Top Posts of 2014

It is always interesting to look back and see which blog posts were read the most during the year. Here are my top five from 2014.

• This year's most-read post was Things My Husband Said, a short but sweet collection of some of Hubby's most smile-inducing comments.

The Most Popular Posts of 2013

I can measure the popularity of blog posts two ways. One is to count how many times each post was viewed, assuming that popular posts will have more referrals or pop up higher in search results. Another way is to count how many comments each post inspired, with the idea that people may be more likely to comment if they feel strongly about the post. I've made two top five lists, based on these parameters.

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.

Most Popular Posts of 2012

I have two ways of comparing the popularity of the posts on this blog. One is to look at how many times each post was viewed. Of course, sometimes that is sheer luck, because different pages will pop up based on the search terms people are using in their browsers. Another way to consider popularity is to look at how many comments each post inspired, assuming that people are more likely to comment if they feel strongly about the post. I've made two top five lists, based on these parameters.

Top Five Most Viewed Posts of 2012

• Jealousy is Not Romantic
  This post has 32% more views than the one in second place. Jealousy is a powerful emotion that touches nearly everyone at one time or another. It can wreak havoc in a relationship. It's no surprise that so many people want a better understanding of it.
• Words of Wisdom
  Here is a page full of quotations from experts and other smart people who have wise things to tell us about love.
• Showering Together? Really?
  I didn't think it was a good idea, but I could be wrong.
• Better Blogging
  Although inspired by all the marriage (and other) blogs I read, this was so far off topic I didn't expect many people here would care. But it seems that everyone wants to be better at blogging, and that's a good thing.
• Do You Look Good Naked?
  Yes, you do!

Top Five Most Commented Posts of 2012

• Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?
  Some people loved this, but for others it struck a raw nerve.
• Some Things I Love About You
  My anniversary card to my husband of 27 years.
• Up! Down! Left! Right! This! That!
  Practical advice on eliminating those petty arguments from your marriage.
• Showering Together? Really?
  This is the only post to appear on both lists. I have learned that a lot of people find my blog by using "showering together" as a search term.
• Living a New Life
  Starting a new year, I wrote about how being more mindful can help us get the most out of life.
• Can You Affair-Proof Your Marriage?
  This one tied the previous post for fifth place. Infidelity is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage. Here is some practical advice on avoiding it.

 

Our Top Three

After six months of blogging, a look at the statistics reveals which posts have captured the most reader attention.

1. Jealousy is Not Romantic
   This article has had more than twice as many viewers as the second place entry. Clearly, this is a theme that resonates with a lot of people. Jealousy is a deadly poison to relationships. We all need to know how to avoid it and what to do when it happens.
    
2. Showering Together? Really?
   I thought that getting together in the shower was a bad idea, but others disagreed. Is it awkward and dangerous, or good, clean fun?
    
3. Marriage Advice: The Bottom Line
   The experts may disagree on the details, but most of them agree on what is most important. Here's a brief outline.

Runner-Up: Do You Look Good Naked?

Body image influences self esteem and plays an important role in our romantic relationships.