Being someone’s friend means you protect each other. You don’t let each other drink and drive or put themselves in harm’s way. You support each other and are honest with your feelings. You build a relationship based on trust and honesty, knowing your friend will be there for the good and bad times. So what happens when your friend is about to say “I do” to someone you absolutely dislike? Should you tell your friend how you feel or just keep quiet and stand by if they need yo

There are numerous songs about the benefits of love but nowhere is that more measured or proven than in the medical field. Humans are wired for connection and, although a fling may make you feel younger and alive, it has nothing on the mental and physical benefits that come with love. In fact, there is not a medication, gadget, or food that can compare to what a healthy, committed relationship can do for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. If you’re looking for ad

Oversharing has happened to many couples. Every couple has their own boundaries, and sometimes they aren’t communicated clearly. Couples rarely consider the question, “How much of ‘us’ are we open to sharing?” In our grandparents and parents’ generation, this line was clearer. If you wanted to share news, you did so on a party line through your phone or went out with friends and talked face-to-face. Since the internet didn’t exist as it does now, there was less chance of an e

June is one of the most popular months for weddings, which is why so many of my friends (and myself) are celebrating their anniversaries this month. It’s likely that you’re receiving or sending wedding invitations that talk about living happily ever after in wedded bliss. It doesn’t take long before we realize wedded bliss is a thing of fairy tales. Marriage takes work; more than work, marriage requires daily practice of communicating effectively and going the extra mile to b

The royal wedding is days away and the most popular month to get married is right around the corner. If you’re considering marriage, you might be getting swept away with honeymoon venues and cake flavors. But is the person you’re vowing to share your life with forever the right person? There is a myth many couples believe when they walk down the aisle, particularly women. That myth is that you can change your partner after you’re married. Not only is it a myth but trying to c

With the latest news about pregnant Kloe Kardashian finding out about her husband’s serial cheating scandals, it hard to imagine a more devastating situation. Marriage research suggests that serial cheaters feel less and less at fault after each cheating episode. Serial cheating is often referred to as “adaptation to dishonesty.” Lying essentially becomes habitual and feels less uncomfortable each time. After a while, you don’t feel guilt or shame, which makes treatment or ch

If you’re like most people with kids, you come home from work feeling exhausted and stressed. You try to cook a quick dinner and, some days, you’re so tired you stop at the drive through on the way home. Life is too busy; there is no time to get away with your partner or friends. Emotional stress and fatigue are enhanced when we don’t have time for ourselves or the people who give us strength. During times of high stress, it’s important to remember that there are small, inexp

Divorce statistics are ever changing, but currently most divorces occur in March and August and roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. Although it seems like a quick fix, divorce is a process that usually goes on for years. Marriage experts believe that half of all divorces wouldn’t have to happen if couples were able to find ways to work out their differences. However, many couples get tired and exasperated when they don’t see changes in their partner or their situati

After the recent split between Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, many are curious why the couple who appeared to be perfect for each other weren’t successful in marriage. They had dated seven years prior to marriage and were inseparable, but after one year into their marriage, they decided to end it. What happened? They both report to still care for each other very much and talk to each other daily, but they realize a marriage takes more. Aniston and Theroux were very diff

Life gets crazy when you’re juggling work demands, raising children, and keeping up with household chores. How does anyone have time to think about or plan for Valentine’s Day? You may not have time, but you should refocus and reschedule your time to include dating your partner. One of the character traits successful couples share is their ability to take time and “date” each other. It’s crucial to the health of your marriage to share relaxing and enjoyable experiences withou