Everyone has struggled in their marriage at some point. And we have all heard the elevated statistics in the U.S. for divorce for first marriages, with numbers for second marriages being even more dismal. But what about those who successfully remain married for decades? What if they have some of the answers? Earlier this year,…
DetailsToday’s children learn to read in pre-school and do advanced algebra in kindergarten. Well, maybe it just seems that way. But back in the Stone Age when I was in kindergarten, we learned more of the basics – like how to nap, play nice, and not eat the paste. I was reminded of those basic…
DetailsFor most couples, the giving and receiving of an engagement ring is a memorable event. This is usually followed by an exchange of wedding rings, which signifies the commitment that the individuals are making to each other. But I wonder how people view their ring’s significance? There was a recent article asking people about their…
Details“There are just two things I’d need to find out everything I want to know about everyone: 1) Let me see them drive; 2) Let me hear them talk about marriage . . . . That’s going to tell me exactly your relationship to the world.” – Jerry Seinfeld Most of us would probably agree…
DetailsDuring a recent dinner conversation, while enjoying some great Mexican food, my friend Ed, who refurbishes houses, began to talk about different kinds of wall texturing. In his house they have a hand troweled texturing as opposed to the sprayed type. During the discussion, he mentioned that in one room of their house they sometimes…
DetailsAs I crawl out of bed in the mornings and make my way into the bathroom, I turn on the light and glance into the mirror. Fortunately, what I see first thing in the morning gets at least slightly better before I leave the house. But part of the reason that it improves is because…
Details“She is such a pig. I mean, she leaves messes everywhere.” He continues, “I feel like I work all day and then come home and have to do everything.” “I can’t believe you are saying that,” she replied. “Yesterday when I got home I fixed you dinner and cleaned up everything. So, I don’t know…
DetailsA New York University researcher reported last year that in a study which allowed people to bend the rules (cheat), individuals were more likely to do so in order to avoid loss rather than to make a gain. I experience this application to marriage on a daily basis. As I encounter couples in my counseling…
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“I’m really frustrated because I arrived home, expecting dinner, only to discover that nothing had even been done, no effort had even been made to start dinner!” Why did this person expect dinner to be ready? It might be because every other night dinner has been prepared. Or it could be that the person grew…
DetailsI recently received the following humorous story from a friend. A husband went to police station to report his missing wife: Husband : I’ve lost my wife, she went shopping yesterday & has still not come home…. Sergeant : What is her height ? Husband : Oh, 5 something . . . Sergeant : Build?…
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