A Love Story

Lately I have come across so many people describing the first nine minutes of Up as their all-time favorite romantic movie that I had to see it for myself.

Wow.

After the 1:45 mark, there is no dialog. The story is told with an eloquence that requires no words.

This is the kind of love I envisioned when I got married. How about you?
 

The Lucky One

Gratitude

by guest blogger Lana Cooper

In the words of a classic rock tune, "Some say love / It is a flower." Similarly, there is a saying that insists we should always "take time to stop and smell the roses." Modern life, being what it is, often interferes with taking a pause, however brief, to enjoy the simple beauty of our surroundings. Yet sometimes you have to take the time back, wresting it away from all of the day's pressures and jam-packed schedules.

Three Easy Ways to Keep Your Marriage Strong

We are always being told that marriage is hard work. Just like an old house that has been neglected and allowed to fall apart, a marriage that has been ignored will begin to crumble, and it will take a lot of time and effort to rebuild it.

But if we remember to keep up with the maintenance, our marriages, like our homes, will stay in good condition. When a problem comes along, it will be easier to handle, because the underlying structure is sound.

Here are three easy things you can do every day to keep your marriage strong. On average, following this program will add less than five minutes a day to your schedule, and the rewards will be enormous.

Ten Things You Didn't Know About Me

Get to know your blogger....

1. I have never owned a lawn mower.
2. At 5' 6.5", I am two inches taller than the average American woman.
3. I have used the southernmost public restroom in the U.S.
4. For Valentine's Day one year, my husband gave me a chain saw wrapped in a red bow.
5. I still have my appendix.
6. My favorite ice cream is Rocky Road.
7. I once tried on some platform shoes, lost my balance, fell, and broke my finger.
8. I have been to the Serengeti.
9. I don't believe in ghosts.
10. I got this scar when I ran into the dishwasher.

 

Next to Me

If this song had existed back then, I might have sung it on my wedding day.

Having complete faith in your partner's devotion is powerful. Knowing that you can trust him to always be by your side creates a bond that will keep your relationship strong even when you must face the most difficult challenges together.
 

Happy Birthday to Us!

We have been blogging about marriage and romance for a full year!

Perhaps you are thinking that I refer to myself using the "royal we". Sometimes I do! But in this case I use we to refer to all the wonderful guest bloggers who have participated here. Their different points of view, fascinating facts, and great advice have taught me a lot. I really appreciate the added value they have brought to our readers.

The top five most-read posts for the past year are:

• Words of Wisdom
  These inspiring quotes from relationship experts highlight the essence of successful marriages.
• Jealousy is Not Romantic
  This post has been a favorite since it first appeared in May 2012. Jealousy hits us in the gut.
• The Five Layers of Why
  This article by guest blogger Maggie Reyes appeared just last month, and has already become a favorite for its great problem-solving strategy.
• Are You Trying to Drive Me Crazy?
  This one also appeared recently. It's about staying calm in the face of a spouse's crazy-making habits.
• Be Spontaneous
  This article by guest blogger Larry James reminds us of the many ways we can bring excitement back into our relationships.
• Showering Together? Really?
  Tied for fifth place. When I wrote this I had no idea so many people would be interested in soaping each other up.