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Across the country and around the globe, there are bad marriages, good marriages, and even great marriages. The difference between bad and good is likely easy to spot, but what’s the difference between good and great?

That’s the focus of this week’s ask the reader:

What’s the difference between a good marriage and a great one?

Have a great 4th of July weekend!

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To become acquainted with oneself is a terrible shock. ~ Carl Jung

Marriage, or any committed relationship, has the ability to bring excitement and passion into our lives. At the same time however, as the relationship progresses and more roadblocks and perpetual issues arise, we may begin to feel distant from our partner.

Think back to when you first began your current relationship.

It’s likely that you believed you had found the answer to life’s problems, you’d found a partner to share in life’s journey, you’d never again be alone, and it would be smooth sailing from here on out. It’s equally likely that if your relationship was based on these assumptions, it wasn’t long before you were sorely disappointed that your partner failed to live up to your expectations.

Here’s a truism for Simple Marriage: if you look to another person to provide fulfillment, you will begin to focus on the failings of that person as the cause of your own disappointment.

In every important relationship, you’ve brought your own legacy of fears, anxieties, and unresolved problems – so has your partner. As the relationship progresses, it’s often uncomfortable to come to terms with your own baggage. So much so, that when you’re unable to look within yourself, you’ll attribute the problems to your partner rather than accepting the fact that your partner is just being themselves and likely has the best of intentions.
Continue reading…

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How To Keep Arguments From Escalating

June 28, 2009

photo credit: *clairity*
As you go through life and learn the various tasks involved in growing up, perhaps one of the most anticipated task in life is learning to drive. Do you remember how much you looked forward to the freedom driving would afford you? I do.
While learning to drive, one important lesson you must [...]

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Simple Marriage Audio Plus An Upcoming Challenge

June 25, 2009

photo credit: Colleen AF Venable
For over a year now I have sought to publish an average of 3 posts each week written to assist you in experiencing more in marriage and life. Throughout our journey together I feel like I’ve really gotten to know several of you via your comments and emails.
I think it’s [...]

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When Will He Ever Stop Doing…?

June 24, 2009

Come join the discussion over at Simple Mom today. The monthly column I write for Tsh is posted today and I think you’ll enjoy it. If you do enjoy it, please share it via StumbleUpon, Twitter, or Digg.
When Will He Ever Stop Doing…?
This is also the first post that will begin a series here at [...]

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What Do Men Know About Women?

June 23, 2009

photo credit: pedrosimoes7
Yesterday quite a discussion ensued when I attempted to make light of us men. Apparently, this post struck a pretty deep cord with many of you.
The main premise of Simple Marriage is that relationships, specifically important relationships, are a tool designed by God to help refine us and grow us up.
Every relationship [...]

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Reader’s Feedback and My Response

June 22, 2009

Earlier today there was a post wherein I threw my gender under the bus by attempting to make light of the perception that men are clueless when it comes to understanding women. It did not come across as intended. For that I apologize.
First, I am thankful that the readers of Simple Marriage would be willing [...]

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The Complete Guide to Everything Men Know About Women

June 22, 2009

photo credit: lepiaf.geo
As you may or may not be aware, I am fan of research. Whether it’s reading or conducting a research study, I enjoy the idea of discovering something new.
Many of you have helped with my own research on what it takes to create a thriving marriage (I’ll release the findings soon) and [...]

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