Dear Car, If things had been different, …the couch I sit at in this moment would have streamers and balloons above it. I suspect your mom would have had you over for the day to occupy you, while your husband decorated and fussed, while your friends came over to put up decorations and loaded food …
“You were the reason”-George H.W. Bush
Jon Meacham’s gave a humorous and moving eulogy at Barbara Bush’s funeral in spring of 2018. I find the relationship between George H.W. and Barbara Bush profoundly moving in it’s gentle tenderness. George H.W. Bush was strong and brave. He was also tender and loving. And George H.W. Bush was brave to let his tender …
Take the Emotional Labor Quiz
If you find value this blog, you may want to read the book I wrote that includes this idea in it: Husband spent last week in Texas, along with a team of other volunteers, rebuilding a house that was destroyed in last year’s Hurricane Harvey. He has a seasonal business, and that frees him up …
Of Bird Feeders and Trauma
There was about a year in my life when I was in very close contact with a trauma survivor. Despite the fact that I had known him a long time, it seemed he didn’t trust me. I would ask him, “How was your day?” as part of friendly conversation, he would suggest that I was …
It’s important to hurt his feelings.
Hers too, for that matter. Husband is good for me. He is so good at marriage. Husband teaches me so much about what it feels like to be in a good relationship, it sometimes takes my breath away. One of the things Husband does is invite me to tell him when, from my perspective, something …
Does your spouse annoy you?
Hal talks with people and he has his finger on the pulse of what people are saying. .And, as he said on today’s show, he doesn’t much care what other people think. That frees Hal to name topics that other people wonder about but don’t say out loud… Today, we spoke about how to …
Snickers and Love Maps
This idea is part of a book I’ve written about couples…men and women each doing the best they can–and having a resource to do even better. If you like this blog, you may want to buy the whole book! Husband and I have been married for over 3 years. I thought I knew Husband. I found …
Third Anniversary–Leather
It has been three years since Husband and I stood before family and friends to commit our lives to each other…our third anniversary. Maybe now we are an old married couple? 😉 Pastor John was one of the officiants at our ceremony. He means a lot to both of us, as he has had significant …
February 15
I have a theory about Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day is a crushingly discouraging day for those in the midst of heartbreak. A reminder of al that was lost. It is salt in the wound for those that are single, irritating the soul that seemingly everyone, save you, has someone to share romantic cards and dinner …
New Book: My Marriage is Almost Dead…
I heard a story about some acquaintances a few days ago…the couple had been married for several years. The wife was unhappy, but she hated confrontation. She didn’t want to say anything that would hurt her husband. She didn’t want to be the source that created long and difficult conversations. So she said nothing. The situation …