- Considering Divorce, Family Dynamics, Financial Challenges, Infidelity, Love Languages, School and Work, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Therapy
How to Deal with Addiction in a Relationship
by Anonymous This anonymous author shares her battle to save her marriage. What began with overworking led to family problems, drugs, guns, cheating, and zero quality time. This author didn’t give up. Both she and her husband put in an extraordinary effort to save their marriage… My husband and I have been married for almost 13 years and we have 3 kids. As of right now our marriage is still a little rocky but we are learning as we go. Every hour. Every day. Every month. Every year. I will try and sum up what we went through, and are STILL going through. When Your Husband is Addicted to Work…
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6 Successful Marriage Tips
by Lizbeth Today we celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary I love you babe! Here are 6 things I’ve learned about marriage side note – I am not perfect at any of these things, I try my best 1. It takes conscious daily effort to strengthen your marriage. It’s like a plant – it requires water, nutrients, and care. 2. The most venomous substance to any marriage is selfishness. 3. Marriage is not easy. There will be hardships along the way. The #1 thing to remember is that these hardships will help you and your spouse grow closer together. So! Don’t give up! Push forward with FAITH!!! 4. Apologize and…
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Can a Marriage Work if You Have Nothing in Common?
by Marie It can be difficult if you feel like you have nothing in common with your husband or wife. When it comes to hobbies, opinions, and perspectives, it’s nice to have similarities… but that’s not always the case in marriage. Whether you and/or your spouse have changed over time, or you didn’t have much in common to begin with, you’re committed to each other. So, can a marriage work if you have nothing in common? Here’s what Marie has to say on the subject. My husband and I have 4 things in common: Love of God, family, concerts and laughter. Everything else is slim to none. He loves sports…
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What Makes a Marriage Great
by Mardrease Here at Wives’ Tribe, we believe that marriage makes us better people. So, here’s Mardrease’s experience with what makes a marriage great. What makes a marriage great? My husband served almost 10 years in prison. When he got out, he had a room in the basement when we met. He felt he couldn’t do certain things because of his record and I felt I couldn’t do things because of my bad credit. I lived a life of absolute STRUGGLE by choice. I went homeless chasing a dream, ruined my credit before 19. Became a mother at 19. Had my cars repossessed. Lost everything to my name. We both…
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Involving God in Your Marriage
by Alison What is God’s role in your marriage? Alison shares her story about saving her marriage with God’s help. Involving God in your marriage can truly help you and your partner thrive. God came into my life 3.5 years ago, and my life and marriage has never been the same. I’m almost 49. The road wasn’t for the weak….but God made the walk easier following him vs thinking I had to make the path myself. Letting God Lead Your Marriage My grandparents pretty much raised me. They were married for almost 70 years, but they also just learned to live with one another, even in some unhealthy ways. Sometimes,…
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Pray for Your Marriage!
by Jacqueline My hubby and I have been married 32 years in June. It feels like 32 weeks. We keep it fresh by always staying best friends and lots of laughter. I mean tear jerking laughter, because we really enjoy and listen to each other. I know and treasure the intimacies of who he is as a man, father, pilot and my lover/hubby. We still value and respect each other deeply. When we have conflict, we seek ways to work through it yet maintain a spirit of love, respect and peace. To this day, never an unkind word has ever been spoken to each other. When I get very upset,…
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Feeling Alone in Marriage? Here’s How to Rekindle the Connection
Photo by msbritt on Pixabay It’s a feeling many married couples are familiar with – feeling alone in marriage. Whether you’ve been together for a few years or decades, loneliness in marriage can be a difficult experience. But what does it mean to feel alone in marriage? And how can couples work together to rekindle their connection? In this blog article, we’ll explore what it means to feel alone in marriage, how to recognize the signs of loneliness in marriage, and the best strategies for rekindling the connection. What does it mean to feel alone in marriage? To feel alone in marriage is a feeling of disconnection and isolation…
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The Best Marriage Advice
by April My husband and I have had points in our relationship where we have struggled. Somedays he can be my best friend, and others, my nemesis. Neither one of us is perfect by any means. It seems like a lot of marriages don’t seem to last as long nowadays. Marriage is wonderful. I am so grateful and thankful for being a wife and mother. Unconditional love is important. Love your spouse when they are unlovable, so they will do the same for you when you are. Our kids are adults now. I can’t wait to retire and have adventures with my BFF. But I had good role models, that’s…
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Is Marriage Outdated?
