Remember dating your husband? You couldn’t sleep…you couldn’t eat…you couldn’t wait for him to call.  It was reflected in the way you acted.  Let him know you are still his girlfriend.  First, remember what attracted your husband to you.  Watch sports with him.  Make him a special dinner.  Take time to do those things again.  Second, be excited to see him.  Enjoy just being in the same room with him.  When you...

Susan is an amazing person—she’s a passionate mom to our five kids. And, I am immeasurably blessed to be her husband. But we do have challenges in our relationship. Here are some ways I struggle with Susan. Struggle #1. Susan always understands what she is saying to me but I sometimes don’t understand what she is saying to me. She’ll say things like, “You just need to understand me better” or “You just don’t get...

Recently, my wife, Susan and I took a little vacation to North Carolina with our close friends Jay and Beth. At the end of the week, Jay shared with me some things he noticed about the way Susan and I communicate.  He started by how we constantly interrupt each other when we talk. He didn’t pull any punches and he didn’t stop there. He also said that I talked way too much and didn’t listen enough.  Here’s more on...

I’m talking about danger zones that lead to an affair.  Unlike road hazards, they are not always clearly marked with orange cones.  And, if you are not careful, you may hear yourself saying, “How did this happen?”  Here are some ways to help you steer clear of danger.  First, do you have an “office spouse” that you confide in?  Be careful.  Personal conversations should be reserved for your real spouse.  Second,...

Did you say, “My marriage”?  Why not?  Are you satisfied with just going through the motions?  Is your marriage just mediocre?  Do you even believe a vibrant, fully alive marriage is possible?  It is. . . and should be your number one priority!  So, how can you have a vibrant marriage?  First, make a decision and be deliberate.  Make a commitment to make your marriage a top priority.  Second, understand it’s not...

It’s all about the sweet and sour.  When you talk to your spouse are you complimentary and sweet? Or are you critical and sour?  Most of us are generous with the sour ingredients in marriage.  When our spouse messes up, we’re quick with criticism.  But when they do well, we reserve the compliment.  We save the sweets for a special occasion.  Most people give out six times as many sour sayings for every one that’s...

My wife, Susan, came home the other day to find a special present that our dogs left for her.  The dogs found a dead rat in the back yard and brought their prize into our house.  So I came to her rescue and disposed of our dogs' not-so-thoughtful gift. I was pumped up about tossing that dead mouse in the trash because I love being Susan’s hero.  Here are some "rats" in your wife’s life that you can help get rid...