Wednesday, December 31, 2008

What Forks in the Road Have You Handled Together?

A few days ago, as we were driving home from spending the holidays with my mom, a song, "Daybreak" by Barry Manilow -- yes I listen to Barry Manilow --...

Sunday, December 28, 2008

In 2008, Same Issues Lead the List

In 2008, the top two marriage issues we've seen the most emails, forum posts, and blog comments about are pornography and lack of sex. Other difficult issues readers comment on...

Friday, December 26, 2008

Are You Going to Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas?

If you are going to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas this year, it is time to begin! This is the First Day of Christmas -- time to give your...

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

What Do You Do With Christmas Cards?

Christmas cards are often quickly glanced at and either tossed in a pile to never be looked at again, or hung on a wall where they are difficult to read....

Monday, December 22, 2008

The "December Dilemma" in Interfaith Marriages

The "December Dilemma" in winter doesn't have to be a time of conflict in a Jewish - Christian interfaith marriage. Here are some suggestions for interfaith couples dealing with the...

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Beat the Winter Blues Together

It is snowing here! That is something that doesn't happen very often around here! Since the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, is just around the corner, think...

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Should You Blame Hugh Grant?

Bob and I are movie nuts, especially when it comes to romantic comedies. I think most people will agree that movies and television give both negative and positive messages about...

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Christmas Tree Ornaments for Couples

We think the Bride's Tree ornament collection is a lovely tradition symbolizing happiness throughout a couple's life journey together. You can purchase the entire collection of twelve ornaments or look...

Friday, December 12, 2008

Spouse 2.0 Day -- A Day for Neglected Spouses

If you think you may be neglecting your spouse, you probably are. According to The New York Times technology writer, Claire Cain Miller, December 12, 2008 is the celebration...

Monday, December 8, 2008

Before You Buy Gifts for Your Spouse

Before you head to the mall to find the perfect gift for your spouse consider giving one of the following: A Gift of Your Talents A Gift of Your Time...

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Mom's Pearl Harbor Engagement Ring

I always think of my dad, Ken Goeser, on Pearl Harbor Day, and of my mom's engagement ring. Dad had purchased an engagement ring for my mom and had...

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas for Lovers

The time is now to start gathering what you need to celebrate the special tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas with your spouse! The 12 Days of Christmas begin...

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Have You Tried Natural Aphrodisiacs to Increase Sexual Desire in Your Marriage?

I love both chocolate and avocados. So I was surprised to learn they were described as "sexy ingredients." Who would have thought chocolate, cornstarch, and avocados would be on a...

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving Day Thanks

If you are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, we hope you have a wonderful day. Reflecting back on this year, we are so very ... thankful for our loving,...

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Decide Which Traditions to Celebrate

We love the holidays and our holiday traditions. Yet there have been times in the past when following one of our favorite traditions just didn't work out. This year...

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Was James Bond Ever Married?

With all the hype about the new James Bond movie, we decided to watch some of the older films in the series. Although not romantic movies, we do enjoy watching...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Wall-to-Wall Folks in Your Home?

As we watch the news reports about the fast moving fires that have ravaged through Southern California, we are praying for the thousands of people who have to face loss...

Friday, November 14, 2008

Enjoy a Full Moon Together

We marvelled at the full moon tonight. It is so bright and huge! According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, this is a Full Beaver Moon. "For both the colonists and the Algonquin...

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Reader Question: What Happens if I Lie on Our Marriage License Application?

One of our readers, J.M., is considering lying on their marriage license application because she is embarrassed by her three previous marriages. Legal ramifications aside, we hope J.M. thinks twice...

Friday, November 7, 2008

Thanksgiving Day Memories

Picture this really big mistake we made over 45 years ago! We were married in early November. I was 19 years old and had not cooked much other than meat loaf...

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Just Whistle?

In the midst of all the political news and columns I've been reading, I almost missed Lloyd Garver's column at The Huffington Post about a device that is supposed...

