The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

At my bridal shower many years ago, those in attendance were asked to write down one bit of advice for me on an index card for me to have. 

When a marriage breaks up, it causes heartache and broken dreams for at least one of the spouses, usually the one (or both) who is hurt. Marriages that end in divorce are complicated and end for many different reasons.

You may have seen the national campaign “Play 60” promoted to encourage children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day. Just as playing contributes to physical health for children, the same can be said for emotional health of adults and their marriages! Research has found emotional intimacy to be a strong predictor of happy marriages. Emotional intimacy can be increased in many ways and among them is shared leisure activities, or playing!

We’ve all heard the dismal statistics about divorce: somewhere in the 40-50% range is the likelihood that a first marriage will end in divorce. It goes up for subsequent remarriages.  There seems to be more of a casual attitude about marriage with divorce not being as stigmatizing as it has been in the past. However, research shows that stable, happy marriages increase emotional and physical well-being, including extending the lifespan.  

I’ll never forget my husband and I’s first year of marriage. After the wedding and honeymoon, I was so ecstatic about beginning our new life together, but I had not put much thought into what that might look like on a daily basis. 

Recently, one of the very first couples I worked with in private practice got married. As a therapist, it’s such an honor to be a part of helping someone, or in this case, a couple overcome challenges and strengthen their relationship to the point that they are truly ready for the commitment of marriage.

In honor of TBL’s fourth birthday, I wanted to write my blog today on one of the reason’s we have enjoyed such a great four years in existence. This reason is my husband, who happens to be a really, really good guy.

If you are feeling unsatisfied, hurt, can’t stop arguing, or generally feel misunderstood in your committed relationship, then it may be a sign it is time to seek couple therapy (also called marriage counseling).