Waiting for the Mood? Why Physical Intimacy in Marriage Needs Intention
Let’s talk about sex. I know. Some of you just got uncomfortable. But physical intimacy is an important part of marriage, and sometimes the problem isn’t that couples don’t love each other or aren’t attracted to each other. They’re just tired. There are jobs to do, bills to pay, kids…
Is It Too Late To Save Your Marriage? What To Do When Divorce Has Already Started
Okay. We’re going to talk about something we don’t talk about very often: Can you save a marriage that has already entered the divorce process? Maybe one of you has said, “I want a divorce.” Maybe you’ve separated, talked with attorneys or divorce papers have already been filed. And now,…
When “In Sickness and in Health” Gets Real: Caring for a Sick Spouse
When you stood at the altar and promised to love each other “in sickness and in health,” I’m guessing neither of you spent much time imagining the sickness part. Why would you? There was a wedding to enjoy. A life to build. Maybe children to raise, careers to pursue, vacations…
Men, Women and Marriage: Are We Really That Different?
Let’s talk about men and women. I realize I’m stepping into dangerous territory here. For years, we’ve been told that men and women communicate differently, think differently, handle emotions differently and occasionally appear to have been raised on entirely different planets. And if you’ve been married very long, you’ve probably…
Are You Content With Your Marriage?
How content are you with your marriage? It’s an important question, because plenty of couples who would never describe their marriage as “bad” would still admit they aren’t particularly happy with it. Maybe nothing dramatic has happened. There hasn’t been an affair or some major crisis. But somewhere along the…
Can Prayer Really Save a Marriage?
What role should prayer play in keeping a marriage strong? Can it really help save a relationship that’s struggling? I believe the answer is yes. Not because prayer is some kind of magic formula, and not because every couple who prays suddenly stops arguing. Marriage is still hard work. It…
When Stress Attacks Your Marriage: Six Tools That Can Make All the Difference
Have you ever had one of those days when you were stressed out of your mind and making some pretty questionable decisions? If so, how did that work out for your marriage? Stress has a funny way of bringing out the lion in all of us. The problem is, our…
Can a Marriage Survive an Affair? Five Steps That Help Couples Heal
Discovering an affair is one of the most painful experiences a marriage can endure. Whether the betrayal was emotional, physical, or both, couples often find themselves asking the same question: Can our marriage ever recover from this? The answer is often yes. As a marriage counselor, I have seen relationships…
Is Emotional Cheating Really Cheating? What Every Married Couple Should Know
When most people think about infidelity, they picture a physical affair. But what if there’s never been a kiss? No sexual relationship? No physical contact at all? Can someone still be unfaithful to their spouse? It’s a question that comes up often in marriage counseling. A husband or wife insists…
Six Myths About Forgiveness That Can Damage a Marriage
Few words are used more often in marriage conversations than forgiveness. We know we’re supposed to forgive. We know healthy marriages require it. But that doesn’t mean we always understand what forgiveness really is. In fact, many couples struggle not because they’re unwilling to forgive, but because they’re working from the…