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Chaotic Beginning -- Lasting Marriage

Today is our 45th Wedding Anniversary! Even though we had a chaotic wedding day, we've had a great journey together. If you are worried about glitches on your special day, read...

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Between Two Diets

Today is World Vegan Day and a marriage between a vegan and a non-vegan can face challenges. Although I'm a vegetarian and Bob likes his meat and potatoes type of...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Madonna and Guy Put Sexless Marriage in the News

With reports that Guy Ritchie and Madonna had a sexless marriage for over a year prior to their announcement that they were getting a divorce, we thought this article about...

Monday, October 27, 2008

Are you a Frog Farmer in Your Marriage?

I think Alison Armstrong's type of thinking comes across as both gender bashing and manipulation. Where is the personal responsibility of both partners? Shouldn't you communicate concern if your...

Thursday, October 23, 2008

No Sex, No Alcohol, and Take a class? No Takers.

According to an article by Helena Oliviero in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a contest open to engaged couples doesn't have any entries. The prize is $10,000 cash, free flowers, free invitations, and...

Monday, October 20, 2008

Renovation of Lives and a House

We watched the Hallmark Channel's original movie, "Ladies of the House" and enjoyed it. Birdie (Pam Grier, ?The L Word?), Rose (Florence Henderson, ?The Brady Bunch?) and Elizabeth (Donna Mills...

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Recognize Sabotage in Your Marriage

We recently received an email from a wife who couldn't understand why her husband was sabotaging her attempts to lose weight. He fussed considerably about the healthy meals she served,...

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Jennifer and Marc Renew Marriage Vows

Described as a spur of the moment decision, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony renewed their marriage vows in Las Vegas early this morning. The couple has been married for four...

Saturday, October 11, 2008

On-air Marriage Proposal in Texas

A stunned KAMC-TV anchor, Emily Leonard, said "yes" to Matt Laubhan's on-air marriage proposal. Matt is a meterologist for KLBK-TV. Both television stations are in Lubbock, Texas. Although fun and moving...

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Interfaith Couples -- Develop Your Own Holiday Traditions

With the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, interfaith couples may find themselves wondering how to handle the holidays. If you are in an interfaith relationship, here are suggestions...

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

"Why Won't She Initiate?"

Also: "Could He Take a Shower?"

Husband Appreciation Day

Why it's a good idea--and a good lesson.

Tortoise and Hare

Was I too fast or was he too slow?

Yes, It Is About Me

It's time to make marriage about more than just my spouse

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Bill & Liz's Excellent Adventure

We wanted a second honeymoon. We got more than we bargained for.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Simple Rules for Your Marriage

On her blog about being married, Heather listed "The Three Marriage Diva Rules to Stay Married By." She reminded her readers that "these rules are a two way street." Worth reading,...

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

More Marriage Advice From Our Readers

Check out some of the latest submissions at our article showing best marriage advice received by some of our readers. "Communicate, respect for self and each other, trust, faith, laugh together...

Monday, September 29, 2008

Jewish-Christian Couples and Rosh Hashanah

The winter seasonal challenge for interfaith couples on how to observe and respect one another's religious traditions begins with Rosh Hashanah. However, the "December Dilemma" in winter doesn't have to be...

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Sad News -- Death of Paul Newman

One of the most famous successful marriages in Hollywood came to an end yesterday, September 26, 2008, with the death of Hollywood icon Paul Newman at the age of 83...

Friday, September 26, 2008

Don't Be a Bystander in Your Marriage

Examining gender and power in relationships, 1,260 individuals were surveyed in the summer of 2008 by the ...

Staying in Tune

A chat with MercyMe's frontman, Bart Millard, and his wife, Shannon

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Partners or Parents?

How to make sure the rigors of child-rearing pull you together rather than push you apart

More Couples Under 65 Move In With Adult Kids

When we heard the news report that more and more married couples under the age of 65 decide to move in with their adult children, we were very surprised. The image...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Marriage in the Midst of Devastation

Right before Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast, we heard from a couple who had a gut-wrenching decision to make. As they were packing to evacuate, their 15-year old son...

