While this is the most wonderful time of the year for some, the holiday season can be really tough for many. Some people have painful memories connected to this time of the year, like the loss of a loved one, while some are struggling with what is often referred to as the winter blues. So what exactly are the winter blues? It depends on who you ask. Some refer to the winter … [Read more...]
Do You Have an In Case of Emergency Contact List for Marriage Support?
Conflict arises in marriage. And when that happens, it's natural to need an ear or a shoulder sometimes. We need our moments to vent and to get some helpful feedback. But we need to be careful that those we're allowing into our marriage aren't doing more harm than good with their advice, or lack thereof. Be sure that you're talking about your marriage with the right people by … [Read more...]
5 Comforting Tips for Women Whose Husbands Are Fat-Shaming Them
I spent a good part of my childhood hoping to lose weight. The only childhood memory I have of being thin is when I was about 4. Growing up in a home where rice, beans and fried plantains were staples was hard for a girl who loved food. Food served as my comfort for years. I have to admit that even though I am now a certified health coach, food still is my comfort. I’ve just … [Read more...]
Singles Ladies, Why Are You Trying to Do Bad All by Yourself?
I have been thinking a lot about gender roles in relationships. I'm beginning to understand through conversations with others in my field that gender roles are even more important in relationships than I originally thought. Think about it. If a woman can do anything and everything without me, then what does she really need me for—other than a "jump off?" Whether it's … [Read more...]
Think Your Marriage Can Survive a Major Illness? 7 Ways to Support a Spouse with a Chronic Health Issue
Do you recall your wedding vows? Did you mean it when you recited them? I want to take a look at one specific one, the one that says “in sickness and in health.” Many couples probably don’t think about what will happen if illness shows up, but it can be catastrophic. Chronic illness in a relationship can often place a strain on finances, communication, intimacy, emotional … [Read more...]
What Happens When You Celebrate the Good in Your Spouse Instead of Focusing on the Bad
Most of us are tougher on ourselves than anyone else would ever be. Unfortunately, that means we can also be tougher on our spouses than anyone else would be. When we enter marriage, we all enter with a set of expectations. Our hope is that those expectations will be met. When they aren’t, we have a lot to say, and it’s typically not very pretty. But are our marital … [Read more...]
Wives: 5 Ways to Get Holiday Help from Your Husband
I am big on asking my husband for help. I’m not bragging because I had to learn this lesson the hard way. I would get mad and frustrated because I felt like this dude would sit and watch me struggle to keep up with things. I remember thinking, “is he blind?” He wasn’t. He just wasn’t look at things from my perspective. What was causing me stress wasn’t even on his … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Marriage Is Worth the Hard Work
Time and time again we hear about how marriage is hard work. That said, we aren’t always faced with a message that has us running to the altar to marry someone. And, indeed, the truth is that marriage is hard work; I just can’t lie to you about that one. However, with the work that goes into it come incredible benefits. If you don’t believe me, you really have to shift your … [Read more...]
9 Insanely Simple Ways to Show Your Spouse Appreciation, How Many Do You Do?
One of the top complaints often heard from married couples is feeling underappreciated. When you put in a great deal of effort to meet the needs of your spouse, hurt feelings can develop if you feel like they don’t truly recognize and appreciate what you do. Having a successful marriage and family is hard work, and although most of us don’t need anything in return for all that … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Your Husband Doesn’t Help Out More
I think some men are great with offering their wives a suitable level of help and support with day-to-day responsibilities. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that many of the women I know could share a complaint or two (or three) about their husband just not helping out enough (I am definitely not trying to make men look bad, so stay with me here). So what’s going on? With … [Read more...]
6 Reasons Why You Need to Support Your Spouse’s Dreams
We all know the saying, "Behind every great man is a great woman." While this is true, I'd also like to believe that behind every great WOMAN is a great MAN. As a newlywed, I'm learning that one of the best things I can do for my husband is support his dreams. While working a 9-5, he's also diligently working towards his music aspirations. And although I've taken a liking to … [Read more...]
5 Signs that Maybe It’s Time to Break Up
As human beings, we tend to hold on to what’s familiar and comfortable, even when it is hurting us. We know it’s not the right thing to do, but we also know that it can often feel like the easiest thing to do. And unfortunately, we too often let easy trump what best in our lives. We always hear people say that relationships are hard work (I know I’ve said it many times … [Read more...]
Congressional Staffers Walk Out and Raise Their Hands in Support
On Thursday, a gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees walked out in protest of the recent grand jury decisions failing to indict the two officers who killed Eric Garner and Michael Brown. They raised their hands in the air, invoking the last words of Brown's "Hands up, don't shoot", protesting of the killing of unarmed black men by police. This … [Read more...]
The Truth about Why Your Wife Wants You to Go On Grown Man “Play-Dates”
Remember when Chris Rock did his bit in the “Never Scared” comedy special about how women always try to set their husbands up on “grown man play dates?” The audience roared with laughter as he went on about being stuck in a room with a man he didn’t know, simply because their wives said they both liked baseball. It's the kind of joke that was extra funny because so much of it … [Read more...]
What Your Husband Really Thinks About Your Natural Hair (Too Funny)
I ran into this hilarious post by NaijaHusband over at NaijaHusband.com about what its like to be married to a woman who embraces her natural hair. I'm telling you that I could not stop laughing through the entire thing. In the post he lists 8 things that husbands should adapt to once their wives return to their natural. Here are just a couple things that he says that men … [Read more...]