Spousal Gossip – Yea or Nay?
Most of us would not want to be referred to as “A Gossip” – or get caught gossiping. So is gossip always a bad thing? I decided to check out a dictionary to see if there is any positive definition for ‘gossip.’ As it turns out, after checking several sources, I was indeed able...
15 Questions to Put the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving
Have you ever tried to stir up some “what we are thankful for” discussion at Thanksgiving dinner, only to be met with blank faces? Or the spouting of obligatory mini-lists such as: “I’m thankful for my spouse. And my children.” Which are not bad things to express thankfulness for – especially if the spouse and...
How to AFFAIR-PROOF Your Marriage
In my Family Law practice, I see the results of extramarital affairs on a regular basis. A wife stunned that her husband and best friend had been meeting behind her back. A husband sent reeling when his wife leaves him for his brother. A spouse having midnight chats with an ex-flame on Facebook. Suspicions confirmed...
Keeping Secrets
I was keeping a secret from my husband, Steve, and it was starting to wear on me. Having to watch what I said, not meeting the eyes of another who was alluding to it in front of him. And it wasn’t even my secret. But I had agreed to keep it. As constrained and burdened...
5 Tips From a Family Mediator for Your Divorce Mediation
Divorce is tough enough without having to endure a public battle and reliving all the strife in a courtroom. An alternative to that knock-down-drag-out trial is mediation – the process of both parties sitting down with a trained individual who can help you arrive at agreements that best suit your circumstances. I’m not saying it’s...
Christmas Stocking Stuffers – Where to Find Them, How to Wrap Them; the Stocking Stuffer Extravaganza Finale!
WELCOME TO DAY 5 OF THE STOCKING STUFFER EXTRAVAGANZA! We’re wrapping up (pun not originally intended – but it works) the stocking stuffer extravaganza with great tips on where to buy stocking stuffers and ideas on how to wrap them. You already know you can go on-line and find almost anything you want – and...
10 Bathroom Habits That Can Harm Your Marriage
Do we live in Michigan or Rhode Island? Will we home school or send our kids to public or private school? Will we buy a house or rent a condo? Those are all big issues in marriage that could spark heated discussion if spouses have differing opinions. But when a decision is made, there’s a...
Christmas Table Talk
I was surprised to learn how many of us were looking for something else to talk about during our holiday meal besides everyone’s latest medical procedure and what family feuds are alive and well as a result of last month’s post Thanksgiving Table Talk. For this year’s Christmas dinner, you already have the great food...
How To Write A Love Letter To Your Spouse – And Why You Should
Your mate deserves a love letter from you. Words they can hold in their hand and press against their heart. Words that last past the saying of them. Words that can hearten them in tough times and make them smile in sad times. When the tornadoes, floods, and fires hit, what do people grab in...