Silent divorce epidemic, emotional after-effects
No one can escape the effects of divorce. Celebrities, such as Demi Moore, have spoken about their failing health after divorce as do physicians and lawyers. There is no “right way” to feel after a divorce and every divorce is different.
Best holiday gift isn't an object but an experience
Ribbons, wrappings, and bows are beautiful, but once you open the package and see the gift the moment of sheer happiness is short-lived. Psychology research has shown that experiences bring more happiness than possessions. Anticipation of the experience brings joy to the giver as well as the receiver of the gift.
Lover more like 'roommate' & finding mature man willing to commit
Hi Mary Jo, My name is Andrew. I’ve been with this person for five years and, lately, it’s been more like a roommate. Do you know if there’s a way to change that? Hey Mary Jo, I’m Hazel and have a ten year old son. How do I find a mature man to date who isn’t afraid to commit?
What does your Halloween costume say about your relationship?
Couples who use more inclusive words, conversations, and the words “we” or “us” have a deeper connection and sense of support. Demonstrating that you’re a couple with your costume reveals that you’re committed to each other and enjoy being part of this relationship.
Restoring trust, working with fiancee
Dear Mary Jo, My mother broke my trust. How can I go about restoring that trust? Thank you, Jordan Hey Mary Jo, I work full-time with my fiancée and we have a great relationship. What are some boundaries you think inappropriate to cross or guidelines when you’re working together and in a relationship? Thanks, Wendy
Nest not quite empty
Dear Mary Jo, I recently let my daughter and her fiancée move in with me while they’re purchasing a home. How do I not take on their stressors as my own? Thanks, Missy Dear Mary Jo, My daughter has not grown up. She’s 37, still lives with me, and whenever we talk about it she gets really mean and cuts me off. What do I do? Thanks, Sheila
Are you blindly cheating on your spouse?
Long before physical cheating happens within a marriage there are episodes of mindless, careless actions couples begin doing. These are not thought of as cheating, but they are a betrayal and when you’re the partner of someone who is engaged with one of the “casual forms of cheating” you feel worthless, unloved and disrespected.
Improving communication, emotional impact of retirement
Dear Mary Jo, How can I communicate better to my wife instead of holding back? Dear Mary Jo, I’m familiar with the financial impact of retirement, but do you have recommendations for better preparing for the emotional impact of retirement?
How partners can avoid parenting conflicts
Parenting children is difficult, especially when parents have different forms of discipline. Parenting style is rarely talked about prior to marriage, and a couple that doesn’t experience conflict often can become distraught or frustrated when their partner has a completely different discipline approach. Marriage is a process and so is parenting.
Supporting lifestyle change, person cheated on
Dear Mary Jo, What advice would you give someone trying to make a healthy life style change and dealing with an unsupportive significant other? Dear Mary Jo, How do I help my friend who just found out her husband of 20 years has been cheating on her?
Blending families, infidelity double standard
Hi Mary Jo, what is the best way to blend a family going from a single child to five children? Thanks, Joe Hi Mary Jo, when a man cheats on a woman, how come she can accept him back, but when a woman cheats on a man he doesn’t want to accept her back? Thank you, Carletta
Child care transition, living together before marriage
Hi Mary Jo, my 1 ½ month old begins daycare for the first time. What can I do to make this transition easier for both of us while I’m at work and she’s with a caregiver? Thanks, Michelle Hi Mary Jo, if you live with someone before marriage what kind of problems can that create? Thanks, Tranisha
Why a 'good enough' marriage is best
If you read wedding cards or log on to wedding sites, it isn’t long before you’re drawn in with the “Happily ever after” rhetoric. Couples will talk at the wedding toast about the new couple and how they knew this girl or guy was special. All of these things are important and indeed it’s true one person stands out as different from all the others when we’re...
Married flirting neighbors, sex before marriage
Dear Mary Jo, How would you create boundaries for marriages in a tight neighborhood group where one neighbor seems to be flirting with all the husbands crossing the line more and more? Thanks, Jenny Dear Mary Jo, In today’s world is it possible to have a lasting and successful relationship without having sex before marriage? Thanks, Jasmine
Dispelling ‘perfect mom' myth
(Being present and holding your child accountable is the key to success)
Standing strong in a chaotic world
Bad stuff happens. It’s important that when bad things happen you don’t stress and lose your temper. Others are relying on you and you can’t fall apart no matter how much your heart is breaking or your world is crumbling.
Is political stress interfering with your relationship?
Stress is inescapable in our daily news; political candidates, financial upsets, and street violence along with possible terrorist attacks. It becomes overwhelming when you add your own financial, work, and family problems. The effects of stress take their toll on those closest to you and that usually means your relationships.
'Back seat drivers,' in love with 2 people
Hey Mary Jo, My wife is a terrible back seat driver. What do I do about that? Thanks, Bob Hi Mary Jo, What do you do if you’re in love with two people? Thanks, Nicole
Helping children deal with tragic events
Another shooting in Dallas, Texas, leaves Americans across the country feeling a sense of helplessness, uncertainty and growing fear. An attack on the police department is an attack on every citizen served and it destroys community as well as security.
Frequency of sex, poor listening
Dear Mary Jo, How important is the frequency of sex to your mental health? Thank you, Lance Dear Mary Jo, What do you do if your husband has a hard time listening? Thanks, Bev