A year ago I had a conversation with a good friend from church. This guy is a huge Dave Ramsey fan and as such follows a strict family budget for all of their family’s expenditures. He was talking to me about how he and his… Read More »Marriage Priorities
I used to work in a large corporate setting. In that environment, I found myself periodically working for and with people that were having extra-marital affairs. It never ceased to amaze me the level of energy and effort these people would exert toward these endeavors.… Read More »Try having an affair!
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
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?