Author Archives: Ariala

How Can I be More Open with My Spouse?

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In order for anyone to be open with another person, a sense of comfort and trust must exist. In a marriage relationship, you would think those two things would be present, however, it seems that many couples don’t communicate as intimately as they once did, yet they long to. What happens to cause some people to close up? A person who fears communicating openly about various issues is usually the victim of past criticisms, a judgmental attitude, or ridicule. The marriage should be a safe haven from such things, but unfortunately, sometimes it becomes the den of mockery instead. In … Continue reading →

How to Deal with Your Spouse’s Friends

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Most of us like to spend time with our spouses, but what happens when that time is robbed by others? Sometimes a spouse’s friends can enter the picture and cause major turmoil in the marriage. This is a common problem that can be rectified with open communication. First of all, assuming you’re not being unrealistic, and asking your spouse to spend time only with you, you should be able to talk openly to your spouse about his or her friends and get a receptive response. There are destructive people who sometimes latch on to those we love. These types of … Continue reading →

Is it Time for Counseling?

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When do you know if your marriage needs help? Are there signs? Do all couples need counseling after several years of marriage? Most couples have issues or problems that occur. That’s just life. The best time to get counseling is when one or both people in the marriage feel they cannot work out a compromise or come to a logical solution. Reaching such a point is not something to be ashamed of. Rather, it shows that both people are at least consenting to the fact that they need help. Seeking counseling is a courageous step to take. How do you … Continue reading →

Loving Your Spouse Without Changing Them

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As we’ve all heard, many people get married and think they’ll eventually change their spouse and make them what they wish they could be. Anyone with such notions in mind will undoubtedly be sorely disappointed. The fact is love toward your spouse needs to be unconditional. Whether they change or not shouldn’t come into the picture. How do we go about loving someone whose habits or personalities sometimes clash with our own? First rule of thumb is acceptance. Accepting someone means loving them with the good and the bad. After all, we want to be accepted without someone trying to … Continue reading →

How to Deal with the In-Laws

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Enough movies have been made portraying the nightmares of having in-laws. From “Meet the Parents” to “The In-laws,” all of us get a chuckle out of Hollywood’s portrayal of this topic. We stop laughing though, when it comes to our own personal experiences with our own “in-laws.” The first rule to remember when dealing with your in-laws is that they are not strangers off the street that demand to be hated. In fact, the opposite is true. They are the flesh and blood that created your spouse, and no matter how frustrated you are with them, you have to keep … Continue reading →

What Makes a Good Spouse?

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How someone defines a good spouse will most likely depend on one’s own personality, likes, and dislikes. Still, there are some general qualities that most of us would wish for in our spouses and ourselves. These characteristics are what we hold dear and value in relationships. Let’s take a look at five important traits that make a good spouse! 1. Putting the other person first Let’s face it, we all want to be with an unselfish person who considers our needs above his or her own. As they say, if we begin to treat our spouses the way we wished … Continue reading →

Is Being a Homemaker as Important as Working Outside the Home?

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For many housewives across the country, staying home and working is a dream come true. Those who have children and are able to stay home and work find that it’s more rewarding, and much more convenient for maintaining the home and family. Yet, for others, being a homemaker sometimes robs them of their self-esteem. Homemakers play an important role in the family. The husband may be the primary breadwinner and provider, but the woman who stays home is the primary provider of the emotional care and atmosphere of the home. She is usually the one to instill in her children … Continue reading →

Is Acceptance and Blatant Love Possible in Marriage?

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There are times all of us wish we had more love to give or felt more love in our lives and marriages. Sometimes you hear about miraculous love stories that seem so much like those we read about in fairytales as children. We then ask the logical question, “Why can’t I have that?” The fact is all of us can experience the mysteries and wonders of love in our marriages. Much of what we get out of marriage is directly proportionate to what we put into it. If two people are sincere and truly wanting the best for the other, … Continue reading →

How to Share Your Mate’s Interest

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We are usually closest to those who share our interests. Though opposites attract, those who have more in common usually find lasting enjoyment in their time together, so, with that premise in mind, let’s take a look at ways to share in your mate’s interests. Get to know your mate’s interest First and foremost, become acquainted with the hobbies and interests that your spouse enjoys. These may vary or be very specific in nature, but get to know the ins and outs of what he or she likes. Participate in those interests Sometimes we forget that simply spending time with … Continue reading →

Does Your Mate Share the Burden of Maintaining the “Books?”

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In some marriages, one person emerges as the individual that maintains the books. In other marriages, both individuals take turns at this task. The main thing to keep in mind is that both parties should be happy with whatever decision is reached in terms of who maintains the books. The “books” can relate to checkbook, paying bills, keeping track of a budget, insurance papers, and other important documents. The person who usually keeps track of these items must be organized, knowledgeable about due dates, balancing the checkbook, and keeping up with policies and what they mean. If only one of … Continue reading →