Marriage 'spark,' 'brain fog' after baby's birth
This week’s questions involve keeping the “spark” alive in your marriage and overcoming “brain fog” after the birth of your baby.
5 no-win arguments to never have with your partner
It’s inevitable that if you’ve been married or been with someone for more than a year, you’re going to have arguments. Sometimes arguments help clear the air, and end with you feeling closer to each other. But then there are those arguments that go round and round, up and down, and nothing is gained.
Helping grandchildren 'unplug,' talking to aging parents
Hi Mary Jo, It distresses me that my 4 grandkids’ lives seem to be taken over by video games and social media. Their parents are busy and that’s their only way to get time to get things done around the house. How can I deal with that? Thanks, Brad Hi Mary Jo, My father is almost 93. He’s in good shape, but he’s old. How do I speak with him now to be respectful, but...
Father's influence in raising empathetic, considerate children
When we think of teaching skills such as consideration for others and empathy, we think more of moms having the greater influence. But new research has shed light on the fact that dad’s engagement in the family has more influence with raising empathetic and considerate children.
Expectations in healthy relationships
Expectations get in the way with reality and setting your expectations too high can lead to frustration and breakups.
Negativity in relationships, years of dating before marriage
Dear Mary Jo, What do I do with a wife who says I’m so negative, but she has some negativity in her own life? Thank you, Mike Dear Mary Jo, Is eight years too long to date before you get married? Thank you, Morgan
Self-worth, compromise in relationships
Questions this week involve knowing and valuing your self-worth and determining how much is too much to compromise for the sake of a relationship you value.
Relationship 'drama' keeps the 'chase' alive
The last thing anyone will admit to wanting is drama in their life, yet most relationships have drama at one time or another.
Are good parents contributing to the childhood anxiety epidemic?
Every generation raises their children with the idea of being a great parent. You remember what you didn’t like about your childhood and told yourself you wouldn’t do the same to your kids. But, you didn’t grow up in the society your kids are trying to survive in now.
Spouses who have each other but no friends
When you meet your special person it may feel as though the two of you are complete, and you are for a while. But marriage and relationships benefit from having friends.
More relationship experience won't help with marital happiness
When you first begin dating you may compare a past love with who you’re currently with, but when you find that special someone they stand out as different, leading you to feel a deeper love and sense of commitment.
Depression & arguments, trust after betrayal
Viewer questions this week explore how depression can be the reason couples argue and the difficulty one faces in learning to trust after betrayal.
Six early red flags with online dating
There are obvious red flags, such as anger, controlling, jealous, or violent behavior, but most abusers are able to mask these tendencies in dating.
Why heartbreak hurts so badly & how to survive it
Studies have shown that within minutes of hearing your partner talk about breaking up or leaving, your heart rate drops significantly. You may recognize this happening with a feeling of faintness or nausea.
Maximizing family time during spring break
Spring break is rejuvenating and important for your kids as well as your family’s health. Taking a break from homework and the office and getting to know each other again helps you reboot, re-energize and get ready for spring. Families are concerned with their finances, and they may not have money to hit the slopes or enjoy the Disneyland experience, but that doesn’t mean you...
What parents need to know when their children are emotional abusers
A question from a viewer wanted to know what they could do with their emotionally-abusive child. It’s a very serious topic and one parents need to understand.
What she really wants for Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is dreaded for many guys who try to please their lady with chocolate, flowers or gifts. No matter what you get her, she doesn’t seem completely satisfied -- and she’s probably not.
Family tension for traveling spouse/parent
Dear Mary Jo, I work out of town and want to know ways I can ease the tension and resentment felt by my wife and family when I leave? Thanks, Rich
How to live with a paranoid partner
Paranoia is a state of anxiety and mistrust. It’s common to feel a little paranoid when you’ve been in a relationship broken by an affair, cheating or dishonesty with finances. But real paranoia can also be a permanent mental illness affecting one specific area of your life or generalized too many areas of your life.
Getting yourself emotionally-fit in the New Year
Everyone I know is on a health food kick, and membership at the gym increases every January. Keeping yourself healthy is important, and going for daily workouts and eating clean, nutritious food is medicine for the body, but what about our thinking?