In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss the reactive cycle couples often get into with each other when their expectations aren’t met. We often fall into harmful patterns that can lead us to negative reactions in our marriage. What is this cycle and how do we get out of it?

Scriptures:

PR 15:1

Rom 12:2

Phil 4:8

Resources:

Hope Restored Marriage Intensive (from Focus on the Family)

The Reactive Cycle “Test” – through this brief assessment you can learn your marriage triggers and responses.

Cherish: The One Word That Changes Everything for Your Marriage, by Gary Thomas

Seven Primal Questions: Take Control Of The Hidden Forces That Drive You, by Mike Foster

Questions to Discuss:

1. What triggers your reactive cycle?

2. How can you increase the gap between a negative trigger and your response?

3. How can we avoid spiraling down into the reactive cycle?