Dr. Buckingham, I am a 32-year-old woman married to a man 18 years older than me. We have been together 11 years married for 9 with 3 beautiful children. Life was great at one time but that was many years ago. This marriage has been unhappy for about 6 years. It's like one day a light bulb popped on in my head and I thought, "OH God what did I do." I want to reconnect with my … [Read more...]
Help! My Marriage is in Trouble, and I Think My Mother is to Blame
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My 10-year marriage is on the rocks, and I'm starting to believe that my mother is the cause. I grew up watching my mother being aggressive toward my father. She often told him what to do, and he did not push back. He was not good with expressing his emotions unless he was angry. I believe he took her stuff and just focused on being a great … [Read more...]
Can My Marriage Survive Separation?
Hi Dr. Buckingham, My husband and I have been together for 10 years and married for 5 of those years. We're now separated since January of 2014. We started having some serious issues about 2 years after we were married (2011) and it just seems that we can't get back on the right track. We're both Christians, and take our faith seriously. That's a major reason we haven't … [Read more...]
I Want My Husband To Be Emotionally Available: Am I asking Too Much?
Dear Dr Buckingham, I have been married for just a year and we were dating off and on for 10 years because he was deployed a lot and I was stationed elsewhere. We both already had 1 son from previous relationships, and 3 years ago we had a son together. BLENDED! Over the past 7 to 8 years my husband has gained about 175 pounds and he gets depressed. When I tell him to cut … [Read more...]
Should I Stay in an Unhappy Marriage for the Sake of the Kids?
Dr. Buckingham, I am speaking from the wife's point of view. My husband and I have a similar story to this couple. Some details ring true, my husband had inappropriate text messages with a former neighbor and lied about it when I gave him the opportunity to discuss my suspicions. I have a very strong gut reaction that tells me when something is not right. Earlier in our … [Read more...]
Ask Dr. Buckingham: When is It Time to Leave My Marriage?
Dr. Buckingham, My Name is Ashley, and I am married with 2 children: 1 girl and 1 boy whom has Autism. My husband and I have been married for 4 1/2 years. We are not as connected as we used to be. There are a lot of things that I could name that he is not doing for my sake or his kids’ sake; mind you they are 3, and 5 years old. I am drained in the relationship and am not … [Read more...]