Listening is complex. In its simplest form its something my dog can do. Effectual listening, however, requires more than your physical presence. It requires you to engage your heart and mind to understand not only my words but the part of myself I am communicating to you. Being heard, with this type of care, is essential.  Are you a good communicator?...... >Read More

Tags: communicate, listen, listening, mystory, relationships, Self, self image

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I'm going to start with something really basic. Men want to be wanted. They don't want to be placated.  So when it comes to intimacy, we women need to step up to the plate a little bit more. You may think you're meeting his needs because you're making love a few times a week, but he won't feel loved... >Read More

Tags: communication, husband, improving your marriage, intimacy, marriage, relationships, romance, Romance & Sex, sex, sex and love, sexual intimacy, sexual problems, wife, Women

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Kids. Sex. Money. According to therapists, these are the most common topics married couples argue about.  After recently talking with a number of counselors and clergy about common marriage problems they’re dealing with, Facebook should be added to that list.  In fact, Facebook is one of the most popular relationship conflicts for today’s married...... >Read More

Tags: arguments, Culture, divorce, Facebook, fighting, internet, marriage, men and women, relationships, World

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This past week I have been, quite literally, voiceless. A bad case of tonsillitis left me with little more than a whisper.  It’s been a very quiet week.  Today I still don’t have my voice back but I’m feeling just a bit better and I started to notice the changes in my behavior.  I realized  I’ve been stepping back. I... >Read More

Tags: better parenting, character development, communication, declaration of values, faith & spirituality, friend, help, hope, Life Issues, listening, relationships, Self, self-esteem, speaking, stress, trust, values

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If sex is important in marriage, why does it slowly get put on the back burner? One excuse that I am sick of hearing is “I don’t have time.” I’m sure you are busy. I know I am busy. But think of all the things that you make time for. If you really wanted to have sex you would make... >Read More

Tags: communication, healthy marriage, intimacy, marriage, men and women, priorities, protecting your marriage, relationships, resolving conflict, romance, Romance & Sex, sex, sex and love, sexual intimacy, sexual problems

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Have you ever met a person who refuses to make decisions together? You might ask, “What shall we have for supper?” and the uncooperative response may be, “I don’t care.  You decide.” Or you say, “I’m thinking we might take a trip to the coast this year.  What do you think?” only to hear, “Does it really matter? ... >Read More

Tags: challenges & conflicts, commitment, communication, decision making, decisions, family issues, FamilyLife Favs, healthy marriage, priorities, protecting our marriage, relationships, resolving conflict, sex and love, spouse

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We all know that building strong relationships takes ongoing work. We start by prioritizing our relationship(s) and finding time for those who are important to us.  If we neglect to do that life moves along and we can lose touch.   A close relationship is like a dance.  When one person moves, the other one responds.  The dance can go... >Read More

Tags: better parenting, challenges & conflicts, communication, emotions, family issues, family values, feelings, friendship, healthy marriage, improving your marriage, intimacy, marriage, priorities, protecting your marriage, relationships, resolving conflict, Romance & Sex, sex and love, sexual intimacy

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