financial abuse in a marriage

Financial Abuse in a Marriage: Signs and Steps to Take if You’re a Victim

Everyone understands the significance and power of money. It’s not supposed to buy us happiness, but it sure can make us comfortable, and provide choices in our lives. Money can be used to make insecure people feel successful, it can be used to be loving, generous, and thoughtful, and it can also be used as … Read more

how to ask forgiveness from someone you've hurt

How to Ask Forgiveness from Someone You’ve Hurt

How do you ask for forgiveness from someone you’ve hurt?    Something I see happen in many of my mediation sessions is one person attempting to apologize to the other. But there are many kinds of apologies. For instance, one type of apology can demonstrate a person is taking responsibility for their actions. At the … Read more

falling in love with someone else when you're married

Falling in Love With Someone Else When You’re Married

Is falling in love with someone else when you’re married possible? What I mean is, I’ve heard many people say that they fell in love with someone else while married, and I just don’t know if they really fell in love, or if they were just unhappy in the marriage and used the affair to … Read more

how to apologize to your partner

How To Apologize To Your Partner

Saying I’m sorry isn’t something a lot of people know how to do. It’s difficult for many reasons, which is why so many people often don’t say it–even during times when an apology is much needed. Love means never having to say you’re sorry” might be one of the most famous movie lines of all … Read more

when to call it quits in a blended family

When to Call it Quits in a Blended Family

Blended families can be wonderful and beautiful and fulfilling. But because they are so complex, and there are so many different relationships to foster–the couple, the kids, the stepchildren, etc., blended families can also feel challenging, frustrating and disappointing. In this article, I will discuss challenges, as well as how to manage the different blended … Read more

My Husband Has No Friends or Hobbies

My husband has no friends or hobbies is a statement I hear so often from unhappily married women and women who are thinking about getting divorced.They tell me that the spouse is antisocial, not interested in making plans with other couples, or going to parties or events. First, to the antisocial spouse (or person whose … Read more

is my husband cheating

Is My Husband Cheating? New Cologne And Underwear Indicate Yes

From a reader: I’m wondering, ‘Is my husband cheating?’ In the last year, my husband has taken an interest in colognes and new underwear. And, his data on his cell phone shows crazy high usage. I have asked if he has a girlfriend and he has denied it. Our sex life has diminished through the … Read more

recovering from an emotional affair

Is Recovering from an Emotional Affair Possible?

When someone finds out their spouse is cheating or cheated, it’s awful. I’ve personally been there—not in my marriage but in another relationship. It’s like you just got punched in the stomach, and you keep feeling like you are repeatedly getting punched in the stomach for days, even weeks. But what happens when the physical … Read more

second marriage problems

Second Marriage Problems Are Real But The Marriage Can Still Be Great!

Second marriage is something that each divorced person views differently. Some have no fear and can’t wait to walk down the aisle again, other’s are unsure of whether or not it’s right for them, and then there are people who say no way, and feel that second marriage problems are just too much to bear. … Read more

my husband is miserable in our marriage

My Husband is Miserable in Our Marriage: What You Can and Can’t Do

From a reader: My husband is miserable in our marriage. We have been together for over 20 years. Things started getting really bad when he became very unhappy with this job (and life in general it seemed) about 5 years ago. We seem to have very different ideas about how to approach life’s challenges. I … Read more

second marriage after 40

Second Marriage After 40: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself

There is a reason the divorce rate for second marriage is over 70%. In fact, some studies even claim second marriage failures as high as 80%. That doesn’t speak well for second marriage – especially second marriage after 40.   If you’re considering second marriage after 40, or even if you are just dating, with … Read more

staying with someone who cheated on you

Staying With Someone Who Cheated On You: Is Marriage Counseling the Answer?

Staying with someone who cheated on you is a tough call. Every situation is unique. If someone cheats, that doesn’t necessarily mean he/she will do it again. Maybe it was a wakeup call that the marriage needs help. Maybe divorce isn’t the answer. That said, is the phrase “Once a cheater, always a cheater” accurate? … Read more