Marriage Thermometer

Marriage Counseling - Keep Your Husband Satisfied at Home and Save Your Marriage

2009-01-15T10:22:00.006-05:00

Husbands by and large give varied reasons for seeking sexual or emotional fulfillment outside the home. But one thing is for sure, many of them were not getting the type of fulfillment they hoped for at home. Some had unrealistic expectations while others were asking for the basic needs that a wife should fulfill.

Now, we do not condone a cheating spouse and do not believe that any situation should cause a partner to seek satisfaction from anyone apart from his wife. Nevertheless, the truth remains that many husbands do this and it is up to you to safeguard the purity and sanctity of your marriage.

Men generally have a higher sex drive than women (although you have many marriages with the reverse) therefore, as wives we need to be willing to give much more to create a balance and two way satisfaction in our marriage.

There are too many women out there who would be willing to satisfy your spouse at the drop of a pin. So, if you are not doing it you may be asking for trouble.

Let us look at some simple but powerful ways that you can keep your husband satisfied at home:

A Peaceful Home
Nothing is more unappealing than a home mixed with strife, a nagging wife and constant arguing. If your home is not peaceful then your husband may not want to be there. He may seek a more peaceful environment somewhere else.

Therefore, if as he comes through the door you bombard him with all the negatives, this is what he will grow to expect and in his eyes you are not that loving and considerate wife he hoped for.

Now, he may not be the loving and considerate husband you also hoped for and if this is the case we would advice you to get your feeling out in the open once and for all and come up with a plan as a couple.

A Daring Spirit
Men love adventure, action and escapades. You need to ensure that he receives all of that at home.

Some wives are too rigid and are unwilling to try new things. My advice to every wife is to be daring and adventurous with your husbands once it is in the guidelines of just the two of you. No one else and nothing else.

You can rent a hotel for the night and meet up there. Do a strip tease for him and so many other ideas that take creativity and some amount of planning.

A Loving Heart
Pleasing your spouse really boils down to a loving heart. Do you love him enough to keep him satisfied? Take some time this week to better understand him. What his likes and dislikes are and how you fit in. Many couples have been living together for years and still do not know these basic things about their spouse.

If you want to take your marriage to a new and renewed height then put your whole heart in it and you will be amazed at the possibilities.

Do you want to have a passionate and steaming hot marriage? Life is too short to spend it wishing things were different when you can do something about it. Get your FREE Marriage Thermometer Marriage Ecourse and Video Book Today at http://www.marriagethermometer.com/

Christian Marriage Advice - 3 Ways to Know if You Respect Your Husband

2009-01-09T10:54:00.006-05:00

Every wife wants to have a loving and respectful husband but when it comes to us respecting our husbands we often times compromise. There are three ways to know if you are being respectful to your husband and we will look at them below:

What Does the Bible Say?
Once I am counseling a wife and I find out she is a Christian I go straight for the bible. If this is what we live by then it should be applied to every area of our lives. The role of a wife is no exception, because the bible explicitly encourages wives to respect their husbands.

Let us look at what Ephesians chapter six and verse thirty three says, "However, each of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

The first half tells the husband to love his wife. We will have to discuss this in another article. What I want you to focus on is the second half that relates directly to you.

Now, respect cannot be conditional, if you respect me I will respect you. That is not how it works. Too often we allow the other person's behavior to dictate our actions and we end up having a troubled marriage.

How Do You speak To Him?
Wives, it is not okay to fly off the handle and at the same time expect our husbands to pamper, adore and respect us.

Love and respect has to go both ways. I am always sobered by Proverbs chapter twenty five verse twenty four which says, "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."

This is exactly how many husbands feel when you are always quarrelling, arguing or nagging. I have heard of wives who complain that their husbands do not love to stay home. That they prefer hanging with the boys, that they stay back late at work or are just no where to be found.

Many times, these wives are the ones who contribute to their husbands' absence because their husbands prefer being around individuals who treat them with more respect. Maybe you are experiencing this situation. Maybe you need to look at how you have contributed to this distance. Maybe you need to tame your tongue.

