Marriage/Couples

10 Suggestions for Creating Your Happily Ever After

As young children, most of us were introduced to the concept of ‘happily ever after.’ The formula of childhood fairy tales usually involves an ending where good triumphs over evil and the characters in the story go on to live ‘happily ever after.’

Even as adults, we love the light-hearted romantic comedies in television and movies where the happy ending sees a couple realizing they are meant for each other, their misunderstandings and challenges are resolved, and they ride off into the sunset with a happy future ahead of them.

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Avoid Angry, Relationship-Ending Habits: Resolve Conflict This Way

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By Sylvia Beligotti, MA

We so often wrongly assume that conflict must mean that something in our relationship is going wrong, but that’s actually not the case at all. Conflict is a natural and yes, even healthy, part of every relationship.

It is not the avoidance of conflict that makes for a good relationship, but how you handle that conflict. Use these tips to resolve conflict appropriately while avoiding angry, relationship-ending habits.

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Trying to Trust: How to Make the Most of Second Chances

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By Jim Duncan, MA

Trust is an important cornerstone of any relationship – romantic, familial, as well as our friendships. Some people will go as far as to say that trust is the absolute most important part of these relationships; so, when trust is broken, it alters the entire dynamic of the relationship.

Depending on the level of trust that was broken, a relationship may not be salvageable. For those who are willing to give second chances, learning to trust again can be difficult, but it can be accomplished with time. Along with proper communication, the following steps can help you trust again after you’ve been hurt.

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6 Reasons Speaking Your Partner's Love Language Really Matters

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By Sylvia Beligotti, MA

Quality time, gift giving and receiving, words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service…you probably know something about the five love languages described in Gary Chapman’s bestselling book, The Five Love Languages. But, are you aware of which ones relate best to you and your partner?

Chances are, the two of you probably speak different love languages, and that’s OKAY! Acknowledging this difference and learning to speak your spouse’s love language can be a part of the success of your relationship.

Quality time, gift giving and receiving, words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service…you probably know something about the five love languages described in Gary Chapman’s bestselling book, The Five Love Languages. But, are you aware of which ones relate best to you and your partner? Chances are, the two of you probably speak different love languages, and that’s OKAY! Acknowledging this difference and learning to speak your spouse’s love language can be a part of the success of your relationship.

These six reasons show how speaking your partner’s love language really does matter.

7 Tips for Co-Parenting Well When All is Not Well in Your Relationship

By Elizabeth McMahan

Going through a rough patch in a relationship is never easy, but once you have kids it becomes even more difficult. Children are like sponges who absorb everything you say and do.

Just because your relationship is suffering, it doesn’t mean your children need to suffer along with it. Using these seven tips can help you to co-parent well when all is not well in your relationship.

Soft Startup: What It Is and How It Can Help Me Talk To My Partner

By Elizabeth McMahan

What’s your typical view on conflict? Most of us either run away in avoidance or approach it head-on with fighting words.

But did you know it’s actually very healthy to engage in conflict? At least, it is when you know the best way to approach it.

A soft startup can help you view conflict as a productive way to meet your needs, rather than the beginning of a dreadful argument.

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Why Self-Care for Parents Must Be a To-Do List Priority

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By Elizabeth McMahan

You have a planner, an iPhone scheduler, and a traditional calendar on the wall.

You’re ridiculously busy. You’re driving. You’re planning You’re volunteering.

You’re filling the fridge. You’re shopping. You’re fretting, soothing, disciplining, cheering them on and checking their social media for all the things you might be missing.

Relationship Repair or Call It Quits? Why Counseling Helps Either Way

By Elizabeth McMahan

For the most part, people think of couple counseling and marriage counseling as a means to save their relationship when they have come to the end of their rope.

Either both partners realize they need to make the effort and commit to counseling; or, it’s one spouse’s desperate, last-ditch attempt to convince the other to hold it together.

The Honeymoon Phase: Why Does It End and What Happens Next?

The heady stages of a new relationship are among life’s more exciting moments.

You feel like you’re living in a real-life fairy tale. You idealize your partner and think he or she can do no wrong.

This is called the “honeymoon phase.” It’s fun and romantic.

It usually occurs in the early stages of a relationship and can last anywhere from 6 months to two years. But sooner or later, it comes to an end.