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Tips for Marriage Preparation You Must Know
Most people want to get married and at some point, they decide that they’ll commit. But, as a thirty-seven year happily married woman who has counseled unhappy couples, here’s what I’ve learned. When it comes to marriage and life, commitment is great. But preparation is where it’s at. I want you to be happy, too. So, I’m passing along what I know about how to prepare for marriage. Racing taught me this lesson early. My husband, Bobby Martin, and I formed a professional Top Alcohol Funny Car drag racing operation in 1991, culminating in an NHRA US Nationals Championship, a Division 3 Season Championship, and a national Top 10 ranking.…
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Is it Time to Break Up?
We watch scary movies and know when to shout at the dumb girl who goes into the basement to investigate that noise. We revel in her stupidity and feel superior. If it were us, we assure ourselves, we wouldn’t be so foolish. Sure, we would. Funny thing about life, it’s so easy to view it from the outside. Love can be the same, don’t you think? Others look at our horror movie and just know we need to end the relationship. But we don’t know and we just continue down the steps to the basement. But, is it time to break up? I’ve ended more…
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How to Save Your Relationship When It’s Falling Apart
Is your relationship failing? Maybe he had an affair. Maybe you did. Maybe money is tight and you worry all the time. He is just not holding up his end of the bargain. It was supposed to be different. You don’t talk anymore or you fight too much. Perhaps you are feeling alone in your relationship in every way. Perhaps you started out strong, but things have led to you just not feeling the love anymore. She’s changed and won’t sleep in the same bed anymore, let alone have sex with you. These are real tough situations that a lot of people find themselves to be in. They hurt. But…
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The Sound of Silence
Early in our relationship, I often gave my husband The Silent Treatment when angry or hurt. My passive-aggressive versus Bobby’s assertive communication style confused, angered, and wounded him. And he was having none of it! He would sit right in front of me and not leave until we talked the issue out. I wasn’t used to that kind of forward-facing communication, it made me uncomfortable, and in those early moments, I thought he was a bully. I shake my head now, remembering those interactions. Me, arms crossed and pouting while doing Cirque du Soleil-like contortions to avoid looking at him. Him putting his face directly into mine and repeatedly asking…
