A 2004 episode of This American Lifeexamined the theme of marriage, with a spotlight on marital researcher John Gottman. It turns out that everyone argues, and everyone argues about the same issues. Every couple. So which factors predict success and…
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life: Leno’s tips for staying together
Parade Magazine offers us Jay Leno’s tips for a happy marriage (excerpt): Do you and your wife still have date nights? Yeah, she’ll find a restaurant, some fancy place in Beverly Hills. I’ll stop at In-N-Out Burger first since I’m…
Are parents more happy and satisfied or less?
USA Today updates us on the research addressing parental happiness. The new studies points toward parents today being happier than married couples without children. Sharon Jayson writes of the two studies (excerpt): “We find no evidence that parental well-being decreases…
The happiness advantage: 5 tips for being happy each day and enjoying more success
CNN shows us how happiness promotes success and how daily habits promote happiness. Shawn Achor offers these five tips for transforming your attitude (excerpt): • Write down three new things you are grateful for each day; • Write for two…
Top tips for taking care of each other in stressful times
USA Today addresses how stress affects relationships, especially honeymooners and the first five years of marriage. Sharon Jayson includes this sidebar of 5 tips for handling stress and having a successful marriage (excerpt): Don’t let stress sabotage your relationship, says…
Meaning, purpose, happiness and generosity: The health of marriage and family life in America
The States of Our Unions report, by the National Marriage Project, delves into the health of marriage in America. The Executive Summary includes remarks on being a parent and navigating the marital relationship (excerpt): In this report, we find that…
Flirting with an apology
USA Today’s Ask Stacy reminds us of the three elements of a true apology: “sorry,” responsibility for the choice taken, and promise for the future. Stacy Kaiser writes (excerpt): A true apology should consist of three elements: taking responsibility for…
Starting happy, ending divorced: The power of negativity
The Journal of Family Psychology tackles the mystery of “why even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce.” The research abstract for Justin Lavner and Thomas Bradbury’s article states (excerpt): Divorcing couples displayed more negative communication, emotion, and social support…
The search for the right therapist
The Wall Street Journal explains the challenges in finding the right patient therapist fit and how those challenges can be overcome by asking three questions: How would you propose treating me? How long do you think it would take? How…
Predicting good psychological outcomes: How to make it through your divorce
USA Today and Health Day reveal the secret to getting through a divorce and coming out okay: self-compassion. Robert Preidt writes (excerpt): They [the University of Arizona researchers] explained that self-compassion — a combination of kindness toward oneself, recognition of…
Is sexting emotional infidelity?
CNN reminds us, in light of the Congressman Anthony Wiener scandal, what makes an emotional affair. Ian Kerner writes (excerpt): In her seminal book on emotional infidelity, “Not Just Friends,” the late psychotherapist Shirley Glass implores readers to “maintain appropriate…
First things first: What to do when you learn your spouse is having an affair
CNN provides a number of insights into infidelity (of course in the wake of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver), and what comes next. There also are 3 tips for when you discover an affair. Amy Wilson writes (excerpt): [Dr. Steve…
You… you complete me: The sustainable-marriage quiz
The New York Times highlights the role of self-expansion in marriages and relationships: how helping your partner become a better person, makes the relationship happier and more satisfied. The article includes a link to the “sustainable-marriage quiz” Tara Parker-Pope writes…
Happier marriages, better sex: How waiting on intimacy satisfies
Business Week reports on a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology, linking early premarital sex with “more brittle marriages.” Ellin Holohan writes (excerpt): Why would rushing into intimacy impede marital happiness? According to study…
Eva Longoria, Tony Parker and the difference between emotional and physical cheating
Latina.com gives us Damarys Ocana’s interview of Donna Estes Antebi, author of The Real Secrets Women Only Whisper, and some insight into the emotional affair (excerpt): Physical cheating is unquestionably a bigger deal, but the other is a big deal,…
Women versus Men: I’m sorry I was wrong about being bad
USA Todayshows us that women apologize more than men (and want more apologies from men) because they have a different standard for offensive behavior. Sharon Jayson writes (excerpt): New research on apologies from Canadian psychologists finds that men have a…
Wabi Sabi the people in your life: celebrating imperfection
USA Today reminds us that imperfections can “bring life together perfectly.” Craig Wilson writes (excerpt): But what I was most pleased to learn is that wabi sabi pertains to people, too — that you accept each other, even when they…
Just say no?: Separation without divorce
The New York Times highlights the “Un-Divorced” who choose to stay separated. Pamela Paul writes (excerpt): “Many people I’ve worked with over time enjoy the benefits of being married: the financial perks, the tax breaks, the health care coverage,” said…
Sexting your life away: viral epidemic?
USA Today highlights the rise in people–especially teens but also adults–who send text messages with sexual content or nude pictures of themselves. Stephanie Steinberg writes (excerpt): To combat the problem, Sophy says, schools should incorporate lessons about appropriate texting in…
The more depressed/anxious, the less likely to seek marriage counseling
The New York Times show how most couples need relationship counseling but are in denial. Tara Parker-Pope writes (excerpt): “You don’t wait to see the dentist until something hurts — you go for checkups on a regular basis,” said James…