There are three ways to ask for what you need from your husband or wife. The first is the plain vanilla wafer approach. “It drives me nuts to open the kitchen cabinets and see that mess in there. Will you please clean them today?” The second in the chocolate chunk granola with cranberries and macadamias approach. Who knows which part of the request to pay attention to? “My...
At some point in your marriage, perhaps many points, your wife or husband will feel hurt and withdraw from you. More than likely, you will feel miserable, either because you hate to see your beloved in such pain or because you feel unjustly accused. The last thing you want at this point is an ineffective apology. It will make both of you feel worse. Here are three big mistakes to avoid when you...
Valentine’s Day has had a new and special meaning for me since 2006. It’s the day I launched this blog and began offering hope of a happier marriage to anyone who wants it. Today is our sixth anniversary together. Thanks for a great time and for all your marvelous stories of success at remaking your marriages. It’s also Valentine’s Day, so I think that’s all I will...
One of the most delicious things about being a wife is learning from spending so much time with someone whose strengths are different from mine. Here are three I have learned from my second husband, Ed: In just 48 hours, the tomorrow I’m busy fearing today will be the yesterday I have no time to think about. Multitasking is much less sexy and joy-producing than being focused on one thing...
I just noticed that it’s been more than a month since I added to my Why Be Married series. There are so many great reasons. Today, one that’s close to my heart, as my first husband died without warning at the very young age of 35. Respect is a very good reason to be married to the person you love: The respect you receive as a husband or wife if your mate is in a car accident, a fall...
I am a widow who got it right the second time. I have been sharing here since February 14, 2006 what I learned from that experience and from positive psychology, marriage research, and my training as a marriage educator.
