As an adult, I look at my mother and wonder how she did it all. A woman who raised us with just a fraction of the resources I have access to (and I don’t just mean financially), how did she do it? But then I remember that although we turned out well, my mom is paying the price today for putting everyone’s needs in front of her own. Her struggles with depression and her … [Read more...]
When You Think You’ve Tried Everything…32 More Actions to Improve Your Marriage
I'm going to get straight to point. If you and your partner are having difficulty communicating, then you owe it to yourself and your marriage to try everything you can to improve the situation. I know it gets hard and frustrating sometimes....like you're beating your head up against a brick wall. But your marriage is worth fighting for. And when it seems like you've tried … [Read more...]
I Wanted a Happy Marriage… And Here Are 7 Things I Did to Get It
After 17 years I still remember shopping for my wedding dress and finally selecting the one that nearly brought tears to my eyes. My wedding day had been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. While I envisioned the details of the wedding, I had no idea what type of wife I should be. I didn't have many examples around me when I was coming up, so I had to wing it. What I … [Read more...]
5 Types of Couples You and Your Spouse Don’t Ever Want to Become
My goals for my marriage are pretty simple. I want a home where love and peace are overflowing and I desire a marriage built on love, trust, honor, and commitment. In order for each of those ideals to exist, I have to check my attitude, make sacrifices, and practice effective communication. In knowing what I want for marriage, I must also be aware of what I don’t … [Read more...]
3 Simple Marriage Goals That Will Transform Your Life
The beginning of July is always an important time for me. It’s a time when I pause and reflect on what the first half of the year has been like and what I’ve accomplished. When I reach this midway point I ask myself, is this where I thought I would be by now? The answer to that questions lets me know what’s next. As most people do, I am sure you probably established … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Grow with Your Spouse in 2015
Every new year is a new opportunity to maintain the status quo or purposefully grow in the direction you want to. Marriages that thrive have set the expectations for their lives. The husband and wife move with intent based on the goals they have set for themselves. The difference between them and you are communicated shared values, a goal, a plan, and the will to … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Couples Divorce and How You Can Protect Your Marriage
It breaks my heart whenever I witness or hear about a couple experiencing turmoil. My primary focus as a relationship professional is to reach couples before they arrive at the decision to separate. I have a friend who often jokes that my work should only focus on those couples who are happy in love because they actually still care about their relationship and are willing to do … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Help Couples Ease the ‘Daily Grind’ of Married Life
by Martine Jolicoeur So often I hear women talk about the fact that their husbands do not help around the house and are oblivious to what they do. Today I would like to submit to you that although I do not live with Mr. Perfect, I do recognize his positive traits and it makes a difference. Far from trying to bash my ladies, (because I am one!), I feel that it is important … [Read more...]