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Behind Closed Doors

Comparing your marriage against statistics and polls to see if your marriage is "normal" is not a good idea. Statistics can be misleading, unreliable, and even inaccurate. A good aspect of...

Monday, September 15, 2008

The Freezer Affair

One of our recent mutual decisions is viewed as a big mistake by friends and family. We decided to move the washer, dryer, and freezer to the basement. Those opposed to...

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Reaffirm Your Love Through Marriage Rituals

We love hearing how the two of you reconnect on a regular basis through your own personal rituals. Here are a few rituals that we received from readers today: Greet each other...

Monday, September 8, 2008

Experts Share Thoughts About Teen Marriage

It is not a secret that we are not in favor of teen marriages. It is also not a secret that we married young. Bob was 23 and I was...

Saturday, September 6, 2008

It is Okay to Go Slow

Bob and I like to travel slowly. We avoid freeways as much as possible. If we see something interesting, we stop to explore. Going slow is not only okay, it is...

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Start Thinking About Your Halloween Costumes

Have you thought about what kind of couple costumes you will be wearing this Halloween? If you are still undecided, check out our categorized listing of Halloween costumes for couples....

Monday, September 1, 2008

Is Pregnancy a Reason to Get Married?

We don't think that being pregnant is a good reason to get married -- especially if the mother is still in her teens. While we wish couples much happiness and...

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Survivor: Jellystone

Why camping together s'more fun than I thought

Friday, August 29, 2008

Why You Need a Double Standard

Expecting more of yourself and less of your mate can do wonders for your marriage.

Sentimental Squirrels

According to a survey of online participants conducted in May 2008 by Kijiji.com, "more than eight in ten couples (81%) view unused items lying around the house as a source of...

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Today's Discovery

I've thought the VW Beetle was cute since I was in high school. I've always wanted a VW convertible bug. I'd even settle for a regular VW bug. Today...

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Zombie Marriages

When we first read the article by Karl Taro Greenfeld about zombie marriages we thought it might have something to do with Halloween. But that is not the case. In the...

Friday, August 22, 2008

4 Communication Firecrackers

And how to avoid them

Thursday, August 21, 2008

"What About Me-Time?"

Also: "Preventative Counseling?" "He Says 'No' to Kids"

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

From Our Inbox -- Hope

This e-mail from a 16-year-old young man made us smile and gave us hope that there are teens who are interested in having long-lasting marriages in their future. "After I read...

Monday, August 18, 2008

Enough Sharing!

I do appreciate Bob's generosity, but this week he has taken it too far. He gave me his cold. I do wash my hands a lot and I blew him...

Friday, August 15, 2008

A Movie in the Making?

Middle aged spies meet and fall in love in a far away country. Living and working in Europe, with his love of fine cuisine and encouragement, she learns to love...

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Limbaugh and His "Mouth" Comment

So, according to Rush Limbaugh, a wife is to blame if her husband strays. Limbaugh is way off the mark on this topic! We doubt Limbaugh blames a husband...

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Visits with In-Laws

Tomorrow is the big day! One of our sons is getting married! Tonight we will gather with the bride's family for an informal get together. We will be meeting most...

08/08/08 -- Great Day for a Wedding!

Our family has grown! We've been in Hawaii, along with adult kids and grandkids, for the wedding of our son Ken to his lovely Cherlyn. Listening to them say their...

The List That Saved My Marriage

What an inventory of my husband's shortcomings taught me

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Summer Lovin'

How to have a connection in this season that's ripe for rewards.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Don't Hide Your Heads in the Sand

Financial uncertainty and hardship is facing many married couples. Whether or not a marriage can survive money problems depends on their communication skills and ability to face reality. Poll:      Do...

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Cohabitation in the News Again

In the summer of 2006, we reported about a study that claimed cohabiting couples were at a greater risk for divorce. The topic of cohabitation is in the news again and...

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Celebrate Your Birthdays

In the midst of the chaos around here last week, it was Bob's birthday. Yeah, we weren't able to be in our own home and neither of us felt much...

