Happy Marriage (Parade 7.26.14)

     Economic inequality seems to relate to marriage inequality as to why richer couples marry more than less economically secure ones. Young couples that can pool two incomes and provide a solid financial foundation for marriage tend to marry at a greater rate. Data seems to establish this. But it isn’t always necessarily the case. Many other societal reasons come into play.
The Real Reason Richer People Marry.” New York Times (December 7, 2014).

Couples & Tweeting ….. Can Too Much Tweeting Cause a Couple Disconnect?

Couple (Angry)

     This article argues that relationships are under attack from technology. For example, unequal use of technology at home can lead to unhappy consequences. Engaging in too much technology (tweeting, among others) while in presence of a spouse encourages disconnection. This sounds about right. Most important, you want to limit separate use of technology while at home during quiet time and evening hours, so says this article.
Tweeting Together, Staying Together.” New York Times (12.4.14).

Holidays and Family Feuding — Expect Unfortunate Responses and Plan …………….

  Family Holiday  
     The holiday season often brings feuding during family gatherings. This article gives you strategies in avoiding family confrontations. Very worthwhile. Especially the suggestion on communicating and expecting unfortunate responses.

 

A Nuclear Family Meltdown.” Wall Street Journal (December 2, 2014)

Is the Divorce Surge Really Over?

Couple (Angry)
     Good article about the ending of the divorce surge. However, if you read it carefully you are not convinced. Still over 50% all new marriages end in divorce. To me this indicates the couples counseling is more important now than ever before.

 

The Divorce Surge is Over — But the Myth Lives On.” New York Times (December 2, 2014).

When to Start Dating After Loss of a Spouse?

Older Couple

     Researchers have found people who marry after a spouse’s death report less depression and a greater sense of wellbeing. Men seem to start dating  before women. Perhaps that’s because women have a better support network and can communicate with them.

 

When to Start Dating After a Spouse’s Death.” Wall Street Journal (Nov. 18, 2014).

Couples and Homes in Divorces — Working with Banks.

      House and Couple
     When one spouse wants the house in a divorce and one wants to get off the mortgage it is essential that the couple communicates realistically. It is not that difficult.  To undertake the necessary legal arrangements you need first to have a firm understanding.  Then move ahead  working with the bank.
One Spouse Wants the House.” Wall Street Journal (November 7, 2014).

Women’s Sexuality — FDA’s Clinical Trials & Drug Approval.

Couples 1 (Love)

There are plenty of clinical trials for drugs that could treat low sexual desire in women but the FDA doesn’t approve them. It’s about time that the FDA changes it guidelines for the trials and drug approval.  It mystifying why drug companies only focus on men, says the author in this recent piece.

Women’s Sexuality.” Washington Post (10.28.14).

Marriage Rituals and Better Communicaiton …. Morning Coffee.

Couples in Business

     Good discussion of this one couple’s marriage over the years. Morning coffee together is a ritual that greatly helps. Provides time for better communications. The couple concludes “[Marriage] is a shield against everything that’s out there. It’s safety and security and a refuge from the noise and the confusion.”

 

….. “Life’s a Ferris Wheel.” New York Times (10.19.14)

Empty Nesters & Couples Communication.

Couples in Business

Good article on “empty nesters.” The author argues that couples who are empty nesters fall into two groups. The first are  the “mourners” who seek ways to stay connected with their adult children. The second are “rejoicers” who try to make up for ‘lost years.’ To me there is no right or wrong. Communication between the couple is most important in order to navigate this new situation. But keep in mind the empty nest doesn’t always stay that way.

 

The Empty-Nest Book.” New York Times (Oct. 12, 2014).

Economic Security and Marriage.

Marriage and Money

The number of unmarried coupes between ages 25 to 34 say the main reason they haven’t gotten married is that they are ‘not financially prepared.’ Jobs and related issues seem to be the number one issue in couples counseling for this group. This is no surprise. Economic security and the promise of it has always been an important issue. But because of the poor economy this has become even more important today.
A Steady Job.” Washington Post (Sept. 30, 2014).