My wife, Susan, and I knew a couple…let's call them Sally and Greg. They were always so sweet and kind to each other…so affectionate and attentive. We always looked at their marriage and wondered why ours wasn't as wonderful. Well, shortly after we drooled over this dreamy relationship, they went through a terrible divorce. What seemed like a magical marriage publicly was actually a dreadful relationship...

I sometimes get asked about good books for married couples. If a couple is having severe problems, a book may not be enough. Marriage counseling may be necessary. But a good marriage book can help you foresee potential problems, focus on the important issues, and navigate you through some challenges in your journey as a couple. So choose a book to walk through with your spouse. I've made a list of meaningful books...

After a couple announces the engagement, everyone shifts into preparation mode. A lot of time is spent on guest lists, the ceremony, and the honeymoon. It's easy to get so caught up in thinking about the wedding day preparations that sometimes couples forget about preparation for a lifetime of marriage. So take time to really get to know each other, ask hard questions and go to pre-marital counseling before you...

Maybe you're lonely because your spouse is never home. Maybe they're at home but still very distant…you're searching for intimacy with your soul-mate, craving their companionship. What can you do when you're feeling so far away from your spouse? First, communicate your need to your spouse in a non-confrontational and non-accusatory manner. Let them know that you love them and want to spend time with them. ...

We had some lovebirds at our home, and I can tell you that these birds have more to offer to us than just a cute name. Lovebirds mate for life and get their name because they sit together in pairs for long periods of time, preening and cooing. These birds live in smaller communities and form relationships with other pairs. Lovebirds teach us three lessons. First, we need to be committed to our spouse for life....

The male Zeus bug, a tiny water bug common along Australia's east coast, hitches a ride on the female for up to a week, counting on the female to feed him and mate with him at will. That's a bug's life. It's all take and no give. Sound familiar? Well, in the lives of humans there's a law of diminishing returns when one side always gives and the other always takes. Marriage needs to be a 100%/100%,...

As the years tick away, it's easy to treat your anniversary like it's no big deal. Well, even if you don't have an elaborate celebration, taking the time to honor your commitment can be uplifting for your marriage. Each year should be a little different, try these 10 ways to make your next anniversary the best ever to change things up. At the very least get a card that says how much your spouse means to you. Then,...