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As spring quickly approaches, many brides to-be will be calling venues, tasting wedding cake, and dreaming about their perfect day. There are so many preparations that go into planning a wedding for the bride, groom, and family members, but many people spend a lot less time preparing for life after the wedding. Married life comes [...]

Have you ever tried to be a detailed individual when you’re a big picture person? It’s not easy, but it can be done. Details to a big picture person are the annoying little inconveniences that just seem to get in the way of the project. It’s like saying “Let someone else take care of them, [...]

This is the final part of a 4 part series. Read the 3rd HERE Have a signal for a time-out and know when to use it. Good coaches know when to call a time out that will be helpful for a team.  Couples can learn this technique too.  Often with complex issues (aka red, hot, [...]

This is part 3 of a 4 part series. Read part 2 HERE Develop patience.  Sustain it. Think about what your spouse says in terms of who your spouse is.   When a conversation is stressful, find a way to relieve the stress.  A deep breath can work wonders.  The relationship becomes stronger when there [...]

This is part 2 of a 4 part series. You can read the first part HERE More guidelines for finding middle ground in a relationship: No name calling Speak honestly and judiciously Name calling.  It is easy to fall into this pattern in a relationship.  Perhaps it is a familiar pattern within your family of origin.  “You’re [...]

This is part 1 in a 4 part series Opposites attract.  This is true in the realm of physics, but is often true in relationships also.  I sometimes sit with couples who are on opposite ends of the communication spectrum.  What once brought them together now divides. Having a place of emotional safety is paramount [...]

If you have family like mine, I’m talking about brothers and sisters here, sometimes they just make one want to scream. The stuff they come up with or the things they get into and then wonder why life becomes so hard. It would be funny, if it wasn’t so tragic. But the truth is that [...]

Valentine’s Day is upon us. Many people dread the appearance of cupid and his arrows along with the pink and red hearts, bouquets of flowers and boxed chocolates. (Personally, I think a holiday that includes chocolate is one worth celebrating.) However, there is the reality of the day itself to consider; if you are single [...]

The day comes very year and men all across American are asking the same question “What do I get her for Valentine’s Day?”. So this year I’m going to give you some tips to answer this question and learn a little about the woman you care about. To answer this question it is important to [...]

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to fulfill the needs of those around you? How do you respond when someone else comes to you for something? Do you find yourself giving in to them, even though you’re exhausted or out of time? Others will often press those whom they feel will give in [...]