A couple weeks ago, Essence.com relationships editor Charli Penn-Watkins (also the great blogger behind the Man, Wife, Dog blog) got a chance to sit down with Will Smith while his wife Jada was completing interviews for her HawthoRNe. Mr. Smith gave some candid relationship advice and this little nugget stood out for me: "If you don't give your husband thirty minutes to … [Read more...]
Denying Yourself Is Good For Your Marriage
Ever notice how much we are willing to sacrifice in certain areas of our lives and not as much in others? On our jobs for instance, we are quickly able to curb the desire to let a co-worker have it when we have been wronged; or to tell a boss exactly where and how to shove it. Because the result of surrendering to our urges at work is so great (we lose our job), we normally … [Read more...]
Maybe Marriage Isn’t That Complicated
by Tara Pringle Jefferson The more I chose to focus on the positives, the better my marriage becomes. The more I chose to listen to my husband, the more he tends to open up and let me in to his innermost thoughts. The more I ask for help in keeping the house clean, the more my husband takes the initiative to tackle chores on his own. The more I show gratitude for … [Read more...]
Sometimes Mistakes Make The Magic
by Tara Pringle Jefferson My fourth wedding anniversary is in three days (woo hoo!) and I can't help but notice that as our relationship has matured, our disagreements (and the aftermath) have become so much more pleasant. Everything is much calmer, and I feel like we've turned a corner. We've learned how to give each other the love we desire, in the love language the other … [Read more...]
How Do Couples Outgrow One Another?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Sadly, as my circle of married friends shrinks my frustration grows. BMWK family, I have been with you long enough and I feel comfortable enough with you to vent. What I am most disturbed about the dissolution of my friends' marriages is the reasoning behind the decision. Infidelity and abuse (physical, emotional or substance) I get. Even with … [Read more...]