I’m talking about timing in marriage – specifically, when it comes to discussing things with your spouse. You want to talk to your wife about the phone bill so you bombard her as soon as she walks in the door from work.  Your husband is sick with the flu but you go ahead and bring up the broken sink anyway.  Or, your wife is exhausted, and just as her head hits the pillow you bring up the budget.  All bad timing. ...

The marriage rate has been on a steady decline over the past five decades.  Why this disturbing trend?  It’s because some people think that living together rather than getting married is the way to go.  The number of unmarried couples living with each other jumped from 1.6 million in 1980 to 13.6 million in 2008.  Are there consequences for co-habitation?  Well, findings from Pennsylvania State University indicate...

There are lots of qualities that matter: character, integrity, stability. But here’s something else to consider: look for someone who encourages you and has a positive outlook. It’s hard to have a happy marriage when your partner constantly criticizes you or makes you feel inadequate. Your spouse should be trying to build you up, not tear you down. And, it’s easier to have a happy marriage when you’re with someone...

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...