Marriage & Keeping Intimacy
Love doesn’t fade—it just needs attention. This section is for couples who feel the spark slipping and want to reconnect. We explore relationship intimacy tips, emotional closeness, and how to reignite the bond that brought you together in the first place—because soul-deep love is still worth fighting for.
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Long Line of Love
I met my husband Bobby in September of 1981, and just three months later, I was headed to Western New York for Christmas to meet his entire family. They hadn’t even heard my name until Bobby called to say he was bringing me to the festivities. I only caught his side of the conversation, but one thing was clear—his mom thought I was too young for him. Gulp. As we walked up to his parents’ front door, I heard a boisterous yell and the sound of running feet. The door flew open, and a laughing, beautiful woman launched herself into Bobby’s arms. They hugged and kissed, words tumbling over each…
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These Are My Friends
My cousin recently visited Italy. While he was there, he stayed with friends at an Airbnb. They were trying to decide where to eat one night, and their host got wind of it. He came over and told them about a great place a short walk away. He then charmingly escorted them to the restaurant, introduced them to the owners, and with arms outstretched, he boisterously exclaimed “These are my friends. Make them fat!” I love this story! Who wouldn’t want to be welcomed like this?!? I come from a long line of hospitable people. My paternal grandparents were Italian immigrants from Castel Frentano. They had 12 children and not…
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Sacred Saturdays
I attended a wedding in which the pastor encouraged the bride and groom to get their PhD Degree in the other. It struck me immediately that Bobby and I have this kind of intimacy, and that it has significantly contributed to our happiness. I think the benefits are: We are more understanding and patient with each other’s weaknesses and see and appreciate each other’s strengths. We know the buttons NOT to push which reduces our interpersonal conflict. It is fun and relaxing to have our best friend right in our own home. Being known by someone is good for our health. No, really! Sex is much more likely to happen…
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Chasing the Dodgers: Handling Conflict When You’re Different
Conflict. Ugh. Just the sound of that word makes us cringe, right? But know this. If you can learn how to manage it well, conflict will help your relationship. Yes, make it better because both unaddressed issues and bloody battles are death to your relationship. One might just take longer to make it die than the other. So, let’s figure this out. First, there are really two kinds of people when it comes to conflict: Chasers and Dodgers. Both have good points when it comes to conflict, but both have the capacity to really screw it up, too. It’s important to identify who you both are so the road can…
