While most of us think about the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s) as days to look forward to, just as many often cringe when they think about what is in store for them. You see, not all family get-to-gathers always go well. You may even dread them. I have one client, who is an…
Have you ever been looking forward to a romantic evening with your spouse, when one of you inadvertently makes a comment that turns the rest of the night on its head? While you didn’t intend for things to devolve into a fight – they did anyway. We have probably all experienced this unraveling of an…
Ok, now that I have your attention – this is not really about voting . . . but it is about single issues. I am reminded by a couple that was in my office yesterday. They are stuck on a single issue. It doesn’t really matter what the issue is – it is the fact…
What if I could teach you in under 100 pages, steps that that could improve your most important relationships forever? Would you want it? On October 25th, my newest book, Relationship On Purpose: 8 Strategies Guaranteed to Improve Your Marriage or Significant Relationship, was released. I believe so strongly that these strategies can absolutely change…
I often get a variety of responses when I ask a question like this. Unfortunately, some may respond with, “I had dreams for my marriage when I was younger, but those are long gone.” Others might say, “I will deal with my dreams sometime in the future.” In talking with my financial advisor recently, he…
This is really true. No one calls me up to say, “Our marriage is terrific and we aren’t having any problems but we would like to come in and pay you money – just to visit.” I have never once received a call like that. As a matter of fact, I don’t usually hear from…
Most of us have grown up hearing that “It is better to give than to receive.” And while that is a very true statement on many different levels, it also, unfortunately, has come with some pitfalls. Being on the receiving end, whether it is gifts, money, or simply kindness can be very difficult for many…
I sat with a couple yesterday when the wife asked this very question. Her husband had secretly shredded their finances, spending all of their money and running up debt. She never had a clue – until the overdraft notices began to arrive by phone and mail, from the bank. She was livid. She had been…
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I strongly believe that marriages can be saved much more frequently than they are – if the two people involved will honestly do the work that is needed. However, I recognize that in a society that is all too toxic and does little to encourage marital longevity, divorce is…
“Well, that depends – what’s the challenge?” Oh, no need to worry. It’s not eating something disgusting like eating a dish of bugs or scaling the face of Half-Dome in Yosemite. This should actually be pretty doable. “Ok. Well what is it?” you may ask. It is being kind to your spouse. While some may…