prepare/enrich

How is it possible for two people raised in different families with different values, communication patterns, and problem-solving skills to agree on everything? Well, it’s not. Unless, I suppose, they are unicorns 🙂  Conflict is a natural part of relationships, especially intimate relationships. What separates successful couples is how they manage and deal with conflict …

One of the questions I often get from engaged couples is, “how can premarital counseling benefit us and why should we do it?” Once you are engaged, there is a lot of focus on the “big day.” What will my dress look like? Where will we get married? Buffet or sit-down dinner? How many bridesmaids …

One of my favorite books by Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, is called “Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married.” It has provided several great insights that I think are appropriate for couples, whether dating, engaged, or already married. I found it so helpful that I have decided to give …

There are plenty of articles and studies that tell us why marriages fail, and they usually start with the “M” word – Money – or the “I” word – Infidelity. But one of the words that is less-often mentioned, yet has as much or more of an impact, is the “R” word – Resentment. I …