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The Love That Lasts Isn’t Loud
We don’t tend to notice the love that lasts. It doesn’t announce itself or throw confetti. It rarely photographs well. It just keeps showing up—steady, warm, and surprisingly alive. The love that lasts isn’t loud. But please don’t mistake quiet for complacent. We’ve been told a story: passion is a firework, then a fireplace, then a dying ember. Smile politely. Settle into slippers. Learn to love tea. And if you’re lucky, remember your anniversary. Hard pass. Because of my mission to coach others about finding and keeping healthy marriages, I tell a lot of stories about me and Bobby. So perhaps our love looks louder than most. But we and…
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New Year Family Traditions: An Italian Way to Keep Them Alive
New Year’s comes with confetti and countdowns—but in my Italian family, it also comes with ravioli math, seating in a giant U, and a reminder that love is a team sport. Last week sixty‑eight of us gathered for our annual Family Christmas Dinner—four generations and zero loners. It’s the kind of day that pulls us back no matter the miles or the weather, and this year it felt like more than a reunion. It felt like a handoff into the new year. Big. Bold. Beautiful. That’s my Italian family. It all started at Grandpa and Grandma’s house—immigrants who raised twelve kids under that roof. At Christmas we tore around the…
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The Artist Formerly Known As Prince Charming
This one’s for every woman who’s still waiting for her Prince Charming to show up. Maybe he just got lost and is too stubborn to ask for directions. Or maybe he doesn’t exist. But I can tell you who does exist—and believe me, he stands head and shoulders above His Highness. The Myth of Prince Charming When we’re young, we’re sold the idea of finding Prince Charming. He’s handsome, perfectly mannered, and probably rich. Then some of us get older and trade that dream for The Bad Boy. He’s mysterious, edgy, and thrilling—until we “fix” him and turn him into husband material. Spoiler alert: He doesn’t exist either. Who Does…
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DIY “Reasons Why I Love You” Flipbook – A Heartfelt Gift Inspired by Dad (Free Canva Template + Easy Tutorial)
Looking for a heartfelt, homemade gift idea? This DIY “Reasons Why I Love You” flipbook is easy to make, completely customizable, and perfect for Christmas. If you’re even a little bit handy in Canva, you can change the design for other holidays. It’s a timeless way to express love—and the inspiration for this idea came from my father-in-law. The Story Behind This Gift When I first met my husband Bobby’s parents, their relationship became my North Star for what real love looks like. They were tender, joyful, fun, and deeply committed—a model I’ve carried with me ever since. Sadly, Bobby’s mom passed away a few years later. She was a…
