433: SETTING UP GUARDRAILS
“Guardrails: No one needs one until they do.” —Anonymous
You know the funny “W” shape that most guardrails have? It’s not an aesthetic element: it’s meticulously designed for maximum shock absorption while redirecting the vehicle towards safety.
The truth is that no one really loves guardrails. They don’t appear often in art, they aren’t terribly attractive, most of time they are probably not even noticed.
But they are incredibly vital. Their purpose is critical: to protect travelers from serious harm or fatality.
Guardrails take many different forms in a marriage — it depends on what is being protected, your particular marriage and concerns, and the style with which you work best.
What is critically important is that you make them and that you both agree to them.
The truth is that you will set up guardrails, shields of protection, around the things that are most important to you. (If you don’t know what your core values are as a couple, we might direct you to our Core Values Online Workshop).
Assuming the two of you agree that your marriage is something that is worth protecting, explore the areas that could be dangerous if not protected.
Please don’t hide behind the weak excuse “Love is all we need”.
It’s been said and done and failed a thousand times. If your spouse is worth it to you, you’ll do it.
Some of the top topics for which guardrails are most helpful:
- Relationships with people of the opposite sex: What scenarios are off limits?
- In-laws and extended family: What are your boundaries with your extended family?
- Social media: What will you discuss privately versus share on social media?
- Finances and spending: Will you have a budget, or an individual purchase threshold?
- Sources of advice: Who will you give you ear to for marriage advice?
We challenge you to make time to discuss your guardrails with your spouse. Don’t tackle all of them today, but start with an area of your marriage that is important to you two, and move forward from there.
Guardrails don’t take the fun away from driving, they give great protection and freedom for the travelers to journey safely. Guardrails are systems that YOU put in place that allow you to be proactive about your marriage rather than reactive after things go wrong.
EPISODE SPONSOR | The 6 Pillars of Intimacy®: The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage
Is it really possible to rekindle the spark and restore the “like-new” connection in your marriage?
In the 6 Pillars of Intimacy®, you will discover secrets that have transformed countless marriages. Its ideas are simple, practical, and powerful. You’ll be inspired to look at your marriage through a new lens and be encouraged by its commonsense approach.
Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo's proven approach to building intimacy in marriage will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your spouse – starting today. Click HERE to get your copy today!
Other Resources:
Now Available On-Demand 'I Love You But I'm Not In Love With You' Masterclass
The Intimacy of Massage, Love of Hiking, Crab Position, and more in the June Position Post Magazine
Is It Time to Consider Marriage Coaching? Watch the Marriage Coaching Case Study
Support ONE Extraordinary Marriage by shopping at Amazon.com
Leave a review on iTunes | Submit a question | Call (858)876-5663
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Medical Disclaimer: The content of this article & website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.