Last night, Susan and I got into an argument.  So is this simply a confession? No. I’d like for good to come out of it. Here are the cardinal relationship rules that I broke last night.  First, I broke our 9pm curfew on having serious discussions. We’re usually tired and cranky after that time so we shouldn’t talk about important topics. Last night, it was really late, about 11:30pm. Second, I broke the one issue...

Your wife wants to be celebrated, cherished, and loved.  So here are 4 simple ways to show your wife you love her. First, write your love story and share it with her. Write about how you met, how you fell in love, and how you knew she was “the one.” Second, put together a video collage of your life together. Be sure to include old pictures and home video clips.  Next, create a book of encouragement. Secretly ask...

We’re constantly being bombarded by sexual images—in movies, magazines, television…the list goes on and on. And unfortunately, these seemingly small temptations have the power to ruin relationships. But instead of giving up and giving in, here are 3 ways to fight against sexual temptation. First, fight with your eyes. When tempted, don’t take that second look. Second, fight with your mind. Instead of dwelling on...

As you're listening to your wife explain a situation or problem, here are a couple of questions to ask yourself: "How does she feel as she’s telling me this?" and "Why is this important to her?" One of the biggest challenges in marital communication is not understanding the emotion and motive behind the message. So, the next time you're not quite following your wife's train of thought, instead of pushing her to...

Twenty-five years of marriage to my wife, Susan, has taught me that women often communicate by saying one thing, but meaning another. So for all the men out there who thought it was impossible to understand women, here is a key for decoding your wife’s words. First, when she says “I’m fine” she really means “I’m not fine, but I’m not ready to talk about it.” Second, when she says, “Didn’t you go out with your...

Your marriage has some nonnegotiables—a list of things your wife should be able to expect from you. Here are a few of them. First, trustworthy. That means you are who you say you are and will do what you say you’ll do. Second, faithful…not giving yourself away in any way to another woman…physically, mentally, or emotionally. Third, protector. Your wife and your children need to feel safe and protected—and not just...

Texting can be a great way to send a much needed note to your wife. So I’m challenging you and husbands everywhere to send 10 encouraging text messages to your wife in the next 10 days. On the first day, text her: “Today’s been rough, but thinking of us helps me see again how much it’s all worth it.” Day 2, text her: “You’re my best reason to go to bed at night and my best reason to get up in the morning.” It...