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Another Love Story Ends Too Soon

Like so many of you, we were deeply touched by Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" and the way he and his wife Jai were living their lives knowing that Randy's days...

Thursday, July 24, 2008

One of Those Weeks

We lost our kitchen this week due to a fire. It has been one of those weeks with a lot of ups and downs both emotionally and physically. The smoky...

Monday, July 21, 2008

Compliment Your Spouse

During times of stress and uncertainty, it is even more important to sincerely compliment your spouse at least once every day. Poll: When was the last time you gave...

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Congratulations on 65 Years Together, Nick and Pearl!

Friends of ours, Nick and Pearl Giambattista, have known one another for 73 years and today they are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church...

Saturday, July 19, 2008

We Missed Flitch Day!

Although some web sites list July 19th as Flitch Day, this year the actual celebration took place in Dunmow, England on July 12, 2008. Flitch Day dates back to 1104 and...

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Importance of Having Fun Together

It is encouraging to learn that recent research studies support our belief that it is important for married couples to make time to have fun together. Sharon Jayson reports in...

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Do You Ever Rock Together?

I'm not referring to dancing, though that's a good idea, too. What I'm referring to is sitting in rocking chairs on your porch. "Rocking soothes the soul, comforts aching bones, and...

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Bribes to Attend Marriage Education Classes?

We do believe in marriage education. We wrote in January 2007, "We believe in marriage education, but we are uncomfortable with couples receiving financial incentives to attend relationship programs. Maybe...

"Fake an Orgasm?"

Also: "He's Not a Good Lover"

Monday, July 14, 2008

Spouse, Interrupted

My little digs made big holes in our relationship.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Has Romance Changed Since 1993?

In 1993, an article in Psychology Today listed in order of importance what men and woman liked in romance. Do you think these would rank the same today? Full Article:  ...

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The Five-Year Itch

In the 1950s, the so-called dangerous time in a marriage was called the "seven-year itch". In 2007, researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Germany reported that the dangerous time...

Monday, July 7, 2008

Child Brides Speak About Their Abuse

It is hard to imagine a young girl of 9 or 10 or even younger being married off to an older man. But the practice of early, forced marriages continues...

Saturday, July 5, 2008

There's a New Woman in Our Lives

After nearly 45 years of marriage, we have a new woman in our lives. We don't know her name but she has a pleasant voice and she is making our road...

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

One World, One Family, 40 Years

Ontario, California was the site for the 40th Anniversary Celebration of WWME International on June 27th through June 29th, 2008. The theme of the convention, "One World, One Family, 40 Years"...

Thursday, June 26, 2008

You Too Can Unclutter!

A recent blog on unclutterer.com reminded me of the importance of uncluttering our lives and having a plan to achieve an uncluttered lifestyle. As a couple, we are opposites in many...

Monday, June 23, 2008

Why You Should Hold Hands

We strongly believe in showing affection and the importance of nonsexual touch in marriage. Hold hands, rub one another's back, give unexpected kisses, snuggle, hug one another, reach across the...

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Summer Solstice and Midsummer Eve

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac newsletter, "Midsummer Eve (June 24) and Midsummer Day are considered sacred to lovers. On Midsummer Eve, pick seven different wildflowers, and then walk...

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Question for You

As part of my battle with clutter, I was going through a pile of old magazines the other evening, and in the February 2007 issue of Better Homes & Gardens,...

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Same-Sex Marriage Legal in California

As of June 16, 2008, gay couples can get married in California. The change in California marriage laws is due to the 5/15/08 California Supreme Court ruling that "the right...

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Tim Russert: Devoted Husband and Father

When we listened to the news about the death of Tim Russert, many reporters mentioned Tim's devotion to his family and the high value he placed on his marriage and...

Easy Ways to Save Money

Friday, June 13, 2008

Just Because

There's hidden, but amazing power to saying yes

Sex Was My Last Priority

No lovemaking until everything was in order. Boy, was I wrong!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Are We Still a Throw-Away Society with Throw-Away Marriages?