How Do You Speak About Him With Your Friends?
Respect is not only expected when you are with your husband but also when you are apart.
There are many wives who speak badly about their husbands with their friends. Sometimes, if their friends did not know their husbands they would think they were talking about a monster.

Because of this attitude their friends sometimes lose respect for him and treat him with the same amount of contempt. This is done in front of and behind his back

It is your responsibility to ensue that you are not only respectful of your husband but that you expect it of your friends. They should know where you stand in this area and should never be allowed to cross the line.

Let us remember our role as wives and ensure that we are helping to make our marriage a success.

About The Authors:
Mark and Lesia Gregory are Marriage Counselors & Wedding Planners with over 10 years of experience. They are the authors of: "The Marriage Thermometer - Let's get your marriage steaming hot; "Improve Your Sex Life; "Keep Him Satisfied......At Home and "The Wife Toolkit - 12 heavy duty tools to keep your wife happy.

Let them help you improve your marriage starting this week: http://marriagethermometer.com/

Do you want to have a passionate and steaming hot marriage? Life is too short to spend it wishing things were different when you can do something about it. Get your FREE Marriage Ecourse Today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesia_Gregory

Marriage Advice For Wives - Sometimes You May Need to Bite Your Tongue to Save Your Marriage

2009-01-08T21:22:00.007-05:00

As wives we sometimes allow our tongues to destroy our marriages. We say things that come to our mouths and could not care less if our husbands are offended. However, what many wives fail to realize is that words can sometimes cut deeper and hurt more severely than any weapon that causes a physical wound.

Maybe your tongue is destroying your marriage and you are not even aware of it. You blame everything and everyone else while you need to pay attention to what you say and how you say it.
The remainder of this article will look at two ways your tongue can destroy your marriage and how to use it to save your marriage.

Using Your Tongue as a Weapon
Compared to most men, women seem to have the gift of converting words to weapons. We know exactly what to say to pierce our husbands and cause them to feel hurt or guilty about something they did or said. However, in the same way that a weapon can kill, your words can also kill your marriage.

Do you deliberately use disrespectful words to your husband?
Do you put him down in front of your girlfriends?
Do you use curse words when having an argument?

Do you use words to get him to shut up so that you can have your own way?

Proverbs chapter twenty one and verse nineteen tells us that, "better to live in a dessert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife". I think this passage is so true for many husbands. They would prefer to be uncomfortable somewhere else than to be around you.

Take some time to analyze your marriage to ensure that this is not happening in your marriage.

Using Your Tongue to Push Away Your Husband
Many husbands become unresponsive and uncommunicative because they are afraid of what will come out of their spouse's mouth if they are to have a conversation with them. So instead of talking to them about issues that concern them, they find other women.
Sadly but true these relationships can lead to emotional affairs which in many cases also lead to physical affairs.

Another way of pushing away your husband is by nagging him. Some wives have mastered the art of nagging in order to get their own way. But although they get their own way today, this is causing resentment on their husbands' part and eventually this can lead to a lack of love, affection and intimacy.

Using Your Tongue to Heal Your Marriage
In order to heal your marriage you may need to bite your tongue at times. Biting your tongue means to take control of it, being careful of what you say. However, for some wives who have no self control, you may need to literally bite it in order to stop you from talking without thinking.

Let us now look at some positive ways to use your tongue to heal your marriage, especially if you have been using it as a weapon or to push away your husband.

Use it to show your husband much love and affection
Use it to encourage and build him up
Use it to cultivate passion and romance in your marriage
Use it to keep your husband faithful

Use it to have a peaceful marriage

Use it to be an accommodating and respectful wife

Conclusion
Never underestimate the power of your tongue and ensure that your husband sees it as a loving tool and not a destructive weapon. Watching what you say is one of the fastest ways to save your marriage and encourage your husband to be more communicative and loving.

About The Authors:
Mark and Lesia Gregory are Marriage Counselors & Wedding Planners with over 10 years of experience. They are the founders and authors of the Marriage Thermometer Principles. This is a unique Marriage Therapy Solution that is revolutionizing the way couples solve marriage problems.

They have never had an argument lasting more than 15 Minutes and have never gone to bed upset with each other. People find this difficult to believe but they have proven that it is more than possible.

