When I hear the phrase "well-oiled machine" I think of something smooth and efficient with little to no defect. But I also know it earned its reputation as a result of a lot of hard work by everyone involved with bringing the product to market. Take a BMW for instance. No matter the series, a BMW is a much-coveted vehicle that has set the standard for many others. But it didn't … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Openness Can Change the Course of Your Marriage
The longer I am married, going on 17 years now, the more I am convinced that tying the knot is not meant for the weak at heart or the weak minded. A good marriage takes the kind of work that requires each individual to be all in...for life. Ask anyone who's been successfully married for a while and they will tell you that communication is the driving force behind their … [Read more...]
How to Shut Down an Argument Without Shutting Down Your Spouse
What couple hasn’t had an argument? All couples disagree. It’s natural. In fact, it is normal to have differing opinions from time to time. What’s not normal is fussing and cussing, going back and forth, and arguing till someone shuts down. Similarly, if you're not careful, instead of shutting down the argument, you can end up shutting down your spouse. So, let's reverse this. … [Read more...]
At Last! The Secret To A Happy Marriage Is Revealed
I was at a restaurant not too long ago and saw an older couple. Maybe in their late 70s or early 80s, there was an air of serenity about them that bespoke decades of life and love together. They ate in comfortable silence, but somehow I just felt they were conveying something beyond words. As they walked out holding hands, I couldn't help but wonder. What's their secret? We … [Read more...]
4 Healthy Ways to Change Your Marriage in 2018
Well, 2017 is almost outta here! It's been one heck of a year. When it comes to a fulfilling relationship with your spouse, 2017 either knocked your socks off or left you wanting. If you're one of the lucky ones, you and your spouse took on the world like Bonnie and Clyde. You were in this life together. Your relationship was untouchable and everyone around you knew it. Your … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Keep Your Junk (Baggage) from Ruining Your Marriage
Our trip to Virginia was not going to be long...just a few days. So, I decided to pack lightly. It was still warm in Georgia and without checking Virginia's weather forecast, I packed my bags with clothes appropriate for Georgia weather. Needless to say, I was surprised as the weather grew significantly cooler the further north we traveled. It turns out a "cold front" was … [Read more...]
5 Conversations You Can’t Avoid If You Want A Happy Marriage
In order for your marriage to stand the test of time, you have to be able to communicate your needs, frustrations, desires, and so much more. Without communication, your marriage inevitably suffers. Effective communication is the cornerstone of a happy marriage. But what some people fail to realize is that it’s not just a matter of communicating. Even if you talk to your … [Read more...]
Communication in Marriage: 4 Signs You and Your Spouse are Finally Maturing
Okay let’s be honest…if you’re with someone for any extended period an argument or two is inevitable. Sometimes the smallest things just turn into WWII for no reason. Emotions get high, things are said that shouldn’t be, and then a week later you’re still mad at each other. Let’s just say my wife and I had a little spat yesterday. But as I look back at it, I realized how far … [Read more...]
The One Thing You MUST Have If You Want Good Communication with Your Spouse… No Exceptions
There is one thing that needs to be present before you can even begin having or improving communication with your spouse - honesty. And not only do you have to be honest, but you also have to be honest often. Do just one or the other, or none at all, and you risk constructing your communication on shaky ground. Let me explain. Honesty is a must! Honesty is very bottom rung on … [Read more...]
The Very First Thing You Should Do When You Want to Improve Communication with Your Spouse
The one thing that people often overlook, when they are trying to improve communication with their spouse, is some critical but necessary self-reflection. You see, when you are lacking in communication skills with your spouse, often times, its because the communication patterns, that were useful at one point in your life, are now outdated and just don't flow well in your … [Read more...]
Couples: 5 Things to Do When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired
Have you ever felt like, during a disagreement with your spouse, that you've been there and done that? Maybe it has started to feel like deja vu whenever you and your spouse are at odds. Arguing over the same behaviors over and over again is tiring. It will put an unnecessary strain on your marriage and honestly what couple ever wants that? There are several reasons … [Read more...]
Better Communication: How to Keep from Cussing Your Spouse Out When They “Take You There”
Recently, I sat in a Starbucks and couldn't help but overhear a couple’s very loud argument. Of course every couple disagrees. However, there was something a little extra with this one. All I could hear was the woman cussing the guy out. She yelled, called him an idiot, told him to shut the ___ up and eventually told him to just get the __ out. I was stunned by what I heard … [Read more...]
3 Things You Should Never Ever Say to Your Husband
After 8 years of marriage and more than 20 years of friendship, my husband and I have had our share of ups and downs. We have a good thing going, but neither of us is perfect. We’ve each made mistakes, for sure. And what keeps us together and happy is not just how we manage things when mistakes occur, but It’s also how we treat each other at all times. I always knew that I … [Read more...]
17 Reasons I’m Grateful for My Wife
Recently, after some big life transitions, my wife and I have been having trouble communicating. Maybe that's an understatement - we spend the majority of the month giving each other side-eyes through the routine conversations we need to get through the day... followed up by nights of making it blatantly obviously we're avoiding skin contact while we sleep. My mother moved … [Read more...]
If You’re Tired of Complaining to Your Spouse, Try These 3 Things Instead
We all have something to complain about: Too short, too big, inconsiderate, self-centered, you never cook, not enough money, never home, workaholic, drinks too much, plays video games too much, she spends too much money, he doesn't have a job, not enough sex, talks too much, doesn't communicate... I have found that having something to complain about is the easy part. … [Read more...]