While I was researching the successful marriage of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, I came across an intriguing article in the New York Times I think is worth reading....

Monday, June 9, 2008

Should You Approach Sex as a Marathon?

Probably not. Sex as a marathon "... may not be the solution for every stagnating Marriage." In response to the publication of two books detailing daily sex for two married...

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Useless Baggage in Your Lives

Most of us have excess mental and emotional baggage in our lives that can be traced back many years. This baggage can have a negative impact on your marriage. An...

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Wordless Wednesday -- Chores

Photo: Andersen Ross / Getty Images      Check Out More Wordless Wednesday Images      Wordless Wednesdays on About ...

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Admit Your Mistakes

We are remodeling our home and in the midst of the project, we both have made mistakes in what we've ordered or purchased or stored away or tossed away and...

Monday, June 2, 2008

Summertime Can Be Good for Your Marriage

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, many folks say summer is here! We hope as you plan your summer that you do things that are both healthy and...

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Our Empty Nest is Full For a Few Days

We spent time this week child-proofing our home for two little people who will be visiting us for a couple days -- our grandchildren. One is 3 years old and...

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Wordless Wednesday -- When the Bug Bites

Photo: Sheer Photo, Inc / Getty Images      Check Out More Wordless Wednesday Images      Wordless Wednesdays on About ...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Can Underage Marriages Be Stopped?

This is not about the young marriages of couples who are 18 and 19 years old. I was 19 when we got married. This is about parents who allow their...

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Make Memorial Day More Than A Day Off Work

Although many folks don't give a second thought to why Memorial Day is a holiday, Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died -- both in remembering...

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Why Some Couples Take Separate Vacations

What should you do if one of you wants to travel somewhere that the other doesn't want to visit? Or what should you do if you want to hike for...

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Wordless Wednesday -- Red Flags

Photo: S. Meltzer / Getty Images, PhotoLink Check Out More Wordless Wednesday Images ...

Help for Mixed Diet Couples

Considering this is World Vegetarian Week, here are ways to cope with differing dietary choices if one of you likes meat and the other is a vegetarian. We think the...

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Too Much Closeness?

Leslie Kaufman of The New York Times describes the spiritual and chaste relationship of Michael Roach and Christie McNally. Roach and McNally have vowed to never be more than about...

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Plant a Vegetable Garden Together to Help Your Tight Budget

Although Bob has loved gardening since he was a young boy, I really dislike pulling weeds. However, as fresh produce and gas prices continue to soar, I have a...

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Wordless Wednesday -- Know for Sure (1941-1945)

Image courtesy of National Archives at College Park Check Out More Wordless Wednesday Images ...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Curious About the Marriages of Presidents' Children?

The media attention on the wedding of Jenna Bush and Henry Hager peaked our curiosity about the marriages of children of other sitting presidents. Of the 23 weddings of children...

Friday, May 9, 2008

True Country Music Love Story -- The Marriage of Sally and Eddy Arnold

Just a couple months after the death of his beloved wife Sally, Eddy Arnold died on May 8, 2008. Talking with columnist Beverly Keel, their grandson, Shannon Pollard, noted that...

Thursday, May 8, 2008

How to Have a TV in Your Bedroom and Serenity in Your Marriage

Even though many relationship and sleep experts warn against having a television in your bedroom, many couples make the decision to have a TV in their bedroom anyway. We found two...

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Wordless Wednesday -- Kids and Divorce

Photo: Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Check Out More Wordless Wednesday Images ...

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Mildred Loving -- Pioneer for Marriage Rights -- Died Quietly at Home

On May 2, 2008, Mildred Loving, died at her home in Central Point, Virginia. Mildred died from pneumonia at the age of 68. She is survived by two children, eight...

Don't Fuss About Taking a Marriage Education Course

MSNBC reported "Nearly a third of U.S. parents know surprisingly little about typical infant development ... Even when the researchers controlled for factors like the mother's age, education, income and...

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Pet or the Wife?

National Pet Week begins today so it seems appropriate to write about pets and marriage. "Pet or the wife" is the subject line for an email I received last week....

