Dear Dr. Buckingham, My guy friend often tells me that he is for me and has my back. Usually I am a good read of character, but for some reason I cannot figure him out. He acts a little self-centered at times so I am not sure that he is ready to be in a committed relationship. I say this because he likes to do things for and by himself. However, he is smart, has great … [Read more...]
I Love My Fiancé, But I Feel Trapped: What Should I Do?
Dr. Buckingham, I am a 21-year-old single female and I recently got engaged to my high school sweet heart. We are fairly young, but believe that we where meant to be together forever. Our relationship has been rocky for years, mainly because we where trying to find ourselves while also trying to maintain a relationship. My fiancé has a temper and does not express himself very … [Read more...]
My Husband Committed Adultery Twice and Had Two Kids: Has My Marriage Run Its Course?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I have been married for 21 years. My husband had two affairs early in our marriage that resulted in 2 love children by different women. I decided to stay for our 3 children. My husband has to pay support for these children and I had a lot of anger about having to struggle. I had to be the one who always worked multiple jobs so that my 3 kids did not … [Read more...]
What Ingredients Are Needed to Create a Thriving and Fruitful Marriage?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am a 28-year-old single male, but I recently proposed to my girl. I want to get married fairly soon. I have been following you and you often talk about unconditional love in your articles. I know that love is needed to develop and sustain a marriage, but I am pretty sure that there are other things. You also talk about trust, respect and effective … [Read more...]
Help! My Husband and I Don’t Agree on When It Is Appropriate to Give Our Child Access to a Cell Phone
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My husband and I have different views about age appropriateness when it comes to the use of cell phones by our children.When is it appropriate to give a child access to your cell phone? What if one parent does not think the child will read his or her text messages? What if it makes his or her spouse uncomfortable? Should an 11 or 12 year old have access … [Read more...]
After 30 Plus Years, I Don’t Feel Loved. Is My Marriage Over?
Hello Dr. Buckingham My heart is very heavy because my husband and I have been married 34 years, and although he claims that he loves me and he wants to remain married, I don't feel his love. He doesn't show any affection. When I share my concerns, it seems to me that it's not important to him. Don't get me wrong, my husband is a good provider and has been a good father. But … [Read more...]
Am I Wrong for Wanting to Make Love While My Mother In-Law Is in My House?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My love life with my wife is going down the drain. Her mother moved in with us six months ago and we rarely have sex. She feels uncomfortable and sometimes states that it is disrespectful for us to make love while her mother in the house. I am lucky if I get some cookie once a month. I tried to understand her perspective, initially, but I cannot live like … [Read more...]
My Fiancé’s Parents Control Him Too Much, Should I Still Marry Him?
Hello Dr. Buckingham, My fiancé and I have been dating for four years. During this time, his mother has been highly over involved. After our first year, she sent him a text and email saying that marrying me will bring shame to the family and that he should leave me. This has led to some situations where I have gotten mad at my then boyfriend for putting his family ahead of our … [Read more...]
I Am Tired of My Husband Choosing His Family Over Me. What Should I Do?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I've been married for eleven years and have one 8-year-old child. My husband has always catered to his family. However in the past three years, it has gotten worse. His mother passed away three years ago, unexpectedly. Living with his mother (at the time of her death) was his 26- year-old younger sister and 25-year-old brother. Of course because it was … [Read more...]
How Do You Help a Sister-In-Law Who Does Not Want to Help Herself?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I have read several of your articles and responses to many dilemmas that many couples face with in-laws and the duties of a husband. First let me say this, I am not married. My significant other and I have a beautiful baby girl who was born prematurely and thank God she's now doing well. My significant other lost his mother a year before we had our … [Read more...]
My Wife Cheated. Will Being Realistic About It Save or End My Marriage?
Dear Dr. Buckingham My wife and I have been married for seven years and together for 13. I found out last a few months ago that she has had multiple sex partners since we have been married and before. In all my previous relationships I was the one cheating. In this one I have not, although she has complained about me watching porn. Our families are blended. This is my … [Read more...]
Is It Possible to Mix Love and Business Without Destroying Your Marriage?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My wife and I fight often because our views about money and stability are totally opposite. We have a business together and she is driving me crazy. We run a clothing store together. My wife is responsible for ordering supplies and maintaining the inventory. I manage the books and supervise our employees. We have distinct roles, but she is constantly … [Read more...]
Should I Get Involved In My Friend’s Messy Marriage?
Hello Dr. Buckingham, I'm writing on behalf of my friend. She has been married for 8 years and her husband impregnated another woman 2 years ago. She decided to accept the situation and forgave her husband. She recently left to go on vacation only to return to find her husband and the mother of his child in their home. He claimed that they only talk because of this child. … [Read more...]
Help! Should I Remain Married Although My Husband Says He Doesn’t Love Me Anymore?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I have been married 33 years. My husband says he no longer loves me and is very adamant about it. He has cheated in the relationship a number of times. I'm a Christian and have asked him about counseling and he refuses. I am at my wits end. I am considering divorce. Should I Remain Married Although My Husband Rejects Me? Do you have any advice for lonely … [Read more...]
What is Marriage Therapy Really Like? And Will Counseling Work for Us?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My husband and I discussed the possibility of starting marriage therapy after reading several of your articles. We are excited about the possibility, but do not know what to expect. We have been married for 15 years now, but I do not feel that I know my husband well. In fact, I am not sure if I know myself well. We argue over little things and are … [Read more...]