One of the main reasons we get married is the way the other person makes us feel. When someone makes you feel good, you want that person to stick around, right? But as the relationship grows, it becomes deeper than that. It’s not just about how good the person makes you feel, but how well the two of you are together. Marriage unites people on a deeper level than feeling alone. … [Read more...]
Is Your Marriage Struggling Because You Won’t Let Go?
Marriage is absolutely wonderful. It’s also incredibly hard. No matter how much you love your spouse, there will be rough patches—moments that you are struggling to survive. It’s inevitable. Any couple that tells you things are always rosy either hasn’t been married very long, or they are lying. Is Your Marriage Struggling Because You Won’t Let Go? Struggling to hold … [Read more...]
7 Tips for Finding Peace of Mind in Your Life and Your Marriage
Give anyone a choice between chaos and peace, and they will undoubtedly choose peace. Peace of mind is what we all strive for. No matter who you are, or what you do, no one wants to feel overwhelmed, stressed out or weighed down by the day-to-day burdens of life. We want freedom, joy, and the peace that comes with it. When we are unable to find inner peace, it carries over … [Read more...]
6 Critical Questions to Ask Before You Think About Divorce
I wish we lived in a world where everyone is happily married, but in real life, I know that is far from true. Many people are unhappily married and the reasons why are plentiful. Some unhappy marriages can turn into happy ones if both parties are willing to put in the work. Others will fail even if measures are taken to save what once was. Sadly, in some cases, divorce is … [Read more...]
The Cheater’s Guide to a Lifetime of Faithfulness
If you were raised in a similar environment to me, I bet you know this two sayings, “What is done in the dark will always come to light.” Sound familiar? It's all too familiar to me as God worked it out alright. Now, I know the headline, "A Cheater's Guide to a Lifetime of Faithfulness," might throw you off. But another saying, “God works in mysterious ways,” might help you … [Read more...]
How Do I Forgive My Cheating Husband after 8 Years
Therapists like myself help people develop new coping skills, adapt to change, and grow from adversity. I make this statement to help you understand that there is no such thing as “fixing” people. However, based on the fact that you are still holding on to the pain of betrayal and being dishonest with your husband, you should seek professional counseling. The only … [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...]
My Husband Left Me. Should I Take Him Back?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I have a complex question for you, but you might have a simple answer. My husband walked out on me after 15 years of marriage. We knew our relationship was in trouble and we sought counseling both inside and outside the church. We are a Christian family and are grounded in our beliefs. I did not believe in divorce, but filed for divorce after my husband … [Read more...]
7 Steps to Forgiving Your Ex And Moving on with Your Life
Have you ever thought that you had forgiven someone and moved on with your life until something happens and instantly you are transported back to that particular moment in time that you thought you had forgotten? Recently while gaining closure with an ex, that very thing happened to me. I wasn’t emotionally transported. But mentally, I went back to that very space and … [Read more...]
Don’t Be a Sucka! 5 Signs that Your Man Is Playing You for a Fool
I’ve always hated the phrase “love conquers all.” Don’t get me wrong, I am all about romance and happily ever after, but I have seem enough in my lifetime to know that love does not conquer all. Love is wonderful and magical but it isn’t enough. Have you ever heard a woman share how much she love's a man, but it's really her way of justifying his mistreatment of her. It … [Read more...]
3 Signs That Your Marriage is Really Worth Fighting For
Marriage isn’t a requirement in our culture. People get married because they want to. Now of course we can debate whether or not folks are getting married for the right reasons, but whatever those reasons are, it is a personal choice. And for most of us, the decision to get married is not one taken likely. Some serious thought usually takes place before people decide to say, … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Forgiveness in Your Marriage is a MUST
You’ve been in your relationship for years, and although you’ve made mistakes, you believe they are pretty minor compared to the devastating mistakes you’ve accepted from your spouse. Maybe she cheated on you. Maybe he squandered away a huge chunk of your savings. Or maybe, it’s a long list of smaller issues that have you realizing this relationship is not what you … [Read more...]
3 Expectations You Should Get Rid of to Improve Your Marriage
I expect my husband to mess up sometimes. Not because he’s some loser who always messes up—because that is far from true—but because he’s human. I hope he expects me to mess up too, because I will. When you enter a relationship intended to last a lifetime, there has to be an honest discussion with yourself and your spouse about what’s expected. Many marriages struggled … [Read more...]
4 Right-on-Time Prayers for Forgiveness in Your Marriage
Marriage cannot succeed without forgiveness. I know that’s a bold statement. But it’s true. Every day we have opportunity to offend one another. It may not happen on purpose. Most times it’s an accident. Yet and still, with every offense comes the opportunity to forgive. Forgiveness is one of those areas most couples, including me and mine, could spend a little extra time … [Read more...]
4 Signs That Your Man May Deserve a Second Chance
There are countless reasons to end a relationship. Sometimes the road leading to a break up is long, painful and complicated. In those instances, ending things is probably best for both parties involved. But what if things aren’t that complicated and your partner just made an awful mistake? Should your relationship end because of it? It’s a tough call to make. When you love … [Read more...]