John and Tammy Wright are a dynamic fitness military couple who founded ABC Wellness and Fitness Center in Waldorf, MD in 2009. They’ve been married ten years and have two boys, ages seven and six. While Tammy (who holds a Master’s in information resource management) is “behind the scenes” and heads the overall strategic planning of the business, John (who is a certified … [Read more...]
To Marry or Not to Marry…That is The Question!
"Sometimes it's our fear of failure driving us more than our lack of desire." This was the conclusion of one my inspirational social media motivational messages, but it may not be about what you think. No, I'm not talking about being afraid to chase your dream or start your own business. What I'm talking about is the fear that so many people have about entering into the … [Read more...]
Couples Spotlight: Stephon and Pamela King, Sr.
Anyone who is married and has been married for any length of time, knows it takes work, dedication and a lot of times, creativity to keep that love going and growing. This is why I love these couple spotlights because there are so many different things to learn and incorporate into my own marriage (and I'm sure, yours too), as one size does not fit all. Meet Stephon & … [Read more...]
Is Your Mr. Right Also Mr. (Financially) Responsible?
Have you met a really nice guy? Smart, handsome, and adventurous. Congratulations! But before you start naming your children and picking out china, please be sure that this potential Mr. Right is also Mr. (financially) Responsible. How a man handles his current financial obligations and responsibilities is a key indicator of how he will handle money once you decide to commit … [Read more...]
Couples Spotlight: Marlon & Rashida Cohen
Marlon and Rashida met at church during a youth ministry meeting. She needed a ride home that night, he offered (it was late and raining), and the rest is history. They quickly became friends through different ministries in the church and have been married for almost seven years. Marlon has a background in sales and marketing, and Rashida is a Chiropractic Doctor who … [Read more...]
Couples Spotlight: Ainsley & Rachael Gibson
Rachael and Ainsley are our spotlight couple this week, both born and raised in Jamaica, currently residing in Maryland. This couple shares with us their experience getting married as a young couple, learning how to raise their kids in a completely different culture than what they’re accustomed to, managing busy professional careers, and the things that have helped keep their … [Read more...]
Interview with Nisa Muhammad, Founder of Black Marriage Day
Did you know that the black community has the distinction of the lowest marriage rate in America? Sixty-one percent of Black people were married in 1960, compared with the rate of thirty percent today. This is one reason that Black Marriage Day (BMD) was founded by Nisa Islam Muhammad, and is headquartered in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. BMD is a national initiative … [Read more...]
The Importance of Communication
In real estate the one word that is heard most is location, location, location! The reason is the better the location of the property, the better chance it has to sell, which is the primary goal. Well in marriage, the one word you must remember is communication, communication, communication! The reason is the better the communication; the better chance your marriage has to … [Read more...]
Unconditional Love…The Love in Spite of
Do you know what it's like to love someone unconditionally? Better yet, besides your parents or children, do you know what it feels like to BE loved unconditionally? Someone who has seen you at your lowest of lows and passes no judgment. They love you, "in spite of." I know a love like this and I find it incredibly amazing to be loved by someone who sees you and loves you for … [Read more...]
Couples Spotlight: Anjuan & Aneika Simmons
If for any minute you doubt that there are truly happily married people out there, here is yet another beautiful couple to inspire you in your own marriage (or future marriage). Anjuan and Aneika met in college at the University of Texas at Austin. He studied Electrical Engineering, and she studied Management Information Systems. Although their college romance ended up not … [Read more...]
Marrying for Money: Good Idea or Bad Idea?
In my last article, “Why Did You Get Married?” I posed three reasons people marry. One reason was money. Back in the day, a woman stayed home to cook, clean, raise children, and tend to her husband. Therefore, she expected her husband to provide the finances to run the house. As time goes on, parents encourage their daughters to "marry well" so they won’t have to worry about … [Read more...]
Couples Spotlight: Gregory & Kemlia Sherman
This week's spotlight is on Gregory (Greg) and Kemlia (Kem, sounds like Kim) Sherman. This couple hails from Maryland by way of South Carolina. She’s a ten-and-a-half year veteran of the US Air Force. He served in the Army for thirteen years. They’ve been married for twenty years, together for twenty-four, and have two beautiful daughters (ages fifteen and twenty) and an … [Read more...]
Why Did You Get Married?
Money? Some people choose their spouse according to the amount of money they earn. That person ranks financial security at the top of their list of desired qualities in a mate. The money person may feel as long as he or she has the money to live comfortably and buy the things they want, when they want, their goal has been achieved. He or she may feel financial security … [Read more...]
3 Ingredients for a Peaceful Blended Family
Have children from previous relationships? Wondering how to blend into one happy family? Here are some tips I found useful when I got married. I had a two year old son and my husband had no children, so he stepped into the role like a pro to help me raise my son. Excuse me, our son. Below are the three main requirements I’ve learned in the past 16 years that are essential for a … [Read more...]
Couples Spotlight: Carlton & Joyce Waterman
This week's spotlight is on Carlton and Joyce Waterman. They met as neighbors in New York around 1975 (as with most couples who have been together for so many years, they cannot remember the exact year) before getting married. They blended families to become one huge unit of seven children (all girls) and thirteen grandchildren (ranging in ages from eighteen months to … [Read more...]