There's a well known saying, "happy wife, happy life." I know some men who love it. But, I also know it rubs some men the wrong way when they hear it. Sure, they want to make their women happy, but how about their happiness. A happy husband is as important to a lasting relationship as a happy wife. Unfortunately, society often reduces the man's happiness to a sweaty romp under … [Read more...]
20 Essential Elements for a Happy Marriage – Your Must-Have Checklist
I think lists are awesome. How would I get anything done without a list? I’ve tried and I can tell you that although things still get done, it’s a whole lot harder. I forget stuff. I don’t do things in a timely manner. And worst of all, I end up feeling a lot more stressed than I would have if I had just used a darn list. With that in mind, I hope this list of 20 elements for a … [Read more...]
6 Practices of a Marriage That Runs Like a Well-Oiled Machine
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...]
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...]
A Few Suggestions that Will Set Your Marriage Up for a Year of Success
It doesn't matter if you're newlyweds or if you've been married for 20 years or more, you must be intentional about preparing your marriage for success. It really won't work without you and your spouse's active participation. And, success looks different depending on the couple you ask. But one thing that I know for sure is that the majority of us want joy and happiness in … [Read more...]
5 Critical Choices You Need to Make Daily to Have a Marriage That Lasts a Lifetime
I don't take for granted that I have a fulfilling, happy and amazing relationship with my husband. Is everything perfect? Of course not. But everything is perfect for us and our relationship. Over the decade that we've been married, we've seen a lot of marriages fail. And every time, we hear of another failed marriage, it leads us to dialogue about our own marriage. We bring … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Have a Happy Marriage, Even If You’ve Never Seen One
I grew up around a variety of marital situations. I had relatives that were single, that were married and then divorced, that were cohabiting (and I never knew they weren’t married until I was older) and that were married for a very long time. My parents have been married for over 40 years, and my grandparents were married until death did they part. And although I saw … [Read more...]
5 Simple Ways to Have a Ridiculously Happy Marriage
When I tell people how long my husband and I have been together, I usually get the jaw drops and wide eyes. And yes, 16 years sounds like a long time, with ten years of marriage, but it honestly doesn't feel that long. I know. I used to look at people like they were crazy when they said stuff like that, and now I'm saying stuff like that because I get it. I get it because … [Read more...]
How to Plan for Your Marriage the Same Way You Planned Your Wedding
Ever notice how much time, energy and effort a couple puts into the planning of their wedding? First, they begin well in advance. They are considering everything needed, all the details, in order to have the wedding of their dreams. For many, it begins almost immediately after the proposal. Next, they select the group of people who will support and stand with them leading up … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Have a Happy Marriage, Even if You Didn’t See Any Growing Up
I grew up around a variety of marital situations. I had relatives that were single, that were married and then divorced, that were cohabiting ( and I never knew they weren’t married until I was older) and that were married for a very long time. My parents have been married for over 40 years and my grandparents were married until death did they part. And although I saw … [Read more...]
What Happy Couples Do Better Than Other Couples
Have you ever observed a couple who appear to be totally in tune with one another? A couple who really seem to have “it”? They look good together, communicate well and simply put, seem truly connected. Joy isn't always present in relationships, so when we see a couple who exudes this type of bliss we take notice. Joy is usually the goal for most marriages. Unfortunately, not … [Read more...]
Don’t Hate! Happy Marriages Really DO Exist
Recently, I was talking to a friend about relationships and marriage. She made the statement that, “You know, you see those couples who are always so happy and never have anything bad to say. No one can ever be that happy.” I had to really think about what she said as I was a little taken aback. This was probably in part because I’m that person that will always post about how … [Read more...]