Learn their secret and save your marriage starting today: http://marriagethermometer.com/

Do you want to be a better spouse? Do you really want to save your marriage? Life is too short to spend it wishing you had a happy and steaming hot marriage when you can do something about it. Get your FREE Marriage Ecourse

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesia_Gregory

Save Your Marriage – Surviving Your Husband’s Infidelity and Learning to Love Again

2008-12-17T21:00:00.002-05:00

In many marriages, a cheating husband is the worst kind of betrayal. You feel angry, confused, unattractive and hateful. These are all natural feelings to have. After all, you are only human and you never thought this could happen in your marriage. However, as difficult as it may sound, there has to come a point where there is closure; where you learn to love again.

Mixed Emotions

If after hearing the news both of you decide to make your marriage work, remember that it will not be easy. There are days that you will cry your eyes out, feel revengeful and wish something horrible would happen to both of them.

Other days you will feel at peace, in love with your spouse and everything will seem to be getting back to normal.

Then, as though you had split personalities, you will switch and start experiencing the hurts and pains all over again.

You may feel weird going through these mixed emotions but most spouses experiencing your situation feel the same. It is also perfectly natural and sometimes expected.

Reflection

This is an opportune time to reflect on your marriage as a couple. Do not become withdrawn and uncommunicative. This will only make matters worst.

Ask yourself these questions:

Have both of us been allowing things to slide (unresolved conflicts, constant arguing and bickering, sleeping in separate rooms when you have an argument etc.
Are we totally consumed with our work, paying the bills, taking care of the children and our home?

Have alone times become non-existent?

Have we stopped going on dates with each other?

Do we do special things for each other on a regular basis? E.g. candle light dinners, a rose, surprising him or her with their favorite dessert.

The aim of this exercise is to work as a team to make your marriage stronger; to ensure that this does not happen again.

Learn to Love Again

We always try to remind couples that time heals all wounds. For some it takes one month, for others a year and for others even longer. The question you need to ask yourself is how long are you willing to live in an unhappy and miserable state? This will determine how quickly you move on.

You can decide to spend next week being miserable, uptight and angry or you can allow the healing process to take place. If your spouse is showing remorse, being open with you and is doing everything possible to make your relationship work, then it is time you move on and learn to love again.

In order to be in love you need to do loving things. Start with the things you did in the good old days and improve upon them. The things you did with each other that brought you laughter, joy, happiness and peace.

Today is your day to turn the page, start again, love him again.

About The Authors:
Mark and Lesia Gregory are Marriage Counselors & Wedding Planners with over 10 years of experience. They are the founders and authors of the Marriage Thermometer Principles. This is a unique Marriage Therapy Solution that is revolutionizing the way couples solve marriage problems.

They have never had an argument lasting more than 15 Minutes and have never gone to bed upset with each other. People find this difficult to believe but they have proven that it is more than possible.

Learn their secret and save your marriage starting today: http://marriagethermometer.com/
Do you want to regain that happiness and intimacy you once shared with your spouse? Life is too short to spend it wishing you had a happy and steaming hot marriage when you can do something about it. Get your FREE Marriage Ecourse

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesia_Gregory

Deep Thrust Massages

2008-02-21T10:06:00.004-05:00

Some spouses believe any sensual touch should lead to intercourse. But it doesn't have to. Consider dancing cheek to cheek, it's sensual but nonsexual. Try giving and receiving back rubs and foot massages. If it leads to some "deep thrust massages", then............well, you get the point.

Valentine's Day Tip #2

2008-02-13T21:00:00.006-05:00

Buy some rose petals and place them behind the sun visor on the passenger side of your car. Take a post it note and write, "I Love You" on it and stick it to the back of the sun visor.
As you are driving to a romantic destination, look at your partner and tell her she has a mark on her cheek. She will pull down the sun visor to use the mirror and be showered in rose petals and see your note.

Valentine's Day Tip #1

2008-02-13T20:52:00.001-05:00

Buy the domain name of your partner's name if it is available for example www.TanyaJohnston.com. Create a web page containing a romantic poem and a picture of a rose. When your partner is surfing the web, casually ask whether she has ever checked to see whether her domain name is taken. Let her type it in to discover her page.