In 2023, you’ll hear plenty of people who argue that marriage doesn’t make sense anymore. They’ll say that marriage is just a piece of paper. They’ll say that humans, particularly males, aren’t “naturally” monogamous. They’ll say that you’ll be happier with lots of different thriving relationships… Or better off committing to someone without all of the legal complications. So… is it true? Is marriage outdated? Is it a thing of the past? Here at Wives’ Tribe, we are fiercely combatting the idea that marriage is outdated. We believe it’s needed now more than ever. First and foremost, MARRIAGE MAKES BETTER HUMANS. This lifelong commitment makes each of us a better,…
- Death, Divorce, Falling Out of Love, Infidelity, Marrying Young, Prior Marriage, Raising Children, Separation, Substance Abuse and Addiction
New Video: Can High School Sweethearts Reunite?
In this video, Jamie shares her real-life answer to the question: Can high school sweethearts reunite? Her true story about marriage, divorce, death, and new beginnings is both riveting and relatable. Thank you for sharing your experience with marriage with us. What do you think based on your experience? Can high school sweethearts reunite successfully? If you’re happily married to your high school sweetheart, drop a comment below!
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Best Valentine’s Day Gifts 2023
Between Christmases, anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day, it’s tough to keep digging up good gifts for your spouse! But let’s all agree to forego the cheesy mug or cheap gag gift this year. In no particular order, here are 14 of the best Valentine’s Day Gifts for February 14! Custom star map With this customizable star map, you write down where you met, and the map creators will discover the latitude and longitude for you. You can be as specific as the very building or address where you met (or where you got engaged or where you first kissed)! This is a special gift. Sushi making kit If you’re lucky enough…
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Is your husband emotionally unavailable?
Your boyfriend talked to you for hours. He listened sweetly. He shared family stories and personal secrets. Yet here you are asking: “Is my husband emotionally unavailable?” He doesn’t listen as well as he used to, and he avoids long or deep conversations. He may imply that you are needy or overly-sensitive, and he has a time expressing his feelings to you. The “Is my husband emotionally unavailable?” Quiz Answer the following yes or no questions to determine whether or not your husband is emotionally unavailable. Go with your gut instinct! If you answered yes to at least 3 of these questions, your husband is emotionally unavailable. Things to remember…
- Abuse, Anger or Temper, Arguing, Considering Divorce, Love Languages, Mental Illness, Raising Children, Roles, Therapy
What Are Normal Ups and Downs in a Relationship?
