I know what you are probably thinking: “Ronnie, you and Lamar have made it your mission to support relationships and marriage. And, relationships are not perfect, they have their ups and their downs…their ebbs and flows. So why in the world would you tell someone to get out?” And here is what I say to that: Lamar and I want everyone to be empowered with the right tools that … [Read more...]
Things to Do When You’re Thinking about Ending Your Marriage
If you’ve found yourself straddling the fence and it feels like your only two options are to stay in an unsatisfying relationship or get divorced, it’s a tough place to be. It’s also a critical time where your immediate actions can make a big difference to the outcome of your marriage. Hopefully, the third option is to improve your marriage and enjoy your relationship once … [Read more...]
Does Separation Lead to Divorce?
Sometimes couples cannot find resolutions to issues they have in marriage and decide to separate from each other. Many times, couples go as far as getting a legal separation which allows them to legally live apart while keeping the marriage in existence. I think a couple should try marriage counseling before someone moves out of the house. If after counseling a couple’s … [Read more...]
Divorce: A Reason to Celebrate?
Venue rented: Check! Made sure the planner took care of all of the decorations: Check! Arranged for the Limo to transport you to the venue: Check! DJ is set up: Check! Sounds like it’s going to be one great night! Yup those are some of the logistics that have to be taken care of when you are having a wedding reception, but what happens when those are the same … [Read more...]
How Personal Finances and Habits Can Tear a Marriage Apart
Surveys have shown that financial arguments are a leading cause of divorce. From secret credit cards to hidden bank accounts, it's the underlying spending habits are the real issue. A recent poll on CreditCards.com revealed that most women would end a relationship after discovering secrets about their partner's spending habits. The website's director of marketing and … [Read more...]
Here Are 5 Reasons Why I’ve Given Up In My Marriage
Do you know a married couple that never fights? Me neither. Two people. One life. Happily ever after - with a few inevitable rough spots and bumps along the journey. Sometimes those bumps in the road become hills and the hills become mountains and then what? Is giving up an option? Do we quickly begin to throw around the "D" word? Hopefully not, because that's always … [Read more...]
How a Wife Stole Christmas
by Kizzy K. Johnson It never fails; during this time of the year, I nestle under my cheerfully colored down comforter and search for those feel-good classic Christmas movies, like Miracle on 34th Street, The Sound of Music and my new classic, This Christmas. My emotions begin to toast like chestnuts on an open fire as I embrace holiday cheer, extended musical sing-alongs … [Read more...]
Sesame Street Debuts Lesson About Divorce
Originally written for a 1992 show, Sesame Street recently brought out a segment dealing with divorce. The 13-minute piece aired online Dec. 11. In this episode, Abby Cadabby, a fairy-like puppet on the show, shows how she lives in two homes: one with mommy and one with daddy. After being asked why she lived in two different locations, Abby explained that her parents are no … [Read more...]
Could You Survive Infidelity?
"...For better or for worse...in sickness and in health...'til death us do part." Before that, I think it says something about loving, honoring and cherishing each other, right? So, if your spouse decides to break those vows and let's say...have an extra-marital affair, does that justify you to break yours too and leave? There are a lot of different religious stances on … [Read more...]
Our First Marriage Counseling Session: “Divorce is NOT an Option!”
"Divorce is NOT an option!" That is what my wife and I were told at our very first marriage counseling session. It actually wasn't a counseling session, but a marriage class at our church. To us it served as a marriage counseling session. We were just over one year into our marriage, young, and completely clueless! Marriage has never been viewed the same. I firmly … [Read more...]
Video: New Book Explores The Choice to ‘Be Right or Be Married’
Dana Adam Shapiro, an Oscar-nominated documentarian, author of "The Every Boy" and ironically unmarried, released his latest piece, You Can Be Right (or You Can Be Married) this Tuesday, Sept. 4. The book includes interviews and stories from those of failed relationships and explores the reasons behind divorce. This week, Shapiro spoke alongside therapist Argie Allen on the … [Read more...]
Heartbreak Hotel: Couples Check In Friday, Divorced By Sunday – Is This Good?
Divorces are not cheap, and they're usually a drawn out process. But, what would you think about a couple who checked into a hotel on Friday and were parting ways by Sunday? That's what's going on at the Divorce Hotel. A concept by Jim Halfens, bickering spouses can check into Hotel Divorce on Friday, and with the help of mediators, tax experts, and attorneys, the couple can … [Read more...]
The #1 Reason That Couples Get Divorced
Since launching BlackandMarriedWithKids.com in December 2007, we've talked to thousands of couples in one form or another. We've communicated via email and Facebook. We've also met couples and singles face to face at our film screenings. When the topic of divorce comes up (and yes it comes up often from those who have faced divorce or have overcome it) I see a common … [Read more...]
If The Obamas Considered Divorce That Makes Us Love Them Even More
As election season kicks into high gear, we'll be hearing more personal information about both potential candidates for the United States Presidency. Just like they did four years ago, all types of accusations and claims will be made in an attempt to specifically damage the image of President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama. If you thought these types of … [Read more...]
Divorce Does Not Mean Defeat
We all know the statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2009), close to 50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. This means that if four of your siblings, cousins, or friends get married in 2012, only two of their marriages will last. Although we have the statistics, which are staggering and disheartening, we do not know the reason for each divorce. … [Read more...]