The way couples tackle problems reveals a lot about their relationship. Working together to constructively solve problems reduces stress and increases the strength of the marriage. Developing good problem-solving skills helps couples decide how to respond to problems together. Everyone solves problems on a daily basis, yet we rarely stop to consider how we arrived […]
Today’s fast-paced society can prevent married couples from spending quality time with one another. We are faced with more distractions than ever before. Increased technology often means more distractions. Cell phones ring at dinner, emails get answered during the evenings, the radio plays while on car rides, and the television can be heard as background […]
Trust is a very important aspect of any relationship. Trusting your partner is essential to the marriage. Having a sense of trust leads to increased feelings of security and overall marital satisfaction. When partners do not trust one another, working together as a team becomes impossible. Sometimes people have difficulty trusting even if their partner has […]
Picture this: it’s Sunday. You and your significant other are talking about how to spend the day. He says, “we can do anything until 3pm, then I have to watch the game”. You respond, “But honey, I thought we could spend the day together. Maybe go to the park, or go out to dinner”. “No”, […]
Statistics show that 26.2% of the adult population, and 13.1 % of children ages 8-15 have a diagnosable mental disorder. Clearly, mental illness is a huge issue in the U.S., and living with someone who has mental illness can wreak havoc on a relationship. What should you do when you are married to someone who […]
Parenting is a hard job. Step parenting can be even harder. Blending two families can be a challenge and can be a strain on the marriage if problems are not dealt with appropriately. Entering into a marriage with someone who has children means you are not just marrying a person, but you are getting a package […]
Many couples choose to stay in an unhappy marriage for their children’s sake, assuming that kids need an intact family to grow into happy, well adjusted adults. However, this isn’t always the best idea. Sometimes, staying in an unhappy relationship can have a negative impact on children. Regardless of age, children are keen observers. They have […]
Establishing mutual goals can help a marriage feel more like a team effort. Short term goals can help keep the relationship exciting and satisfying. Long term goals can help couples clarify their values. Creating goals can help each partner divide their time and money according to the plan. Goals can also help improve communication as […]
Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples, and can put a strain on even the strongest of marriages. On the Today show last week, Dr. Linda Applegarth was discussing a new study which found that women who were involved in some kind of emotional support group for infertility had a 50% greater chance of becoming pregnant […]
By Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin MS, LCPC While you may expect this question to be reserved for newlyweds, unfortunately, there are couples who are grandparents still asking this question. I find this question to be one of the most destructive questions you could ask about your marriage. Living with an unhappy marriage can be one of […]
Sometimes people think that divorce is caused by major sources of conflict. In reality, it is usually smaller sources of conflict that are left unresolved and eventually they become big sources of conflict. Division of labor is one of those issues that can lead to big conflicts. Division of labor includes the day to day […]
The United States is a united states in more ways than one. Today’s society is a multicultural mix that often bares little resemblance to the many original cultures that have gone into this mix. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on point of view), there are still large ethnic pockets throughout the country. That doesn’t mean that […]
When one partner has depression, it can have a big impact on the marriage. People with depression tend to isolate themselves, have less energy, and can be more irritable and all of these can put a strain on the relationship. The other partner is sometimes left feeling confused, lonely, and overwhelmed. When one partner is […]
In the 2007 film, The Heartbreak Kid, Ben Stiller portrays a newlywed who married his dream girl–or so he thought. After dating this woman for a short time, and marrying her to keep her from moving across the ocean, his sweetie becomes someone he can’t stand to be around and subsequently divorces. I recently saw […]
A common complaint in many marriages surrounds issues with in-laws. The role that your parents and your partner’s parents play in your life can have a big impact on your marriage. Successfully being able to separate from your parents when you are married is very important. If you or your spouse relies heavily on your […]
Everyone will experience a loss at some point in their lives; many already have. If you or your partner have lost a loved one, you know what a tumultuous time that can be. Grief is defined as a “keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; painful regret.” According to Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, […]
Anger is an emotion that everyone has and it has developed a sort of negative connotation. Anger in itself is not a bad thing. Many good things have come out of people being angry. Anger has led to positive changes in society when people’s rights are being violated. We should feel some anger when we […]
It is very important for couples to have their own friends and to maintain friendships, apart from their partner. Having a girls’ night out or guys spending a day playing a round of golf can be beneficial in lots of ways. Although your partner should be your main confidant, being able to talk and laugh […]
Are you wondering if your marriage can be saved? Have you heard the words “not in love”? In just four minutes, you can watch, Hope, You Can Save Your Marriage. In this video, you’ll: Renew hope for your marriage Hear about the normal life-cycle of a marriage Learn the most common mistake couples make when […]
The average American loves taking vacations. Unfortunately, most of us can only get away once a year. Taking a vacation with your partner is simply not an option. You need the time away from the stress of everyday life at least once a year, if not twice. I’d like to share the top reasons why […]
