Improving Your Relationship

5 Minutes to a better marriage

Tristan Coopersmith — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 07:02:00 -0700

Great marriages take a lot of TLC. But few of us have time to read long self-help books, fill out workbooks and complete complex exercises dedicated to the cause of maintaining a successful marriage. Instead of trying to tear apart and rebuild your whole engine, try giving your marriage a simple daily tune-up instead. Whether you're a newlywed rookie or a marriage vet, every couple can benefit from these simple five-minute techniques.

What's more important: Your children or your marriage?

Tiernan McKay — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:40:00 -0700

Motherhood. With all of its joys and successes come endless responsibilities, chaotic schedules and a generally hectic atmosphere. Given the copious amounts of energy this job demands, there is a tendency to elevate children to 'highest priority' status in a family. But, where does that leave your marriage?

Keep your relationship interesting

Jessica Padykula — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:42:00 -0700

Falling into a relationship rut is easier than you think. It happens to the best of us but doesn't mean you and your partner are doomed to live a life of boredom. With a little effort and creativity, you can kick your relationship back into high gear. To find out how we got some rut-busting advice from Alisa Bowman, author of Project: Happily Ever After.

3 Reasons you're in a relationship rut

Jessica Padykula — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 -0700

If you think your sex life could use some spicing up but you’re not sure why, we’ve put together some common reasons your relationship could be in a rut. Check out our simple tips for boosting your bond and getting your relationship back on track.

How you could be disrespecting him

Noelle Nelson — Fri, 20 May 2011 09:28:00 -0700

Your honey has been oh so cold towards you since the barbecue last weekend and you can't figure out why. Everybody had a great time, loved your guacamole recipe and complimented your neatly trimmed backyard. So what's his problem? Did his favorite team lose? Did you scorch his lucky shirt? Is it another woman? Probably none of the above. Remember to be sensitive to his feelings as you go about solving this little bump in the road of love.

How to live like you’re always on your honeymoon

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:54:00 -0700

A honeymoon is a chance to escape with your new spouse, make fantastic memories and begin your marriage on a positive note. Unfortunately, it sometimes represents the happiest time in a couple’s life. But, you can extend your honeymoon bliss well into your marriage by following some simple love-rekindling steps.

3 Ways to compromise

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:01:00 -0700

One of the best ways to keep your relationship on track and out of trouble is to compromise. If you’re willing to cooperate and work toward turning potential hazards into harmony, you’ll go a long way in making your love last. Here are a few simple ways to introduce compromise into your relationship.

How to find a good work-love balance

Jessica Padykula — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:33:00 -0700

When the two of you are busy and overworked, entire days can seem to go by without so much as a cursory glance or conversation. To avoid losing touch with your significant other entirely, here are a few simple strategies for making love work despite jam-packed schedules.

How to know when he's ready to commit

Jessica Padykula — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 07:38:00 -0700

Your guy probably won’t wear a T-shirt proclaiming he’s ready to move in together or take your relationship to the next level, so you'll have to look for more subtle signs that he’s ready to commit. Here are a few of the biggest.

How to grow as a couple

Jessica Padykula — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:10:00 -0700

Once you’ve been dating for a while , the need to do everything together starts to fade. The focus shifts slowly back to individual ambitions and priorities, rather than couple-oriented goals. We all need our own purposes in life, but growing not only as an individual but also as a couple can be good for your relationship. Here’s how.

The best things you can do for your relationship

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:23:00 -0700

Making a relationship work takes effort. Check out our list of tried-and-true strategies to improve how you and your partner interact and love one another as your relationship grows.

Plan a surprise date night for your man

Jessica Padykula — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:55:00 -0700

If you’re looking for a way to show your guy some extra affection , why not plan the ultimate night of appreciation? Here are some great tips for on giving him a day of pampering.

Don't let menopause cause a divorce!

Ellen Sarver Dolgen — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:19:00 -0800

Women often find themselves divorced at the same time they're going through perimenopause and menopause. Why? Well, while there is never one reason for the breakup of a relationship, it is safe to say that the challenges of perimenopause and menopause can put tremendous strain on a couple. Here's how to diminish that effect.

Small gestures that can improve your marriage

Jessica Padykula — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:30:00 -0800

It’s easy to forget about little niceties when you’re stressed out and overwhelmed with everyday life. But if you forget about the small things too often, you could be sending your marriage down the path of no return. Check out these small gestures that can help improve your marriage.

How to celebrate your relationship

Alison Bills — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:20:00 -0800

It's the season of love -- what better time to celebrate your relationship than now? Here's a variety of tips and ideas to flatter your man, make him feel special and enrich your relationship by focusing on the extra-special little things.

How to deal with marriage humps

Tristan Coopersmith — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:19:00 -0800

Remember your wedding day? That beautiful, blissful day when you wished you could just freeze time and live in the fantasy forever? And then there was your honeymoon: days or even weeks of luxurious pampering. Then real life hit, and at some point, you were reminded of why you took that "for better or for worse" vow. Sure, marriage veterans – those who'd survived and those who hadn't – warned you that marriage wasn't easy, that it took work, but wow -- who knew you would hit humps like these? Fear no more: There's no marriage hump you can't get over if you're armed with the right tools.

Secrets for maintaining a successful marriage

Jessica Padykula — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:11:00 -0800

Marriage is a wonderful thing, but it also takes hard work if you want it to succeed. For that reason, we turned Tina B. Tessina, PhD, psychotherapist and author of Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting about the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage, about the keys to making your marriage work.

6 Unique ways to rejuvenate a stale marriage

Kori Ellis — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:30:00 -0800

No matter how long you have been married, things can go stale for one reason or another. If you have fallen into a bit of a rut with your partner, incorporate these unique ways to rejuvenate your marriage.

5 Ways to re-fall in love

Tristan Coopersmith — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:35:00 -0800

Remember when the very sight of your guy made you weak in the knees? The days when you completed each other's sentences and sealed it with a kiss? The times when his best interest was always top of mind? If those days seem distant, don't worry: You are not alone.

8 Ways to make his family love you as much as he does

Jessica Padykula — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:03:00 -0800

You've met a great guy, you two totally click, and you're pretty sure he's the one. There's just one little glitch: You still need to meet his family. To help you avoid potential disaster when meeting his mom , we've come up with some tips that will make them love you .

7 Days to a stronger relationship

Jessica Padykula — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:48:00 -0800

Being in a relationship isn't always easy. In fact, it takes a lot of effort to make a long-term commitment work. But if you're willing to put some energy into taking your twosome to the next level, your relationship can only change for the better. We look at one thing you can do every day to build toward rekindling the romance and falling in love all over again.