On The Times of India’s View\Counterview page today, there is an interesting issue up for discussion. India’s rural development and water and sanitation minister, Jairam Ramesh, has proposed a “no bathroom, no bride” rule. According to the most recent census, 53% of all Indian households have no toilet. This generally means there is also no septic tank, septic field, or...
When We Disagree about Our Disagreements
I received a great question from a reader not much enjoying her third year of marriage because of a disagreement about how to handle disagreements. The example she gave is requesting not to be interrupted even when she’s speaking slowly. She wants time to get her complete thought out. I suspect the same problem could emerge over other issues you and I have run into, such as a request to...
Two Thoughts about Love
Two thoughts about love:
It is important to know how to show your love.
It is equally important to know how to receive it.
Few of us have mastered both.
Why Doesn’t My Mate…?
Did you write a letter or email to a friend when you first met your husband, wife, or life partner? Did it read anything like this one? Anthony is incredible! He seems to know everything, and if he doesn’t, he just learns what he needs to know. And he’s got guts. He stands up for his beliefs and even once dove into a lake to rescue another kid who had trouble swimming. But the thing...
Doing Things with Friends
I took an overnight trip this week to Old Sturbridge Village. I met up with a long-time girlfriend there. We had a great time, talking, eating, watching the presidential debate, and showing her around one of my favorite places on earth. I had lots of time to think on the long ride there and again on the way back, too, and I thoroughly enjoyed the fall scenery along the way. One of the things I...