Dealing with Financial Stress
Are money matters triggering problems in your marriage? According to the American Bar Association, approximately 89 percent of divorces have to do with arguments and accusations dealing with money. Needless to say, managing finances in difficult economic times is a major stressor we’ve all felt. Listed below are some suggestions that may be helpful in resolving financial strain. These...
Read MoreA Heart Condition
Lately, I have been thinking about communication. I read an article by a Marriage and Family Therapist not too long ago that said communication was only a symptom of the real relationship problem – a heart condition. I think I agree. The author stated, “When hearts are soft people usually do not have a difficult time communicating.” This seems to compliment what was told to me over a decade...
Read More“Outwardly Rather than Inwardly…”
Years ago, before I decided on a college major, I remember taking a class on marriage and human development. During the semester we were given an assignment to interview family members and friends about the definition of family. Among the people I interviewed was the grandfather of a family I knew well from high school. All these years later I still remember his answer. When I asked him, “what...
Read MoreEmotional Safety
The idea of safety in relationships is usually thought of as the absence of physical harm. As a child I was taught to say no to drugs because it harms our bodies. Parents and teachers told us not to take candy from strangers because it could put us in physical danger. This wise counsel has served me well! A couple of years ago I came to the conclusion that physical safety, however, is only a...
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