Dear Dr. Buckingham, I have been reading your articles for some time and decided to write because I feel that you are a logical professional who gives good practical guidance. I am a white woman and I am married to a black man. We have been married for ten years and have two wonderful children. I love my children and my husband, but our marriage is in trouble because of the … [Read more...]
Should I Divorce My Wife for My High School Sweetheart?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I was with my high school sweetheart for about 5 years off and on, but we were young and always broke up over childish things, but we always got back together. As a young man, I never looked at being in a relationship like average youngsters. I was really thinking about marriage and who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Well she was who I saw … [Read more...]
19 Years Old, Single and Curious: What is a Good Age to Get Married?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I'm 19 years old (not dating), and would like to be married one day. Just out of curiosity, what do you think is a good age for one to get married, and how old do you think is too young? Thank you :) Young and Curious Dear Young and Curious, Thanks for asking such an important, but subjective question. Many people have different views regarding … [Read more...]
I Am Tired of My Husband Choosing His Family Over Me. What Should I Do?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I've been married for eleven years and have one 8-year-old child. My husband has always catered to his family. However in the past three years, it has gotten worse. His mother passed away three years ago, unexpectedly. Living with his mother (at the time of her death) was his 26- year-old younger sister and 25-year-old brother. Of course because it was … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Make Your Husband Feel Loved Outside of the Bedroom
If your husband is anything like mine, he appreciates some loving outside of the bedroom. We know our husbands are sexual beings. However, there is more to the connection between husband and wife than sex. I’m talking about whatever affection is to your man. I know what affection looks like to me, but it took me some time to learn what affection means to my husband. I had to … [Read more...]
10 Things I Learned About Marriage from Watching the Obamas
When I look at relationships that I aspire to resemble in my own marriage, I look no further than our President and First Lady. To me, the Obamas are the epitome of a healthy, loving, marriage. As President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle conclude their last days in office, I want to thank them for being a wonderful example of marriage. Here are ten lessons I learned … [Read more...]
Major Key Alert: Wives Give Real Talk on How to Have an Exceptional Marriage
As a single lady who desires to be married, I constantly get messages on social media about dating, courtship and marriage. These messages come in the form of wedding photos, smiling faces, relevant scriptures and empowering statements, which are all fine, but sometimes you have to dig deeper. Single people who desire to be married one day should be intentional about … [Read more...]
3 Petty Arguments Married Couples Need to Stop Having Now
We know it's not natural to respond to someone with love when they are acting petty, shady or resentful. But it's more rewarding to reply with love than responding with the same resentment. It's easy to take our spouse for granted because they are with us day in and day out. It's easy because we know that no matter what, they are the one person who will love us to our … [Read more...]
Am I Dating a Frog? 4 Qualities That Let You Know if Your Prince Charming is Marriage Material
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am a single woman who was ready to give up on dating and marriage. With all the game-playing going on these days, I was going to throw in the towel. I could not tell who was real and serious from who was not. Recently, I met this nice professional guy and we have been dating for 7 months. Things are getting kind of serious and I think that he might be … [Read more...]
3 Tried and True Keys to Getting Into Your Marriage Flow
Your marriage flow is uniquely yours. No one can copy it. You can’t imitate someone else’s. Your marriage flow is stamped with the fingerprint of you and your mate. It is as unique as you are. You won’t find this definition in Webster’s dictionary. However, here is what it means to me. Marriage flow is the rhythm of your relationship. The heartbeat, the pulse that keeps you … [Read more...]
With All This Drama, Should I Get Married and Then Sort Out My Problems?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, Hope you are well. I have doubts about the man in my life; it's difficult to trust him. He impregnated a lady while we were dating, then I became pregnant. We broke up because I couldn't bear it; but now that our son is 4 years old, he came back and asked for forgiveness. I forgave him and he wants me to just give myself to him. He wants me to come see … [Read more...]
Singles: 4 Things You Must Do “Personally” Before Saying I Do!
Marriage is a beautiful thing when done right. Do some prep work before you say, "I do." It will set a good foundation on which to build a strong satisfying married. It definitely takes time and energy but its well worth it. Your strong foundation going into married will be invaluable. Here are 4 great points for Marriage Preparation: 1. Release the baggage accumulated … [Read more...]
3 Ways Marriage Changes Your Life for the Better
All because two people fell in love… There is a picture frame in my home with these very words on it, "All because two people fell in love". Have you ever thought about how much life changes, all because two people fell in love? When two people connect and marry, life changes in more ways than you can imagine. You think about each other all the time. You begin to finish one … [Read more...]
Men, Here are 7 All-Time Favorite Things that Will Light Her Fire
Who doesn't like feeling special? I venture to say that even if you are not looking to be noticed, it sure feels good when your man does something that says I SEE YOU, YOU ARE LOVED AND VALUED and this is how I express my appreciation. Husbands, this will benefit your marriage. You know your wife better than anyone else. What does it take to spark those flames? Your sexual … [Read more...]
Do I Stay for the Sake of the Kids? 3 Things to Consider
Every since I was a little girl, I have heard; children need both of their parents, God hates divorce, and you should stay for those kids. I agree that it is beneficial for children to be raised by two loving parents. There are certain things mommy provides and other things that daddy provides. But does that mean I must stay for the sake of the children? For that matter, where … [Read more...]