We marry someone who fills our life with sunshine. It feels so good, we cannot help but sing—and say yes. Turn a few calendar pages, and suddenly, it’s a dark day. The sun is almost completely hidden by dark clouds that get our clothes wet and frizzle our hair. Worse yet, it’s the eighth dark day in a row. No tornadoes ripping the roof off. No hurricane knocking the trees over...
I know from personal experience how overwhelming emotions can get when your marriage feels like it’s not working. Before you announce you’ve had it, try this. Make a list of the things you would do after you divorced, other than flirt or find a new sex partner, and do them for three months. Go out for dinner with your friends. Take a trip without your spouse. Learn to dance. Lose...
Once a month, I do a free marriage education teleclass. This is your opportunity to learn a little and ask me just about anything. It usually a small group, so you can expect plenty of personal attention. The topic is announced in advance. On November 9th, the topic will be In-laws, Step-kids, and Holidays. If time allows, we will tackle other topics, based on your questions. I would love to have...
I was just reminded that today is Wear Something Gaudy Day. We were first introduced to this bit of fun by Larry Dallas, a character on the 70’s sitcom, “Three’s Company.” There is a good chance he introduced us all to Wear Something Gaudy Day at The Regal Beagle. Some years before that episode, around 1969, I had a favorite gaudy outfit I had made for myself. It included...
We all get there. The marriage is not enough. An empty hole drains us. We are certain our spouses have the ability to fill it, but they don’t. We cannot get by on this much money, help, sex, support, appreciation, or recreation. One more day of this is just too much. The answer? Expect Love. Everything else we expect from our mates causes us grief or anger. Sure, some husbands take care of...
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.
