I’ve been married for 23 years and have had children for 22 of those years. During that time, I’ve learned many important things. I’ve learned that children grow up so fast. I’ve learned there are very few things I really can control and I’ve spent too much time trying to control too many things. I’ve learned that marriage takes a lot of hard work. I’ve learned how selfish I am and how dangerous my tongue can be....

You may be thinking that I’m going to give you some tips on how you can change that husband or wife of yours who desperately needs changing, right?  Well, not really. Instead, I’m going to give you seven things YOU must do as you strive to have your dream marriage. First, you must always make your spouse a top priority in your life.  Second, you must serve your spouse, and sacrifice for your spouse, without...

If you have a job managing others, you instruct, give orders, set deadlines, and discipline when necessary. But my wife and I have found that “work mode” isn’t always helpful in our marriage.  The skills and strengths we demonstrate in the workplace aren’t necessarily an asset in our relationship. In fact, they can be a liability. Instructing each other, giving orders, and trying to discipline one another can...

Think of your marriage as a house, built upon a foundation of words. When we only notice the negative things about our partner – and constantly point those things out – our comments and complaints chip away at that foundation. But when we recognize the good things about our spouse, and speak words of sincere appreciation day by day, we strengthen that foundation. Men need the affirmation and respect of their...

  At the Jacksonville Jaguars, they are.  The theory?  New head coach, Mike Mularkey says “. . .the happier you are with your wife, the happier you are on the field.” So, in honor of the Jaguars on this NFL kick-off day, here are 4 tips to become a better spouse.  First, do a random act of kindness daily.  Do the dishes for your spouse.  Give your spouse your undivided attention when they get home.  Second, know...

Just as a wrecking ball will eventually bring down a building, some habits will eventually wreck your marriage.  You keep score. . . keep secrets. . . or keep talking - without listening.  So what can you do to repair the damage and reinforce the relationship?  Commit to replacing your old habits with new ones –  help your spouse without expecting anything in return,  be open with your spouse about everything, and...

In a report from the National Survey of Families and Households, over 1,000 married adults said they were "unhappily married.”  Five years later, the same people were interviewed again. Nearly 80% of the couples who decided to stick it out and stay together considered themselves "happily married" and "much happier.”  Of the couples who got divorced, only 19% reported being happy. The moral of the story? If you’re...