Not too long ago, I wrote about moves that would make people think that your co-parenting game was on point. When it wasn’t. Fake moves. In the long run, though, you want to drop the fake moves and create a genuine relationship built on trust, respect, and of course mutual love for your children. Where do you start? For some people, it comes rather easy. They just decide, … [Read more...]
3 Communication Signals Your Spouse Sends When They Start to Check Out of Your Marriage
No one wants to believe, much less be told, they are in a bad marriage. I mean, the typical walk down the aisle has usually been vetted with life circumstances that prepared the bride and groom for this commitment of a lifetime. The experiences they have faced up to that point and the way they have handled them solidified their conviction that they could handle anything … [Read more...]
5 Crucial Communication Tips to Achieve Oneness in Your Marriage
I don’t know how many times this has happened. My husband will be talking with someone and suddenly find himself at a loss for words. He knows what he wants to say, but he’s not quite sure how to say it. Then, I will pipe in and finish the thought, phrase, or sentence for him. We look at each other, nodding in agreement that we’re both on the same page. Some who don't know us … [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...]
5 Things Every Wife Needs Her Husband to Understand
If there is anything almost nine years of marriage has taught me, it’s that I can’t get my husband to read my mind. Yep, despite my best efforts, that brotha just can’t do it. Consider it a shortcoming if you must, but I realize that he’s just human. My husband is actually human. Shocking, right? After all, didn’t he get the memo that marrying me meant that he needed to … [Read more...]
3 Things You Need to Do if You Want Your Marriage to Have a Fighting Chance
Sometimes, my husband gets on my last nerve. I don’t care how wonderful I think he is (and he is wonderful), he is human. He has the capacity to work my nerves. But I’m no fool. I am certain I can do the same. There is no doubt in my mind that I get on his nerves, too. And although getting on each other’s nerves is pretty common in even the happiest marriages, it does make … [Read more...]
4 Ways to STOP Fighting Over the Kids and START Parenting Together
“United we stand and divided we fall”, or so the adage goes. It is true in politics and in life. And when it comes to your children and how to discipline them this saying is 100% true. We’ve all been there, you think you should discipline your child a certain way and your spouse wants to handle it differently. You each become stuck in your position, unwilling to concede, … [Read more...]
A Dozen Great Ways to Keep Your Relationship Fresh
As I reflect on my relationship (which I have been in now for over 16 years, more than a 1/3 of my life), I am so grateful for the fact that it doesn’t feel that long. In fact, the longer we're in it, the better it gets. And as I take a step back to reflect, there are definitely some intentional things that we did that have kept us both happy, fulfilled, and feeling like the … [Read more...]
9 Scriptures that Keep You From Harming Your Spouse with Your Words
Sometimes you need to give your spouse the silent treatment. I know this sounds weird and contradictory, so let me explain. I’m talking about speaking life. And when you can’t speak life, that’s the time to use the silent treatment. My mom (and maybe your mom too) used to say, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Well that saying still holds true … [Read more...]
5 Vacation Rules for Couples – Use Them If You Want to Have Fun Together
I have traveled alone for years...which I highly recommend you try to do at least once in life.) I've also traveled with friends, in groups, with family, and with my boyfriend (now husband) and each type of travel experience has its challenges and benefits. However, the one that is often the most delicate is traveling with your spouse or significant other. Many couples go … [Read more...]
Why Fighting For My Marriage is the Best Thing I’ve Ever Done
A few years ago, Don and I were at a crossroad in our marriage and we had to decide if we were going to remain married even though we didn’t like each other. It was not easy to live with this question hanging over my head nor was it pretty. The realization that we did not like each other was painful, but we had no idea how to break from it. One day, we decided to have a … [Read more...]
Seven Strategies that Saved My Marriage
I’m going to be totally honest with you: sometimes, I am annoyed when folks say they want a marriage like mine and Don’s. What they don’t know is that we experienced many ups and downs in our marriage. The 'downs' seemed to last forever. We’ve experienced the difficulties of blending a family, numerous periods of unemployment, a child going to jail, alcoholism and an emotional … [Read more...]
A Clear Sign that Your Spouse Needs Your Attention
Imagine you and your spouse are walking the milky-colored beaches of Turks & Caicos with another BMWK cruise couple. Your spouse grabs your hand and points towards a purple starfish on the edge of the water. “Babe, look at that starfish. I didn’t know they could be purple.” You nod (without looking up), say uh-huh and continue thumbing through your Instagram feed. You … [Read more...]
Remember, Your Kids are Learning How to Love by Watching You
I have two kids and one on the way. If there is anything they have taught me, it’s how to be more mindful of how I behave and interact with others. Kids are always watching you. Even when you think they aren’t, they are. I believe it’s their way of trying to make us better people. Now don’t get me wrong; I don’t think you should change who you are because your kids are … [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...]