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Throughout the month, we're exploring the theme of friendship in marriage, and maybe sometimes you have to tell your friend no.

I'm John Fuller, along with Dr. Greg Smalley and his wife, Erin.

And Aaron, sometimes setting up a boundary in saying no is helpful, but I think a lot of couples feel like I just have to say yes because

like it's whatever.

Well, because they've been programmed that yes is the right answer.

But what ends up happening, if we're always saying yes and inside we really want to say no,

and then we end up doing something, sacrificing, giving something that we don't have anything to give,

we're empty. Then we begin building resentment and bitterness, and that doesn't work well for the

relationship either. So it really is knowing that when we say no, we're setting a boundary. And all

that is is saying, no, not like that, not right now,

whatever the request has been, that is setting a boundary to keep our heart open. Because then we can

still engage. And typically what I hear is that a spouse will consistently say yes for whatever, you know,

can you pick up my dry cleaning?

Can you empty the dishwasher?

And you say yes, yes, yes.

If you have something to give, great.

But if inside you're going, I really want to say no, but I'm fearful of how he's going to

...