Communicate your sexual desires!

2008-02-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

Communicate with your partner about your sexual relationship, it will strengthen the bond between you. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, you'll feel even closer in the end. Tell him what you like most about your sex life. Don't be afraid to ask for something new or different.

10 Steps to Being a Better Wife

2008-02-04T09:25:00.001-05:00

Before we try to change you, here are a few changes we'll try to make ourselves. Deal?
By Sharon O’Brien

Some guys might not realize this, but when most women get married they usually imagine cozy evenings by a fire, sharing their hopes and dreams with the men they love. Our Prince Charmings, however, sometimes turn into The Grinches Who Stole Romance, lying on the couch with a beer in one hand and a remote in the other. You may have noticed our displeasure about this on occasion. However, in the interest of your willingness to cater to our needs (see "10 Ways to Be a Better Husband"), here's a list for the women out there. Ladies, instead of trying to fix your flawed but lovable husband, why not start by looking in the mirror? These 10 steps will help you re-energize your marriage and renew your appreciation for the former Mr. Perfect.

1) Take care of yourselfTurns out that the best thing you can do for your husband is also good for you. Eat healthy foods, maintain good grooming, and exercise regularly. You'll look and feel better, and you'll continue to be the vibrant and attractive woman he fell in love with, no matter your age.
2) Say thank you, oftenWhen researchers ask men what they want from their wives, appreciation always makes the list. Everyone likes to be appreciated, so remember to notice the things your husband does—for you, for the kids, for the house—and thank him. You'll put a smile on his face and a little joy in his heart.
3) Keep the romance aliveWhen was the last time you planned a romantic interlude with your husband? If you can't remember, you're way overdue. Be affectionate, write love notes, give him a backrub, plan a date, and initiate sexual play. Remind him that you still find him attractive.
4) Let him have "guy time"Everyone needs time for themselves—to relax, enjoy a hobby, or socialize with friends. If your husband loves football and you don't, don’t bug him about it. Encourage him to cultivate friendships with other men. He'll enjoy the companionship. Studies show that people with friends tend to live longer, healthier lives.
5) Make your husband a priorityWith the everyday stresses of work, home, and kids, it's easy to take your husband for granted. Make time for the two of you to reconnect on a regular basis. Take an interest in his work and hobbies. Let him know he's important to you.
6) Don't try to change himAre you outgoing, but your husband is shy? Do you like a clean house, but he leaves towels on the floor? Behavioral experts say you can't change others, you can only change yourself and how you react—so look for ways other than nagging to handle these situations. Compromise on social activities by making them shorter, or go by yourself. Place a laundry basket in the bathroom. And when he attends a party or puts dirty towels in their proper place, thank him. Positive reinforcement beats nagging every time.
7) Don’t make him guess—tell him what you wantIt's easy to assume that the person who lives with you every day also knows you well enough to know what you want. Not true. Most of us view the world through our own needs and desires, so don't be surprised if your husband thinks that what you want is what he would want. If you want something specific—advice, a hug, or a red sweater for your birthday—let him know.
8) Cultivate friends and interests outside your marriageOnce you’re married, it's easy to shrink your social network to revolve around your husband. But no one person can meet all your needs, and it’s too much to expect your husband to be your partner, your lover, AND your best girlfriend. Make time for friendships outside your marriage. You'll have more fun and bring new energy to your relationship.
9) Let free time be freeJust as you need time to relax and unwind, so does your husband. He may not define it the way you do, though; while your idea of relaxing after work may be talking over a glass of wine, he may enjoy being quiet for awhile, reading the newspaper, or watching TV. Find a compromise so both your needs are met. And give him time to recharge by not over-scheduling weekends with home projects and shopping.
10) Believe in your husband, and let him know itMen can display a lot of bravado, but like us they sometimes struggle with low self-confidence and feelings of failure. And because men approach the world as competitors, they sometimes end up feeling like losers. When he comes home, your husband needs to know that the person he values most in the world believes in him—especially when he doesn't believe in himself.

http://men.msn.com

10 Steps to Being a Better Husband

2008-02-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Turn off the autopilot and start feeding your marriage
By Craig Playstead

Everyone worries too much about bills, getting the kids off to school, and why the dog keeps peeing on the carpet. It's time to light that fire again and remind her of all the reasons why she married you to begin with. Here are 10 steps that will get you on your way to husband of the year (and for the flipside of this list,look out for "10 Ways to Be a Better Wife" next week!).