Saturday, May 3, 2008

"Love is a moment and a lifetime"

Today we learned of the death of a dear man, Asa Syufy, husband of Franny Syufy, the Guide to Cats here at About.com We had the joy of meeting Asa a...

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Positive information and articles of interest to married couples.

Fowl Play!

These 4 communication styles are for the birds.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Grate Expectations

Was a swanky dinner by a fireplace too much to ask?

Thanks For a Whole Lot of Nothings

My gratitude for everyday actions improved our opinions of each other.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

"Pickles" -- "You still taste good to me"

One of our favorite cartoon strips is "Pickles" by Brian Crane. "Pickles" depicts three generations of an American family with a focus on grandpa (Earl) and grandma (Opal). Brian said...

Wordless Wednesday -- Sinking Marriages

Photo: Don Farrall / Getty Images Check Out Wordless Wednesday Images ...

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

May Day and Lei Day -- More Days to Have Fun Together

Although you shouldn't need an excuse to take a day and have fun together, May Day and Lei Day give you more excuses to make time to have fun together....

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Harmful Behaviors to Avoid

Falling into negative patterns in the way you relate and respond to one another not only hurts one another, continuing the behaviors can end your marriage. These negative behaviors can't...

Friday, April 25, 2008

Financial Infidelity Getting Attention Again

Dan Kadlec, a contributing writer to Money Magazine has important tips for couples dealing with money problems: " Marriage counselors say that half of all couples fight about spending and...

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Consider a Vacation in Your Backyard -- A Staycation

The high price of gas this year has many couples rethinking their summer plans. A vacation in your backyard could solve your concerns about high gas prices this summer. "Staycation is...

Consider a Vacation in Your Backyard

The high price of gas this year has many couples rethinking their summer plans. A vacation in your backyard could solve your concerns about high gas prices this summer. You don't...

Monday, April 21, 2008

Would You Put a Cornfield in Your Front Yard?

Early advocates of living green, Green Acres star Eddie Albert and his wife Margo had an unpretentious home with a cornfield in the front yard and a large greenhouse for...

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Passover Tips for Jewish-Christian Couples

During the celebration of major religious celebrations such as Easter and Passover, interfaith couples may find themselves wondering how to be supportive of one another's faith traditions. Here are some tips...

Friday, April 18, 2008

Is Mutuality a Shared Value in Your Marriage?

When the two of you don't stomp on one another's hopes and dreams, when you both try to understand each other's goals and fears, when both of you honestly want...

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Did Any Popes Have Wives?

Answer:      Yes. There isn't much detailed information about the early popes but there is historical evidence that some popes were married. However, their decision to marry was made...

What is the Marriage Tax Penalty?

The difference between what you pay in taxes as a married couple and what you would pay as two single persons is often referred to as the marriage tax penalty. In...

He Drives Me Crazy

Marriage lessons from the road

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Twelve Dates

Here's a fun way to celebrate your anniversary all year long.

When a Son Kills

Gene and Carol Kent had a loving family, strong faith, and a great marriage. One gunshot changed everything.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Heartbreaking Situation of Extreme Control and Abuse

Now that it has been revealed in news reports that law enforcement officials apparently knew about young girls being forced into early marriages at the 1,700-acre Yearning for Zion Ranch...

Go Ahead and Have That Second Wedding Ceremony

If you and your spouse had a secret marriage, it is okay to have a second wedding ceremony to celebrate your love and commitment for one another with your relatives...

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

A 65-Year Marriage Ends -- Lydia and Charlton Heston

Click for larger image Lydia was Charlton's first date and his first love. Their 65-year marriage ended on April 5, 2008, when Charlton died at home, with Lydia by his side. When...

Your Age, Whether or Not You Share in Household Chores, and How Much Money You Earn

What do these three factors have in common? They are some of the ways you can lower your odds for divorce before you get married: Wait until you are around...

Vertically Challenged -- More Jealous

The British weekly, New Scientist, reported claims of scientists who say the results of their study reveals that shorter people have a tendency to be more jealous than taller folks. This...

