Tag Archives: spouse

Your Influence Over Your Spouse

Do you feel like you have an influence on your spouse? It’s likely that you do, at least in some areas, but is that influence good or bad? Does your spouse use you or your habits as an excuse to do things he or she shouldn’t? Maybe he or she follows your example and has developed more positive habits. If you’re a smoker and your spouse has quit, does your smoking help your mate find excuses to smoke? It’s not really your “fault” since your husband or wife makes a choice, but there is still a certain level of influence. … Continue reading →

Your Children and Your Marriage

We already talked about how our marriages can affect our children, but our children can also affect our marriages, sometimes in good ways but unfortunately in not such good ways as well. There are times when our little darlings can come between us even though that is not actually their intention. It usually occurs when one parent is strict and the other is more lenient. Kids subconsciously learn to pit parents against each other when the two do not present a united front. It is easy to manipulate us, because we adore them. We want our kids to be happy, … Continue reading →

When You or Your Spouse Needs Surgery

Have you or your spouse ever needed to undergo surgery? As my regular readers may know, both my husband and I have both needed surgery in the last three months. Three months, it’s kind of scary when you think that’s all it’s been since I took Scott to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. It was the first weekend of December and the following day was Cassidy’s birthday party. It was a scary night, all told, while the doctors worked diligently to diagnose why he was in so much pain and running such a high fever. It happened so quickly, … Continue reading →

Doting on Children

It can be a controversial topic at times, because of course children’s literal needs must come first before all else. Because they are dependent on us, we must give selflessly and ensure that they are well loved and well cared for. However, sometimes parents go too far. This discussion is not about anything perverted, but about how some parents allow their love for their children to get in the way of showing their love for their spouses. It may seem wrong for a spouse to become jealous over the attention paid to children, but there are times when the other … Continue reading →

Setting a Schedule and Sticking to It: Part Two

If you missed Part One of “Setting a Schedule and Sticking to It” please check it out here. Otherwise, read on! Once you have a rough idea of how many hours you need to work, and what days of the week you are going to put those hours in, you can get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some ideas of questions you need to ask yourself when setting up a daily schedule: Are you an early bird? Or a night owl? I have fought against my natural body instincts enough to tell you that it’s a losing battle. I … Continue reading →

Things My Husband has Taught Me

Do you learn a lot from your spouse? Do you think he or she has learned a lot from you? Some of the great things about marriage are the abilities to learn from each other, teach each other, and to play off each other’s strengths. My husband has taught me to slow down. He’s taught me that I don’t have to be perfect and that I deserve to be loved, just the way I am. I’ve also learned from him that life is too short to spend so much time worrying and fussing, and the fact that life is too … Continue reading →

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part III

When we feel taken for granted, it hurts. It is not conducive to a happy relationship with stepchildren, or a spouse. That’s why communication is necessary. Your spouse also has the responsibility of working to ensure that his or her children treat you with respect and courtesy. Yet, you may need to bring it to his or her attention. Try to gently discuss these issues with your spouse, without children present. Explain how you feel, without accusing. Use “I statements,” such as “I feel taken for granted,” instead of “You (or your kids) don’t appreciate me.” Try to frame the … Continue reading →

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part II

Another issue when it comes to stepchildren is not knowing exactly how you’re supposed to feel. As a parent, you may assume that you are automatically supposed to love all children. However, no one automatically loves all people, and that unfortunately includes children. Of course, developing love for your stepchildren should be your goal, but that doesn’t mean you’ll instantly have such feelings. All loving relationships take time to develop. You may also find that you’re trying too hard. You may feel as if you have to get along with the children all the time, or else you are doing … Continue reading →

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part I

This is a painful and difficult problem, which was recently expressed by a reader, so I’m going to do a series of articles on this topic. I hope this information will prove helpful. I’m not a counselor, so if you feel you need professional help, please seek advice from a qualified expert (*please see articles listed below). There are many reasons why stepparent and stepchild relationships are difficult, including not taking the time to get to know one another. However, there may also be other issues. Blended family relationships can be successful and fulfilling, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. … Continue reading →

Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas For That Special Someone

Being frugal around the holidays is difficult, because you don’t want to seem cheap, yet you still want to get them something they will adore. That special someone on your list is important too. More than likely, they already know you are a frugal person, so you want to do something for them that is special and meaningful, but that doesn’t cost a lot. Here are a few excellent ideas for the perfect frugal, but meaningful gift. Photo Album Put together a photo album of your time together, highlighting some of your special times, and including love notes, poems and … Continue reading →