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about. This can be especially tough for guys, because we generally feel that if someone else has interests that differ from ours, they're morons. It's not an easy task, and being able to show interest in something that matters to someone you love shows growth—and that's terrifying. Good, but terrifying. Accomplish this and you'll make her feel better about herself, and you get better insight into what makes her tick.
2) Put the kids to bed. Once a week give her the night off and put the kids to bed by yourself. Let her take a hot bath, read a book, or check gossip on the Web and forget about the kids. I'm always amazed how happy this makes my wife. It ranks somewhere between low-end jewelry and a Hawaiian vacation.
3) Learn to apologize. This is the easiest one, and the hardest one. A marriage is a marathon, and we all fly off the handle too quick or let our temper get the best of us sometimes. When you're wrong, it's best to step up and apologize. It's amazing how fast "I'm sorry" can defuse a stupid argument about something you can't even remember.
4) Thank her for putting up with you. Every once in a while, just thank her for putting up with you. That's all you have to say. Don't launch into a list of your faults, or the story about coming home two days late from that Vegas bachelor party. Just thank her, and let her know that you understand that you're not the easiest person in the world to live with.
5) Clean up after yourself. Take care of that late night snack or morning cereal bowl. Setting them in the sink is one thing, but go that extra mile and actually put them in the dishwasher. After all, no one enjoys scraping bacon dip off a bowl that's been sitting too long or smelling the chili from the night before. A beer bottle on the counter the next morning is even worse
6) Make time for just the two of you. Take her on a date once a month. Surprise her by arranging child care, ordering a pizza for the kids, and getting a sitter. She will be so thrilled at your ability to take care of the details that reservations at the best restaurant in town aren't even necessary. The fact that you love her enough to do this would make a Big Mac taste like cracked crab.
7) Groom yourself. Don't embarrass her when you venture out of the house. Check the ears, nose, neck and yes, feet for hair or other growths that shouldn't be there. She not only wants you to impress her friends by how you act, but also by how you look.
8) Get away from the family.Yep, you're getting a free pass. This takes a left turn from the others, but it's essential. Get away from all your responsibilities and go camping or on a golf outing with the guys. You'll laugh, relax, and recharge your batteries. And all three will make you a much better husband when you return.
9) Deal with your side of the family. Help your wife set expectations with your side of the family when it comes to making plans. Don't make her inform your parents that they won't be seeing their grandkids on Christmas this year—pick up the phone and do it yourself. Dealing with extended family can be a huge stress throughout the year, and you don't want the burden to fall entirely on her.
10) Don't lose your dating manners. Remember, she's your wife, not one of your buddies. Don't burp during dinner, or squeeze one out during the movie as she's reaching for the popcorn. You wouldn't have done that while you were dating, and you shouldn't do it now. Continue to try and impress her. Do everything you can to keep the fire alive, and fight the urge to let the passion die. Find the new, hot place to eat or take her to see a cool band that's in town. Have fun, laugh, and make sure you tell her how great she looks.

http://men.msn.com

Learn to Dance Bachata

2008-01-31T11:55:00.000-05:00

Can you imagine what happens after you do a dance like this?

Have a Family Meeting

2008-01-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

Sensory Seduction

2008-01-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

To help her build a better orgasm, engage her five senses

Hearing
A woman's sexuality is socially influenced--that is, she heats up by discovering what turns her partner on, says Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., a sexuality educator at West Chester University.
Your move: Be vocal. Moan when she hits the right spots during oral sex, gasp when you enter her. These sound effects will cue her feedback loop and rev up her arousal.

Sight
Just like you, she can be turned on by a fleeting glance. "Women tend to respond genitally when they see anything sexual," says Nagoski.
Your move: Catch her when she's in front of a mirror. Kiss the back of her neck and move your hands across her front. You'll heighten her sense of both sight and touch--a surefire route to a mind-blowing orgasm.

