Women’s Sexuality — FDA’s Clinical Trials & Drug Approval.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Economic Stability and Marriage — Is it Now a Prerequisite?
Economic stability is now seen by many as a prerequisite for marriage. This leads to couples delaying marriage until later in life. Couples can benefit from couples counseling over this issue. Especially how to pull their lives together before or after achieving economic stability.
“Financial Security and New Marriages.” New York Times (Sept. 24, 2014).
Choosing a Therapist — Some Suggestions.
Some hints on finding the right therapist: word-of-mouth recommendations from friends; being comfortable with the therapist’s office environment; therapist should being a good listener. Some things you need to do at the outset of therapy: ask questions; find out what you are requested to do; give feedback. These are sensible suggestions. Remember the therapeutic relationship should be a challenge that helps you progress towards a positive outcome and a viable solution to your concerns.
“To Find the Right Therapist.” Wall Street Journal (Sept. 23, 2014).
Counseling Couples — Inheritances for Adult Children — Should Couples Spend the Money?
This new article discusses couples counseling and the issue of inheritances for adult children. It contends that after a lifetime of giving parents should no longer have an obligation of giving an inheritance. Surprisingly, it states that most adult children don’t have expectations of inheritance. This may be one view but it is certainly not so clear cut. Couples counseling over money issues including inheritances is always difficult. It involves many concerns and always needs to be tailored to the individual family.
“Parents, Adult Children and Inheritances.” New York Times (9.21.14)
New Study …. “Happy Wife, Happy Marriage.”
This new study finds, not unexpectedly, that a happy wife makes for a happier marriage. Of course, the key is good communication between the husband and wife. What is interesting is that the study focuses on the husband making sure the wife is happy. That’s very interesting. But I would suggest that it is also up to the wife. Both the husband and wife are responsible for keeping the marriage happy.
“New Study — Happy Wife, Happy Life.” NBC News (Sept. 19, 2014).
Beyond Marriage — The Need for Responsible Parenthood.
The author concludes that “We also need a new ethic of responsible parenthood.” Meaning you don’t have kids until you have a stable relationship, presumably one involving marriage. The decline of marriage and the growth of having children outside of marriage is a result of many factors. I agree. This is a complex situation but individual responsibility is of paramount concern. It needs to be reinforced for everyone’s concern.
Couples-Counseling Connection --- Marriage & Family (McLean, Virginia). 