You probably already know what drives me to write this blog and teach my teleclasses. Just in case you don’t, it was getting exactly what I thought I wanted 25 years ago, when my resentment outweighed my love for the man I married, the father of our son. I write and speak to stop you from going after what I thought I wanted. First I wanted him to change. I wanted a fairer division of chores...
A Valentine’s Day Third Alternative
Luis said, “Barb, do you think you can find us a babysitter for Valentine’s Day, so I can take you to dinner at La Paz?” A small shudder of annoyance went down Barb’s spine. Luis never seemed to pay any attention to their budget. And he never, ever called any of the sitters himself, even though Barb had entered all of their numbers into his cell phone. Barb said, “I...
A Faster Route to a Happy Marriage
The slow and uncertain route to a happy marriage looks like this: Do the things a good wife or a good husband should do. Make sure your spouse knows what you expect him or her to do. Schedule time to talk about your distress when you’re unhappy. If things get tense, make sure you protect your assets and your feelings, just in case there’s a divorce. Always check whether your friend or...
You Deserve Better
Well-meaning friends often say, about whatever complaint we have toward a husband or wife, “You deserve better.”
Is it true?
Is the confirmation helpful?
If you did not deserve it, what might you do to rediscover happiness and closeness with your husband or wife in spite of your disagreement about what he or she ought to do?
EITC Awareness Day
Today is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. The IRS estimates that between a fifth and a quarter of those eligible for it fail to claim it. This year, with many couples struggling in ways they have not in the past, the Administration for Children and Families has made an effort to get the word out. From their press release: Are you eligible to claim EITC for 2011 taxes? Must have earned...