Smell
The brain regions that control smell, memory, and sexual arousal are tightly linked, says Linda Banner, Ph.D., the author of Advanced Sexual Techniques.
Your move: You may have moved on to a new cologne, but spray some of the old stuff across your bed. When she hits the pillow, it'll trigger steamy, tension-busting memories of those romps from your early dating days.

Taste
Sweet treats on her tongue ring her brain's reward bells, making her ripe for arousal, according to a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh.
Your move: Seduce her by hand-feeding her fruits with curious textures, like pomegranates or lychees. The sugar and unique feel of the fruit on her lips and tongue can serve up an arousing double shot of pleasure.

Touch
You know the hot zones. But are you doing enough to stimulate the cool ones? "Most men forget about temperature," says Nagoski.
Your move: Hold an ice cube in your palm and as it melts, drip it down her abdomen. To touch off a heat wave, place a piece of candied ginger in your mouth and lick her inner thigh. Bonus: A foot massage can trigger the nerves that connect with her genitals.

Sex Tip of The Day!

2008-01-28T10:39:00.000-05:00

Put SEX on the calendar. This may seem totally unnecessary during the hot and heavy exchanges of the Passion stage, but experts say it's the best way to ensure you'll still be enjoying great sex when your life is complicated by kids, a house, stress, reduced sex drive, and times of conflict.

Thought for the day

2008-01-24T15:12:00.000-05:00

Caresses can reduce blood pressure and make people feel calmer and happier. Spouses who enjoy frequent sensual touching feel better because medically they are better.

Thought for the day

2008-01-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

People want to be hugged and kissed at breakfast and after work,they want an arm around a shoulder, a neck massage, a back rub. It's all part of our deep need to feel physical closeness.

Quote of the day

2008-01-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it's becausethey take better care of it.
***********
Cecil Selig

The Coupon

2008-01-04T15:15:00.001-05:00

Here is a great idea, just print this coupon, give it to your spouse telling her that she can redeem it at any time of the day, as often as required.

Destress with some vitamin "S".

2008-01-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

Buy her a naughty nurse's outfit. Play sick in bed and have her serve you a tripple dose of vitamin "s".
If you do not know which vitamin that is, you may have a serious deficiency and must see her professional attention immediately.
Directions:- Have one just before going to bed, one at sunrise and then at lunch return home for a small dose.

You Can Never Change Your Spouse

2007-12-31T09:08:00.000-05:00

The secret surprise getaway

2007-12-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

Make an evening or weekend of surprises for her. First you secretly book a hotel that is reasonably close for the night.
Secretly pack an overnight bag with the stuff you want her to wear and all necessities (yours too of course). Hide it in the car trunk.
Tell her you are taking her out to dinner. After the dinner, you surprise her by checking into the hotel. The "party" begins as soon as you enter your room.
Sleep in late and order room service next morning.

Hot Tip of The Day!

2007-12-18T10:48:00.001-05:00

Do a striptease. Start the show by making him sit at a distance. Don't let him touch you, at least at first. Keeping a flirtatious distance, start your belly dance or whatever you are good at. Shake your hips, thrust your pelvis etc, as you start removing your clothes. Go very slow when it comes to undressing. Slowly lift your shirt or dress, and then let it drop. Undo a button. And another. Feel daring and adventurous. You can fling the dress and keep dancing in your bra and panties. Thus creating the ultimate mood.

Bedroom Boombastics

2007-12-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Do you know your partner's list of favorite bedroom activities? Take a piece of paper and make two columns. On one, write down what you like best, and on the other, write what you think he likes best. Then switch and read each other's lists aloud.

Linger your love.

2007-12-13T15:36:00.000-05:00

Linger over your morning kiss instead of rushing off with a peck. During the day, do little things for each other, Give him a quick call at work or send him a sweet email. When he gets home, massage his shoulders for a couple of minutes. By increasing your emotional connection, you'll slowly start the arousal process, gradually increasing your level of arousal all day and all night.

