We’re all familiar with the “honeymoon phase” that couples go through. Everything is new and exciting. Both partners are in an exploration mode as they go through the process of adapting to the other. Everyday brings new learning and surprises creating a culture of excitement.… Read More »Archenemy #1 – Complacency
Picture this. You are at a business function with your husband. You stand loyally at his side throughout the evening and thoroughly enjoy the charm, the warmth and the conversation that he exudes with everyone that he encounters. You see a facet of him that… Read More »The unhealthy games we play – Part 2, Duality
I’m convinced that the difference between a mediocre marriage and a shocking marriage are the games that we play with each other. I’m not talking about recreational activities, but rather control-based games of power and manipulation. In the workshops we’ve led, we’ve had numerous men… Read More »The unhealthy games we play – Part 1 – sex
You ever watch a young couple in love? They’re always flirting and teasing each other. Laughter is the norm. There’s a playful quality that is present that is both infectious and energizing. Is it strictly youth that creates such a relationship? We went out… Read More »Keep it Playful
If you say you never argue with your spouse, I’ll say that you’re not talking enough! Conflict is inevitable in an intimate relationship. The biblical concept of “the two shall become one” is not an immediate transformation, but rather a process that happens over time.… Read More »Rules of Engagement
There’s a fascinating study out of Stony Brook University in New York that did brain scans on couples married over 20 years. In many cases individuals can really be in a state of passionate love that was long thought to dissipate after a brief time… Read More »Science proves you can stay in love…
We have one son that is coming up on his first anniversary, and another son due to be married in a week. In both cases its been fun to listen to the situations that they anticipate that would be stressful. “My family always does this…”,… Read More »Marriage Culture
In most of our minds, we have this unrealistic expectation for conflict that goes something like this… Once you hear and understand my point, you will quickly realize the error of your ways. With this newfound understanding, you will fall silent as you immediately begin… Read More »Is it always about right and wrong?
How often do we find ourselves frustrated with our marriage; specifically with our partner? “I swear, if she does that one more time, I’m going to scream”, or “He won’t get his lazy butt off the couch, I could really use some help”. We complain… Read More »Insanity…….?