Practicing Non-Toxic Behaviors in a Post #MeToo Era
If the #MeToo movement has you wondering what’s on the horizon for men and women, you’re not alone. As a women’s advocate, I also happen to be a fan of non-toxic behaviors. And, truth be told, I believe that the ideal of practicing non-toxic behaviors applies to both men and women. Regardless of one’s gender, […]
How to Prevent Sarcastic Communication from Destroying Your Marriage
You’re not alone if you’ve exclaimed, “Hey! That’s not funny!” after bearing the brunt of a “joke” that doesn’t feel at all humorous to you. Words can injure relationships more than you might imagine. Many relationships are harmed by the long-lasting scars of verbal sparring. Often disguised as joking or bantering, derisive commentary poisons intimacy […]
Adventures of a Newlywed: They Lived Quirkily Ever After
It’s no wonder that many new (and old) couples become disillusioned when it comes to romantic love. We are raised on Disneyland images of Cinderella and stories of knights rescuing their fair maidens. It is easy to romanticize marriage and secretly expect a perfect journey of never-ending bliss! How enticing it is to believe that […]
Adventures of a Newlywed: The Third Quarter
As I continue to share my rather comical newlywed journey with you, I hope my experiences help normalize the vicissitudes that are a natural-if often stressful and disorienting-part of newlywed life. In the third segment of my series on newlywed life, I explore the idea of coming to terms with shifts in identity that can […]
Adventures of a Newlywed: The Second Quarter
Ah, married life! It’s not a venture for the faint-hearted or uncommitted heart. It is, however, the perfect adventure for those inclined to create a work of art within the most sacred of personal relationships?marriage. Rilke famously quoted, “For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, […]
Adventures of a Newlywed: The First Quarter
Ahhhhh? the absolute bliss of being a newlywed! Every day is sheer perfection. Life couldn’t be rosier! I know that the honeymoon will never be over in my marriage! I’m laughing out loud, because–as most newlyweds like myself will attest– the early days of marriage are not always smooth. As you read, maybe you’ll find […]
Sex Wars: When Sex Is a Weapon In Your Marriage
When you first met your sweetheart, chances are that sexual attraction was part of the draw. Sexuality is a wonderful part of our humanness, yet its importance in the success of a relationship is often overlooked or simply avoided. In the months and years leading up to marriage, a couple?s sex life can be hot […]
Part 3: Commitment and Healing the Wounds of Betrayal
When betrayal strikes, everything seems to change; nothing seems untouched by the effects that create havoc in the relationship and the couple?s world at large. Healing from betrayal is no easy task, for an act of betrayal can cause significant trauma. While the mind reels from fears, worries, and confusion, the heart and spirit are […]
Part 2: Moving Beyond the Shock of Betrayal
When your world has been rocked by betrayal, it may feel as though nothing makes sense. Betrayal causes deep unrest because the very foundation of the relationship comes into serious question. Not only does the revelation of the betrayal caused deep anger and pain, but it can make the entire relationship feel unsafe and farce-like. […]
Top 10 Tips for Traveling Couples
“Honey, let’s go on vacation! We need a rest! A break! Let’s get out of here!” If those phrases sound familiar, you know the draw of getting away from it all. Whether your dream is to head to the beach, the mountains, or a far-off land, traveling offers opportunities for rest, relaxation, and discovery. Yet, […]