Sue Shellenbarger @ The Wall Street Journal

From WSJ

In a typical pattern, one partner would devote so much more time to raising the children, or to work, or to some other priority, that the relationship withered and died of neglect.

Infidelity is often the presenting reason couples seek therapy; surveys show 22% to 25% of men and 11% to 15% of women report having had extramarital sex, and the actual rate is probably higher, researchers say.

But other studies show infidelity often masks other, longer-standing problems between spouses.

(more Making Marriage a Higher Priority…)

A question for Kate de Brito a.k.a Ask Bossy?

We’ve had very serious discussions about our relationship from day 1, mostly because of his background. His parents (his whole family live overseas) expect him to have an arranged marriage. He has also been brought up to believe that this is the most successful way of marrying. He has always told me that he cares about me a lot but that he doesn’t know what our future will be as his parents wouldn’t accept me. He is upfront in saying he doesn’t know what to do about us.

This is what they mean when they say culture clash. Check out Bossy’s answer and give your thoughts on the subject.

(more dumped for an arranged marriage?…)

It’s short but she makes a good point about the benefits of trust in relationships.

by James Walsh

Marriage has held on to its position of being the number one social institution throughout all these ages. It has been holding sway in spite of all other social, economical, political and military turbulences across the span of the world.

Of late, however, this honourable institution has come under attack in its time honoured form. The first attack on marriage was from the ever increasing divorce rate across the developed countries of the world.

(more Fear of Divorce…)

Doug Kramer and Cheska Garcia. Have no idea who they are right? Go on over to bajin’s blog and watch the video . It’s very nice.

From Kim at Life With Kim:

In a couple of years my husband and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. Every anniversary should be special in a marriage, but the 10th year is usually regarded as a milestone. So to celebrate our upcoming milestone I would love to plan something spectacular for just him and I. Yes, I know I’m thinking way ahead of schedule, but what I would like to have planned will take a little planning and money saving.

Check out her plans and give Kim some feedback and encouragement

by Sheena Berg

In any marriage, even the most loving and harmonious, there will be disagreements, and the way the couple resolves conflict affects the health, vibrancy and longevity of the marriage. Some couples mistakenly believe their marriage has no chance of success if they have conflict, which may be due to the common belief that conflict is best avoided to ensure family harmony. The result of conflict avoidance is often simmering anger and deep-seated resentment about unresolved issues.

(more Reducing Marital Conflict…)

There’s been a lot of speculation that Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood and his wife Jo are headed to divorce court with rumors that wood would have to pay upwards of 100 million in settlement.

Jo Wood doesn’t see it that way. From Alex Peake at The Sun:

RONNIE Wood’s wife Jo last night vowed to fight for her man, declaring: “I don’t want a divorce.”

The Rolling Stone’s 23-year marriage seemed over after he spent hours with lawyers last week.

But Jo, 53, told The Sun she would give him another chance after his fling with blonde Russian Ekaterina Ivanova, 20.

(read more Jo Wood wants to rescue marriage…)

Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D.

by Daryl Campbell

No doubt verbal abusers are a mass of insecurities. But their purpose is in essence to give you more insecurities than they themselves already have.

(more the Power Play of Verbal Abuse…)