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...]
7 Simple Trust Building Exercises for Your Marriage
If you’re anything like me, growing up, you heard “trust is easy to lose and hard to regain.” Have you found this to be true? It can be challenging for some spouses to place all their faith into their spouse. Sometimes, a lack of trust is a result of not so favorable life experiences even without any major hurtful betrayals occurring. However, if you add a betrayal to … [Read more...]
5 Very Personal Issues That Are Getting in the Way of Your Happily Ever After
Whether you find yourself single, married or somewhere in between, trying to build a healthy, lasting relationship isn’t always easy. It takes time and hard work. Furthermore, it requires a level of introspection that actually makes most people uncomfortable. But the more we are willing and able to take a closer look at who we are and how we move through the world, the more … [Read more...]
I Never Knew What Betrayal Felt Like, and It Almost Ruined Me
We usually learn everything we need to know about relationships from the ones we experience around us—mostly our parents, friends, neighbors, etc. For better or worse, those experiences prepare us, usually toughening up our armor to take our own battles for love and happiness in the outside world. But for those individuals who are ill-prepared for the fight, what happens … [Read more...]
The 3 Elements that Make a Very Powerful Marriage
I have talked to many people who either came from bad situations or never had the opportunity to trust in their relationships. We see an example of how to trust in Christianity; the foundation of the relationship with Christ is to trust in Him and believe in Him even when we can't see with certainty what we desire in the present moment. The same is true of relationships with … [Read more...]
Control, What Does it Really Represent in Your Relationship?
Is control the dominant force driving your romantic relationships, friendships or business partnerships? If so, fear is alive and well in your relationships. People create defense mechanisms, which manifest themselves as control issues or tactics because they fear losing someone or something they value. Control is not at all about the person being controlled. It is, however, … [Read more...]
How to Make Sure Your Marriage is Built on the Right Foundation
Do you remember the story of the three little pigs and the wolf? The first two pigs built their houses with straw and sticks quickly then partied because they were lazy. The third pig worked hard to build his house with bricks. The wolf watched as the first two pigs sang and danced and commented that they were easy prey so he went to the first house of straw and blew it … [Read more...]
Is It Ever Okay To Go Through Your Man’s Things?
If you haven’t been there personally, you probably have a friend who has—going through her man’s phone, wallet, car—wondering if she will stumble upon some incriminating evidence that he’s doing something wrong. Sometimes the evidence is there—clear as day, begging the question, did she really need to go through his things to figure that out? And sometimes, there is nothing … [Read more...]
The 3 Harmful Insecurities That May Be Killing Your Marriage
Insecurities can develop in different ways. Something in the past could trigger it, or a life event such as a job lay off or having kids could implant it. It is normal to have insecurities about some things but be careful to not let them harm your marriage. Insecurities can cause you to mistrust your spouse because you feel you are not worthy of him/her. Some reasons could … [Read more...]
Women: Your Man Thinks These 4 Insensitive Behaviors Are a “Big Deal!”
PSA: The male emotions and ego must be handled with care. Ok, ok, ok let me back up before some of you ladies get to thinking “aww another article about how sensitive men are! Well, the truth of the matter is, that article received thousands and thousands of views because it touched on topics that many of your men wanted to tell you. However, they didn’t tell you mainly … [Read more...]
If God Really Told You to Lead Her, Then Here Are 2 Critical Things You Must Know How to Do
I am really intrigued with this one. When I first heard the story that Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback, Russell Wilson, has a new girlfriend, singer Ciara, it didn’t register a blip on my radar of care or concern. Then when I heard they were trying not to have sex, I was like, “Why put that out there…so if you end up having sex, then the whole world is going to judge … [Read more...]
Master These 3 Traits and You’re Ready for Marriage
You've heard it a million times. Marriage is hard. Marriage is difficult. Marriage takes work. Clichés are clichés for a reason. Sometimes we hear them so often that it's easy to forget the truth they lay out so clearly. The coupling of two worlds into one new, whole, complete, and fully functional mega-world is no easy feat. And like any difficult thing, it takes skill … [Read more...]
He Cheated While We Were Dating. Will He Cheat When We Get Married?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I'm not sure where to start, so I'll just go for it. I'm somewhat currently engaged to whom I thought was the man of my dreams. On March 25, 2015, he released information he'd been holding in for quite some time. He'd slept with over six different women in the three-year timeframe of our relationship. And he slept with 1 of the 6 actually on numerous … [Read more...]
3 Ways God Can Lead You During Dating Season
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. There may be someone you know that is leery of marriage for fear they may end up with the wrong person. That’s a legitimate concern because no one wants to get hurt. There are many paths we will take in life and … [Read more...]
3 Reasons You Need to Seek God Daily Whether You’re Married, Engaged or Single
A message my pastor brought was on how to make it through tough times. He said that we should allow God to take control because He sees what we cannot. We have to learn to trust Him with every decision we have to make. He said before we make a decision we out to seek God. So I thought I would share that we should seek him in our relationships too regardless if we are married, … [Read more...]