Odyssey of Marriage
- My wife and I recently celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. As I reflected on this, I decided to share my list of the top 10 things I have learned in 36 years, in no particular order.
What should matter most in a successful marriage?
1. We've had to grow-up together. We all bring our unfinished business with us into marriage and it's these developmental issues that create the most problems. In our case we got married young and that makes it even more obvious and important to grow up. When we have been honest with ourselves and worked on our own maturity, our relationship has grown.
2. We've had to change with life stages. Related to growing up is recognizing the need to adapt to different life stages. Each stage of life brings particular gifts and challenges to marriage. Being aware of this and making adjustments has been critical. Now as empty-nesters we are rediscovering certain freedoms while also dealing with getting older. It never stops.
3. Things go in cycles. Marriage is like a rose bush. It contains both beautiful flowers...Read More » - Did you know that the rate of infidelity in American marriages has not increased in 20 years, even though attitudes toward adultery have loosened in the past 40? More facts, in addition to tips for success are included in the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project's annual report "The State of Our Unions: Marriage in America."
Getting finances under control and in sync is crucial for a lasting, happy relationship.
Our friends at The Huffington Post have thoughtfully pared the report's findings down to a few key points as an entry point into more advanced-level marital strategy.
1. Marriage is as much an economic as an emotional partnership.
This is one area the recession of 2009 has helped families strengthen their bonds. Mutual belt-tightening and simple lifestyle shifts, such as more cooking and eating together at home have united families in both financial agreement and increased communication and quality time. Related: 4 Ways To Avoid Fighting About Money
2. Switch traditional financial responsibilities.
Generally women tend to make the everyday purchasi...Read More » - With the scent of spring in the air, single people everywhere are starting to feel a familiar itch. No, it's not allergies - it's the itch of longing for a relationship... or at least someone to go on a hot date with.
A recent survey says singles date more in the spring. So get out there and have some fun!
Spring is a great time to begin a new relationship. Sparkology, an online dating site for young professionals, recently polled its members and found that 81 percent date more often in the spring. This makes sense. Sure, the chill of winter may have everyone longing for a cuddle buddy, but warmer weather calls for more adventurous dates than your "dinner and a movie" (or dinner and Netflix) standby. Related: 10 Best Spring Date Ideas
So, what should you do to celebrate the season of sunshine and hooking up? Find a date and celebrate, obviously. If you're running short on ideas, here are a few springtime staples to jumpstart your love life.
Eat outdoors. 'Tis the season for picnics in the park, outdoor seating at quaint cafes and plenty of ice cream, so spread out a blan...Read More » From Life As Mr. & Mrs. on ColinCowieWeddings.com
Celebrate your anniversaries!
Give the old cliché about a spouse forgetting the wedding anniversary a rest. With iPads, smart phones, software calendar programs and even Facebook, there is no excuse for letting the anniversary of your wedding date slip your mind.
Besides, celebrating your anniversary can also be a great way to rev up your chemistry, as well as a superb reason to splurge on the one you love.
BE IMAGINATIVE
Sure, it is all too easy to let an anniversary become rote. The husband brings home a corner-store bouquet. The wife gives him the putter he wanted. They go out to dinner. There's nothing wrong with that--except the event becomes automatic and therefore less special. Instead, honor your marriage in a creative way. Has he talked about taking Italian lessons? Has she wished for a cooking course? Your objective should be to make your spouse's wish come true on your anniversary.OR SKIP THE GIFT
...Read More »
Like your wedding, the perfect annivFrom Inspire Me! on ColinCowieWeddings.com
A romantic picnic basket.
Nothing says spring quite like a quiet, romantic picnic. Just Mr. & Mrs. Fabulous lounging on an endless manicured lawn, under a lazy, cloudless sky enjoying an afternoon together.
One of our favorite designers, Tracy Reese, has created a chic alternative to the traditional, and all too often masculine, picnic basket. Designed with Clos du Bois Wines, this retro-styled limited edition wicker basket is lined with an iconic Tracy Reese floral pattern fabric and kitted up with Clos du Bois wine varietals, wine glasses, matching fabric napkins, a corkscrew and bottle stopper.
The Clos du Bois Chic Picnique makes a fabulous wedding gift for the style-minded couple and won't break the bank at $135. Just don't forget to set the mood in Reese's thirties-inspired slip gown with matching eyelet parasol. Chin-chin.
Clos du Bois Chic Picnique, $135 and Tiered lace maxi dress, $550
...Read More »
MORE FROM COLINCOWIEWEDDINGS.COM