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Questions Surround Thomas Beatie and Nancy Roberts

Thomas Beatie (aka Tracy LaGondino) and Nancy Roberts are in the news and on Oprah's television show because Thomas is reportedly pregnant. "Thomas Beatie of Bend, Ore., is unusual in several...

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Historic Policy Change

It may only be 120 square feet of living space, but it is home to husband-and-wife soldiers in Iraq who have been given private quarters. A policy change made by...

Monday, March 31, 2008

Keep April Fool's Day Loving

Don't let tricks and jokes hurt your marriage. Our first April Fool's Day together was a disaster. We received an email from Nick, a 57 year old married guy, about...

Friday, March 28, 2008

Activities to Help Deepen Your Marriage Relationship

Here are activities to help deepen your marriage relationship. Don't try to do all of them at once. Take just one or two that you think would be the most...

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Are You Stressed in Your Marriage?

Although the level of stress that is assigned to marriage varies depending on which life events stress tests you take, being married is considered by some to be a highly...

Monday, March 24, 2008

What is Your Image of Marriage?

There are four general images of marriage: Contract Covenant Sacrament Friendship We think being friends with your spouse is critical to having a successful marriage. Your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know what...

Sunday, March 23, 2008

CPAP Issues? Make Time for Sex!

I just read an article by JoNel Aleccia on how "hoses, masks and whirring noises make CPAP romance a little challenging" and I am concerned. Apparently some spouses believe that...

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Interfaith Marriage Stumbling Blocks and Coping Strategies

Every marriage will have some stumbling blocks, but interfaith marriages often have a few extra challenges. Although these issues need to be discussed and dealt with prior to your marriage,...

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Give Your Marriage a Spring Cleaning

Click for larger image Here in the northern hemisphere, the first day of spring varies between March 20th and March 21st. This day, also known as the vernal equinox, is a...

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Are You a Maternal Gatekeeper?

Although many women complain about their husbands not helping around the house, they may be actually inhibiting their spouse's involvement in housework and child-care by subtle sabotage. Included in the...

Monday, March 17, 2008

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Together

Even if you can't claim an Irish heritage, you can celebrate how lucky the two of you are to have found one another to love! Related: Top Ten St. Patrick's...

Sunday, March 16, 2008

A One Night Stand With Each Other is a Good Idea

Getting away together is something we highly recommend.One night stands are important to your marriage. That is -- one night stands with one another! You should find time to get away...

Can the Remote Control Undermine Your Marriage?

One of my favorite cartoons is "Pickles" which portrays the marriage of an elderly couple. A recent ...

"With His Wife By His Side ..."

I cannot express the depth of my "cringe response" when I hear the words, "with his wife by his side ..." when an unfaithful politican drags his shellshocked wife to...

Marriages of Academy Award Nominees and Winners

Part of the fun of watching the Academy Awards is seeing who shows up with who and which stars remember to thank their spouses. Here is a listing of married...

Make the Most of This Coming Friday -- Use the Extra Day for Your Relationship

Since this is a Leap Year -- Friday is an extra day! How about making this a day for the two of you, or at least, an evening for the two...

Are You Suspicious?

If you have suspicions that your spouse is having an affair, you may be wondering what to do. Here are some suggestions to help you cope with your suspicious thoughts...

Create More Intimacy in Your Marriage

Intimacy in your marriage involves more than having good sex. Intimacy is achieved when the two of you can share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings with one another. So do...

What You Need to Know About Emotional Affairs

An emotional affair generally starts innocently enough as a friendship. Emotional affairs are often gateway affairs leading to full blown sexual infidelity. Here's information about what an emotional affair is, how...

Another Reason to Give Flowers

Click for larger image Throughout our marriage Bob has made sure that I have flowers around me. Often times it is a single bloom that I find in a vase by...

Who is to Blame When a Husband is Unfaithful?

Question: Who is to blame when a husband is unfaithful? The other woman The wife The husband Answer: The husband! I naively assumed that this was something that most people would agree on. I was...