Looking for a Great Relationship?

December 2004

9 Secrets Happy Couples Want You to Know

What are the key ingredients of successful relationships?  Researcher, Judith Wallerstein, interviewed 50 couples that had been married at least nine years, to discover the secrets of their happiness.  How does your relationship measure up?

• Both individuals had separated from their families of origin.  For this cause, a man shall leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one... (Genesis 2:24).  It is importatnt to create and maintain your own family unit and to protect it from meddling influences.
• Each partner's individuality was respected by the other.
• The priority of the relationship was maintained and protected by limiting intrusions of workplace and family of origin obligations.
• As parents, they successfully absorbed children into the family while preserving the marital bond; and as children grew, the parents maintained the priority of the marital relationship.
• They maintained a strong bond in the face of adversity.
• They were able to safely express their feelings to one another and to resolve conflict.
• They held on to their sense of humor.
• They nurtured and comforted each other.
• They kept the romance.

If your marriage could use a boost in any of these areas, don't despair.  Keep working at it.  A healthy marriage is well worth the effort invested.

Wishing you all a merry and safe holiday season ~ Libby

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Dr. Libby Skidmore ... Wife, mother of three, and Registered Psychologist, Dr. Skidmore enjoys equipping women with simple life changing 'how-to's' to improve their lives.  Visit her on-line at www.drlibbyskidmore.com.