This is a big issue that needs to be discussed prior to marriage. Some women have big career aspirations, while others simply want to be homemakers. There is nothing shameful about wanting to stay home and care for your family. Society tends to look down on such arrangements, implying that women are giving up their talents and true selves to become slaves to thankless children. It's no wonder that so many women feel compelled to be in the workforce – because they believe it is what they are supposed to do. America is success-obsessed. Success is a wonderful thing, but do we have the correct … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Power of the Whine, Part 2
Remember that whining puppy I mentioned previously? Well, she was at it again this morning. She had eaten. She had been taken outside to relieve herself and she was surrounded by a number of toys. She was whining for attention. She just wanted to be near her family. We were around the house doing various thing to get ready to start the day. She gets plenty of play time with the family, but that doesn't stop her from wanting play time with us all the time. After all, she is just a puppy. She doesn't understand that she can't have us to herself at all times. This morning I told Eric that I felt … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Power of the Whine
Each morning my husband and I lie in bed and listen to the sound of our three month old puppy whine her guts out. First, she whines because she needs to go out, so we take her out. Then she whines because she's hungry, so we feed her. After that, she simply whines because she wants our undivided attention, which can be difficult to give her first thing in the morning while preparing for the day. The first day or so, it was kind of cute. Our cute little puppy was whining like a little baby. After a few days, it wasn't cute anymore. In fact, it began to work on every last nerve in my body. Sound … [Read more...]
Don’t Ask the Question If You Can’t Handle the Answer
"Does this dress make my rear end look big?" One of the cruelest things women do to men on a regular basis is ask them "no win" questions. Ladies, we all know if we've gained weight. If our husbands say, "No, it doesn't," we say, "Are you sure you're not just saying that?" If they say, "Yes, it does," we act hurt and wonder why they didn't tell us more gently. Many a date night has been ruined by the asking and answering of a "no win" question. This is a lesson I learned early in our marriage. My father is a peacemaker. He does not like to hurt anyone's feelings, and if he thinks he has, it … [Read more...]
Energy Levels: The Tortoise and the Hare
In college, I was roommates in a dorm with my good friend, Robin. We nicknamed ourselves Tigger and Pooh. With her boundless energy, she was definitely Tigger; whereas, I was the low energy, cuddly one that wanted to sit somewhere, sip coffee and swap stories with friends, or lay around watching movies with friends... definitely Pooh. My idea of a great day with friends was a movie marathon with restaurant takeout breaks. On Saturdays, I would sleep as long as humanly possible. I just adored the feeling of the warm sheets and the gushy pillow. When I did get up, it was to get cereal and the … [Read more...]