Marriage – 4 Things We Did Better in the 1950s
It was a simpler time – a gentler time. The good old days. Oh sure, life wasn’t perfect in the 1950s. Marriage wasn’t perfect in the 1950s – in spite of what was portrayed on programs like Father Knows Best and The Donna Reed Show. But there was some good stuff there that we...
You Complete Me – and Other Relationship Drivel
The expectation that one should have a relationship where they can utter – or have someone say passionately to them – the cliche Hollywood line “You Complete Me” has been a disservice to many a relationship. No human being can complete another. Complement, love, enhance, motivate, inspire, elevate, and bring out the best in them...
Excuse Me While I Interrupt
There are good interruptions. Such as: “We interrupt this commercial to give you great news.” Or when the bleeding of a wound is interrupted by the wound being staunched – a life-saving interruption. But many interruptions are just plain rude. And while rude is rarely good, it’s even worse when directed at our spouse –...
Smile-Power in Marriage
Who are you saving your smile for? A disgruntled coworker? A parent you cut off in the drop-off lane? We use smiles in a deliberate way because we know their power. An upward twist of the lips can stop a griping employee in his tracks or ease the tension in a chaotic situation. ...
The Marital Spat – 7 Winning Strategies
Many marriage experts will tell you to ‘fight fair’ when arguing with your mate. But where’s the fun in that? How can you be the winner if you’re busy focusing on how your spouse is feeling or the long term effects? Here are 7 great strategies to help you be the winner of that marital...
The Christmas I Regret
We were in the forbidden territory of my parent’s room. Where else would we be on a Friday night – bowling night – so close to Christmas? My brother was standing on a chair, rooting around the shelf in my father’s closet. He found another Christmas present with my name on it! He handed it...
Collapsing Clutter
Does kitchen clutter cause conflict in your home? Maybe I’m just projecting here! It’s been my experience that one way to learn some new (not-so-good) words is to be present while a spouse tries to open a kitchen drawer that is jammed. Some utensil, in an apparent attempt to escape, is now lodged in such...
5 You May Not Have Thanked Your Spouse For
There are some things we just don’t think to thank our spouses for – but maybe we should. For instance, you know how in the movies people wake up morning-fresh with tousled hair? Well, in real life, it’s morning breath and bed-head. Yet our spouses love us through it and in spite of it. And...
What to Say – and What NOT to Say – When They Tell You They Have Cancer
So many of us don’t know what to do or say when we find out someone we care about has cancer. My ongoing experience with breast cancer has given me an opportunity to find out first hand what was helpful, and what not. Before I get to my list of what NOT to say to...
Friday Five #8
Friday Five. It may be informational, entertaining, inspirational, or some combination. It may be five related thoughts, or five random topics. But it will be short. And it will leave you with a new thought, idea, or smile on your face. 1. Customize your anniversary card. Or any other card – for about...