pulls couples in different directions.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Every couple argues.
Yes—even the ones who seem to have it all together. Conflict is not a sign your relationship is broken. It’s a sign that two different people, with different histories, emotions, and needs, are trying to build a life together. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict at all costs—it’s to learn how to navigate it in a way that strengthens, not splinters, your connection.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Few experiences in a marriage shake the foundation quite like infidelity. Whether it was a one-time incident or a prolonged betrayal, discovering that trust has been broken leaves couples reeling—grappling with heartbreak, anger, confusion, and a thousand unanswered questions.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Sexual disconnection doesn’t always come with drama or sudden events. Often, it creeps in quietly, built over years of small resentments, communication breakdowns, physical changes, life transitions, and emotional avoidance. While it’s a common experience, that doesn’t make it any less painful. For many couples, this loss of intimacy can feel like the beginning of the end—even if everything else appears stable on the surface.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Marriage is meant to be a partnership, a union where both individuals contribute to building a life together. But in many relationships, one partner begins to feel like they’re carrying the majority of the load—whether it’s managing the household, taking care of the kids, planning social events, or providing emotional support. Over time, this imbalance can create resentment, emotional distance, and even lead to the breakdown of the relationship. Addressing unequal effort isn’t about keeping score; it’s about fostering mutual respect, communication, and a shared commitment to supporting one another.