All of us tend to have a certain way of resolving conflict—one of four basic fighting styles: 1. I’ll win at all costs (you control and attack). 2. I’ll never win (you give up). 3. I’ll withdraw (you just let it go or ignore it). 4. We’ll work together to resolve the issue. Though Gayle…
When you have children, it’s important to help them stay connected to the other biological parent’s family. Too often, second marriages result in broken extended-family relationships, and this will hurt the children. They are forever connected to that biological extended family, for better or for worse. They are related by blood and by heritage, whether…
Emotional hurts from past relationships can affect needs more than we realize. “Because I had an unfaithful husband, I have a great need to know that Rick will be faithful,” Linda admits. “So when I get insecure, we talk about my fears, and he’ll reassure me.” “Linda always wants to talk things through,” Rick says….
The parenting factor is always interesting, and usually challenging, in blending a family and in remarriage life. And if one of you doesn’t have children, this may be extra challenging, especially if you’re a woman. As a new bride, you’ll be instantly sharing your husband with his children, and you may experience feelings of resentment,…
Sex before marriage can hinder and even damage your chance for real intimacy. The myth that it’s okay to have premarital sex only masquerades as love and intimacy. The argument that you have to experience it in order to understand it or be good at it is also a myth. Be careful not to fall…
