If you have, make up your mind that you will never use it again. The "D" word is divorce. It can come up when you're fighting, "I'm sick of you – I want a divorce!" Or when things aren't perfect, "If you do that again, I'm outta here!" Well, you need to replace a divorce mindset with a commitment mindset. You see, if divorce is even an option, you're more likely to consider it. And the threat of it keeps couples...

Ninety million people will be glued to the television this Super Bowl Sunday. If you plan on watching the game, why not make it a family affair? Start with a game plan for the day. It might include firing up the grill, or letting each child choose something they want to eat. You can also have each family member rate the new Super Bowl commercials or predict the score at the end of each quarter. Give prizes to the...

Maybe you're buying your wife some flowers or you're taking her out for a nice lunch. Well all that is wonderful but be sure to help your children honor Mom too. If they're really small let them color a card for her—or you buy one and let them scribble on it. If your kids are older have them use some of their allowance money to get her something of their choosing. This will help teach your children that they...

Yesterday, I talked about knowing when you need counseling. Today I'd like to talk about how to choose a marriage counselor. After finally deciding to get help, many couples are overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of counseling options. Most couples begin by searching the internet. Another good choice is to ask a family doctor or trusted minister for suggestions. But the best referrals for marriage counselors come...

You feel like it's flat lined. There's no pulse—not a breath of life remains. Before you pronounce it dead on arrival, there are four basic tools you can use to resurrect that dying relationship. First, patience. It took time for your relationship to need resuscitation; it will take time for it to get well again. Second, determination. Choose to be committed to each other for life, no matter what, and work...

Websites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Classmates are in the business of connecting people. Long-lost friends and classmates can be easily found, and relationships restored. But there's a downside to social networking, too, especially when an old flame makes contact. In fact, marriages are breaking up over these "re-acquaintances." For some people, the temptation is just too much to handle. Your spouse...

Japan has faced more than its share of tragedy lately. They've suffered through a catastrophic tsunami, record flooding and even nuclear disaster. The country could have responded by just giving up. There could have been looting and violence in the aftermath of the disasters. Instead, the Japanese people have responded by showing each other honor and grace as they face an uncertain future. We can learn from that....