Should I Stay or Leave My Marriage? How to Find Clarity at a Relationship Crossroads
When you’re asking yourself, “Should we separate or stay together?” the pain of indecision can feel heavier than either choice. Couples in this situation often feel emotionally exhausted, stuck in limbo, and unsure what the future holds. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, and ordained Rabbi with over 20 years […]
My Wife Hates My Family—What Should I Do?
In any loving relationship, conflict can arise from unexpected places—including your family. A common dilemma for husbands is this: “My wife hates my family. What should I do?” It can show up as: This puts you in an exhausting position: caught between loyalty to your family and loyalty to your spouse. Without a clear plan, […]
Getting Along with Extended Family for the Holidays: How to Prepare for the Festive Season Ahead
The holidays can be magical—but they can also be stressful, especially when extended family is involved. Whether it’s juggling multiple family traditions, managing tension between relatives, or trying to keep your in-laws happy, it’s no wonder so many couples search for advice on how to survive family gatherings without losing their sanity. The good news? […]
Is a Disagreement with In-Laws Affecting Your Marriage?
In-law relationships can have a significant impact on a marriage. That’s why conflict with in-laws requires a united front that puts your marital relationship before the relationship you have with your parents. Perhaps you’ve experienced varying levels of joy and tension while interacting with your mother-in-law or father-in-law. But when the dynamics between spouses and […]
Control Issues in a Relationship
“Control issues” usually stem from fear or anxiety. When a person is afraid of an outcome or wants things to be a certain way, they can become rigid. By feeling a sense of control, they can reduce their anxiety and feel that they have power. While it is easy to label someone as controlling, it […]
Holiday Parenting Tips for Married Couples: How to Stay United (and Sane)
Holidays are supposed to be magical. But for many married couples, they’re also the most stressful time of the year. Between extended family expectations, financial pressures, and kids bouncing off the walls with excitement, it’s easy for stress to turn into arguments. As a licensed therapist who has worked with couples for over 20 years, […]
How to Deal With a Toxic Family Member: 4 Steps That Work
Key takeaways Confirm the signs of a toxic family member before acting. Set boundaries with toxic family using short, specific rules—then follow through. Expect pushback; hold consequences calmly (no JADE: don’t justify, argue, defend, explain). Prioritize safety. If behavior crosses into abuse, make a safety plan and seek support. Is this toxic—or just a tough […]
That’s Funny, Honey: Tips for Using Humor During Marital Conflict to Stop Fights in Their Tracks
Want to know why bringing the heat down a notch during a relationship conflict is so important? Close your eyes and picture the last time you and your spouse laughed together. Really put yourself in that memory, conjuring up how it felt. It felt good, right? Want to feel it again? There’s no question that […]
Symptoms of Codependency in Marriage & How to Overcome It
Wondering if you’re in a codependent relationship? If you are having marital issues and think you might have symptoms of codependency that are unhealthy, learn more about what it is and how it affects relationships and individuals. There are relationship therapy options that can help you both improve your relationship and save your marriage. Codependency […]