Advice #3: Initiating Intimacy

2007-11-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

Advice #2: Trust In Marriage

2007-11-28T06:04:00.000-05:00

Quote of the day

2007-11-28T05:58:00.000-05:00

To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you're wrong admit it; Whenever you're right shut up.

***********

Ogden Nash:

Tired of Marriage? Start Dating!!!

2007-11-27T19:02:00.000-05:00

By Dr. Alan Stafford

When the romance has trickled out of your marriage and each day seems to blend in to the next, try these easy ways to re-energize your marriage and your love life.
Start by thinking back to your dating days. If dating was fun, but marriage has become routine-start dating again. Of course, I mean start dating your spouse.
Think of him or her as your lifetime date. Do all the fun things you did when you were deciding whether to marry them. What did you do for fun? Did you play sports, go out to dinner, or go shopping? Make dating your spouse a priority. Fit these activities back into your schedule.
Plan a date night for once a week. If you don't have any kids, your schedules are probably pretty full. Schedule date night in advance, the same as you would for any other social or professional meeting.
If you do have children, hire a babysitter to come over on the same night every week. This will save you from having to find a babysitter every time you want to go out. And, it will strengthen your commitment to date night.
For example, plan to have the sitter come over every Thursday, but tell her not to call before arriving. This puts the burden on you to cancel and removes one of your excuses for not keeping the date.
By planning ahead, very little effort is involved in the preparation of date night. This makes it much more likely you will get out of the house and keep the promise you made to each other.
When you go out for your date, do something that renews your bond. Watching a movie or going to a concert may be fun, but they don't give you the opportunity to talk to one another. If you decide to see a movie, follow it up with dessert or coffee. There's value in just sitting alone together, face to face, and talking.
Your date night should be all about you and your partner so don't invite friends or family. And definitely leave the kids at home! Allow yourselves enough time to make a night of it. If you schedule only an hour or two out of the house, you will be limited to doing the same thing every date night. Opening up the evening allows you to try new things and decreases the stress of having a curfew.
Since you'll be dating about three or four times a month, make sure to try new things. Go out to dinner at a new restaurant, go out for coffee, play a board game, go dancing, go for a picnic, go for a bike ride or a swim. The possibilities are limited only by your imaginations. If you get stuck for ideas, try this: each person sets the agenda for alternate date nights.
For example, your husband plans the next date night. He makes all the decisions about what, where, when. But, he doesn't tell you. You get to wonder all week what the date will be. And then on date night, let him be your Master of Ceremonies. You don't get to complain or criticize-just go with the flow. The following week, it's your turn. This keeps some surprise and excitement in the dates because even weekly date nights can get routine.
What you do on date nights is not important. What is important is that you are together. Bonding, reconnecting, sharing.
You are then reliving for just a few hours each week, those happy times when you were single but wanted to spend the rest of your life with this person. Well now it is the rest of your life. Keep the romance alive; keep the fun alive. Make your marriage a lifelong date.Dr. Alan Stafford, Relationship Results Coach who helps Singles and Couples build relationships that work.

Visit his website at: http://www.relationshipsuccessexperts.com/

Quote of the day

2007-11-27T18:03:00.001-05:00

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

****************

Mignon McLaughlin

Advice #1: Schedule Time For Intimacy

2007-11-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

Ouote Of The Day

2007-11-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

"Motto for the bride and groom:We are a work in progress with a lifetime contract."

Phyllis Koss
****************

Quote Of The Day

2007-11-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

As for his secret to staying married:
"My wife tells me that if I ever decide to leave, she is coming with me."

Jon BonJovi
*************

Beatitudes for the Married

2007-11-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

Author Unknown

BLESSED are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate and considerate, loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.
BLESSED are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.
BLESSED are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber.
BLESSED are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vows of lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.
BLESSED are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.
BLESSED are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.
BLESSED are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place where seldom is heard a discouraging word".
BLESSED are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.
BLESSED are the husband and wife who can work out problems of adjustments without interference from relatives.
BLESSED is the couple who has a complete understanding about financial matters and who has worked out a perfect partnership with all money under the control of both.
BLESSED are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their home to Christ and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal, and loving.