Will a Temporary Separation Help my Marriage? Not necessarily.
You’ll read below that one of the most important ways to heal and come back together after a temporary separation is to infuse your relationship with positivity and love again. We’re going to provide you with inspiration for how to do just that.
Help! I’m Married to an Overly Critical Husband
It’s painful to feel like the person who should be your biggest encourager is also your harshest critic. Many wives ask: “Why is my husband so critical of me? Can I change him? Is there a way to feel loved again without constant negativity?” The truth: criticism in marriage is common — but left unchecked, […]
Married to an Addict: Finding Healing, Hope, and the Courage to Stay Present
When you’re married to an addict, life can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—hope one day, heartbreak the next. The constant uncertainty, broken trust, and loneliness can wear away your spirit. While it may be tempting to escape through distraction or detachment, true healing—whether for your partner or for you—begins when you face the pain, not […]
How my shopping addiction affected my marriage
We partake in all kinds of “exits” when we feel unsafe. There are lots of reasons that we feel unsafe, and in a marriage, our spouse will often trigger us in ways that make us feel even more unsafe. A shopping addiction is one kind of “exit” that we partake in. Let’s gain a lot […]
3 Ways You Can Truly Help Save Your Friend’s Marriage
When someone you care about is going through a marriage crisis, it’s natural to want to help. But here’s the hard truth: sometimes, even with the best of intentions, friends and family can unintentionally make things worse. I’ve seen many struggling marriages unravel further because of outside involvement that—though well-meaning—ended up fueling blame and deepening […]
What should I do when my wife ignores me?
If your wife is ignoring you, it’s natural to feel confused, hurt, or even angry. That kind of disconnection can be incredibly painful—especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. Whether she’s pulling away emotionally, avoiding physical affection, or simply seems disengaged, you’re probably wondering: Why is this happening, and what can I do about […]
Military Marriage Counseling: Overcoming Relationship Problems During Deployment
Military couples are some of the strongest and most resilient partners in the world. But even the toughest relationships are tested by deployment, separation, and military life stress. When one partner is away for months—or years—distance can quietly create disconnection, anxiety, and mistrust. The good news? These challenges are common, predictable, and manageable—with the right […]
Marriage Isn’t for You: Should you stay married?
Should you stay married? Am I the only one who clicked on Seth Adam Smith’s This Recently Married Man Just Realized Marriage Isn’t for him and assumed it was about someone who decided to throw away their marriage after 18 months?
How to Deal With a Passive Aggressive Husband (or Wife)
Key Takeaways Passive aggressive behavior = indirect resistance instead of open communication. Common signs: procrastination, sarcasm, silent treatment, and “forgetting” commitments. Causes may include conflict avoidance, learned family patterns, or fear of confrontation. How you respond often determines whether the pattern continues or changes. Building trust, validating feelings, and responding directly (without escalation) can shift […]
How to Fix a Relationship in Five Steps
If your relationship is in crisis, the task of learning how to fix a relationship may appear daunting. In my experience of working with countless couples on the verge of relationship disaster, I have identified five proven steps to turn things around. How to fix a relationship in 5 steps. 1) Commit. While it may […]
How Self-Growth Can Wreck a Marriage: I feel more enlightened than my spouse
Can Self-Growth Ruin a Marriage? What to Do If You Feel More Enlightened Than Your Spouse Introduction Self-growth is everywhere these days—books, podcasts, therapy, retreats, even TikTok trends. As a licensed marriage counselor who has worked with thousands of couples over the past 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how self-improvement can be both a blessing […]
PTSD in Marriage and how to help your spouse
The power of using words to process our pain and can be therapeutic for those experiencing post-traumatic stress. Holocaust survivors who did not talk about their experience found themselves suffering more than those that were able to verbalize what they went through. This point resonated with me strongly as I have witnessed the therapeutic benefit […]
Eating disorders in Marriage: Are you starved for love?
Have you ever found yourself staring at an ice cream sundae with the same kind of intensity as you would your true love? It’s as if that sundae has the power to comfort you in the way only your beloved could. While certainly the sugar rush and chocolate euphoria might help you feel fully alive […]
Why Some Marriage Counseling Fails—And How to Choose the Right Professional Over Well-Meaning Friends or Clergy
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it worth getting marriage help from a professional?”, you’re not alone. Many couples hesitate—often because they’ve heard stories of therapy dragging on for years, costing thousands, and not actually helping. Here’s the truth: marriage counseling can absolutely work, but not all marriage counseling is created equal. The difference between […]
When Your Spouse Wants More or Less Religion Than You: How to Navigate Religious Differences in Marriage
Faith can be a powerful source of connection—or a major point of tension—between spouses.What happens when your partner’s level of religious observance changes? Maybe your husband no longer wants to keep certain traditions.Maybe your wife suddenly feels called to become more observant.Or perhaps you married someone who turned out to be far less (or more) […]
Life After Divorce for Men: How to Cope, Rebuild, and Move Forward
Divorce is one of the hardest challenges a man can face. For many, it’s not just the end of a marriage—it’s the loss of identity, daily routines, and the future you thought you’d have. If you’re asking yourself “what is life like for a man after divorce?” or “how do men cope with divorce emotionally?”—you’re […]
How to React to a Controlling Spouse (Without Losing Your Patience or Love)
Living with a controlling spouse can be frustrating and exhausting. You may feel powerless, criticized, or like nothing you do is ever good enough. But beneath that controlling behavior, there’s often pain — and understanding it can completely change the dynamic in your marriage. Here’s an example from a husband who wrote to us: “My […]
Married but Living Apart: Is It Healthy or Just a Breakup in Disguise?
The idea of being married but living apart is gaining traction. Major publications, including The New York Times, have spotlighted couples who choose to maintain separate homes while staying in committed relationships . On the surface, this arrangement can sound appealing—less friction, fewer arguments over chores, and a chance to keep things “sizzly” without the […]
Overcoming Infidelity: How to Rebuild Trust and Repair Your Relationship After Cheating
Infidelity can feel like a bomb dropped on your relationship—shattering trust, intimacy, and the very foundation you once stood on. If you’re reading this, you’re likely feeling lost, heartbroken, and unsure if healing is even possible. Here’s the truth:Many couples do survive infidelity. Some even come out stronger—more honest, connected, and emotionally secure than ever […]
Marriage After Retirement: How to Adjust to Retirement in Marriage Without Losing Your Relationship
You’ve dreamed for years of finally retiring and enjoying the rest of your life with your spouse. But many couples are surprised by the friction that retirement introduces into their marriage. Would you believe that couples who have “made it” thirty or forty-plus years still need to work on their relationship after retirement? Research shows […]