Family council (for couples)

Talk about what we did the past week to help each other feel love.

Talk about the temple.

Start with the prayer. "In communication with heavenly father breaks down, communication between spouses also breaks down." (Ballard) Ask that the Spirit will permeate our conversation. And help us foster good feelings and good communication. Pray about everything. Even things as simple as how to divide housework/meals.

Decide together. Make decisions based on divine consensus, not on compromise. It may take time to reach conclusions. 

Evaluate yourself. Approach family councils not with criticisms of your spouse, but of desire to improve yourself.  Ask, is there anything problematic or worrisome in my words/behavior? 

Don't just have family councils when there is a problem or a decision to be made. Have them to express gratitude or appreciation for your spouse or family.