by Nancy | Feb 20, 2018 | Commitment, Conflict, Problem Solving, Stepfamilies, stepfamily strategies
I’d like to ask Frank Sinatra, who’s crooning voice made this lyric popular, “Then why is the divorce rate much higher for second and subsequent marriages?” Our culture is still trapped in the unrealistic assumption that stepfamilies are no different than a first...
by Nancy | Jan 9, 2018 | Commitment, Conflict, Habit Change, Problem Solving, Uncategorized
Rather than seeing conflict as part of growing the relationship, we tend to blame the person with whom we’re in conflict. “If he wouldn’t _____, then I wouldn’t ______. If she would just _____, then we’d be happy.” Blame, not conflict, is relationship cancer. ...
by Nancy | Dec 5, 2017 | Conflict, Habit Change, Problem Solving
Remember the opening lines of Fiddler on the Roof? Tevya singing, “TRADITION! TRADITION!” Traditions serve such a valuable service to our cultures and our families. They provide something to depend on when other things in life may be shaky. The repetition of them...
by Nancy | Aug 12, 2017 | Conflict, Problem Solving, Soul Mates
Our culture is full of marriages that are less than inspiring! Precious few of us were reared by parents who were obviously in love and stayed in love over time. When I ask new clients if they know anyone in their circle of friends that has a marriage they admire,...
by Nancy | Jul 23, 2017 | Conflict, Habit Change, Problem Solving
Unhappy with your marriage? Have the same fight over and over again? Has romance become more of a dry business arrangement? It’s not your fault! For centuries whether or not a marriage was “good” for both partners (meaning loving) was largely a matter of luck. If...
by Nancy | May 8, 2017 | Habit Change, Problem Solving
It seems to be human nature to believe that if the other person would just change, (come home on time, quit nagging, be more financially responsible, keep the home neater, be more loving) my life would be happy, I would be content. Yet many times I’ve seen...