by Anonymous What are normal ups and downs in a relationship? In this story, one dedicated husband shares his take on the ups and downs of marriage. I’ve been with my wife for 9 years, and married 6. We have two absolutely wonderful 4 year old children. I’m about to turn 29, and she will be 28 in March. In the beginning, it was as per usual with new feelings, and new emotions that neither of us had really felt before we had met each other. Sex life was amazing, and very often. This relationship was one for the ages, we bonded so well, and in-laws treated each like their…
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Marriage After Baby
by Anonymous An innocent, carefree relationship can become a strained marriage after baby comes. While a child enhances marriage in meaningful ways, it can also create distance between partners. In this story, our author compares her marriage before baby to her marriage after baby. As someone who grew up not being allowed to have sleepovers, the idea of getting to spend an entire 24 hours with a friend was completely exhilarating. Add to that the prospect of an eternal marriage to my best friend… well, that was mind-blowingly spectacular. Suffice it to say, getting married was the absolute best decision I’d ever made. The first three years of our marriage…
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A Simple Marriage Reminder
by Autumn Most of us have probably wondered how to stop overthinking in a relationship. Autumn recommends rising above the overthinking and keeping marriage simple and beautiful. One of the most important lessons I have learned being married is the importance of letting things go. I have been married to my husband and best friend for over 6 years now and continue to enjoy every day I am blessed to have him in my life. Our life and marriage is far from perfect (including myself), but I continue to try to improve as the years go on. The one thing I can say is how important it is to let…
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Marriage Works if You Work It
by Michelle Michelle shares her secrets for making a marriage work, no matter what the unique circumstances may be. There is no one shoe fits all when it comes to marriage. What works for one couple might not work for another. Every marriage is unique. However, the one thing that all marriages need to succeed is….are you ready for it…. WORK! Marriage is work. There’s not one single thing that makes a marriage successful, but rather, many different little things. It’s going on a date night, consistently, through out your marriage to remember why you fell in love in the first place. It’s laughing at each others jokes and silly…
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5 things I learned during my (challenging) first year of marriage
By Celi B Thank you, Celi, for contributing to our stories about marriage problems and triumphs! In this story, Celi talks about adjusting to a new marriage, and how she struggled during her first year living in a new country with her new husband. If you’re considering relocating for a relationship, or you’re struggling in any marriage, this story is for you. Our Love Story: Relocating for a Relationship When I got married, I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I’ve known my husband for over 25 years. Long story short, we traveled in an exchange program with 120 other young people from 20 countries. He…
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What if you have no connection in your marriage?
by Anonymous In this true story about marriage, the author struggles feeling connected to her spouse. She wishes her husband was different, and wonders: Can a marriage survive without emotional connection? Once upon a time, I was frustrated with the connection I had with my husband (or lack thereof). We went on a romantic weekend getaway and I found myself focused on all the wrong things. Wow, it’s annoying when he does that. We really have NOTHING in common and NOTHING to talk about. I wish he was more x, y, and z. I don’t feel connected to him at all. WHY did we choose each other?!It’s easy to see…
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3 Ways to Save your Marriage When Your Spouse Doesn’t Want to Change
by Beth Miller Beth Miller is a wife, mom, teacher and coach who supports women with ending their marriage struggles, even when their partners don’t want to change. She helps women transform their marriages by transforming themselves through the power of releasing hidden emotions and beliefs from the subconscious. Connect with Beth- Website- www.soulifywellness.com Social Media Handle- @soulifywellness How to Increase Romance in Marriage I have always been a romantic at heart. And I think I owe my unrealistic expectations of marriage to watching too many Disney movies as a kid! I thought a relationship should be an epic love story where the husband forever lovingly looks into his wife’s eyes. …
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The Most Toxic Marriage Habit You Need to Stop Right Now
If you are feeling disconnected in your marriage, this post is for YOU. I believe that the #1 most toxic marriage habit that is ruining marriages today has to do with feeling disconnected. People are getting divorced left and right, seeking more passion, more love, and more attention. The most toxic habit is blaming your partner for feeling disconnected in your marriage. My husband and I did a day date to a theme park a few months ago. He had moments where he showed affection, and we had a nice time together. But at the end of the date, I felt disappointed. He didn’t talk to me enough in the…
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How to Have a Successful Marriage
by Amanda Every wife (and husband) wants to know how to have a successful marriage. Amanda shares the secrets to her successful marriage: 1. Not sharing marital problems with family or friends, and 2. Avoiding nagging whenever possible. With the following story and videos, you can also learn how to stop nagging AND get what you want. My husband Chris and I have been married for almost twelve years and we’re very grateful to have a happy relationship. When I consider what has been most helpful or important to keeping our relationship meaningful, I think there are two things we’ve done right. To Share or Not to Share? Sharing Marital…
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What is the Seven Year Itch About? True Stories about the 7 Year Itch
What is the seven year itch about? If you’re between years 6 and 10 of your marriage, you may be experiencing a hard time in your marriage. What I Learned from My Parents’ Marriage I grew up in a house with both my mom and dad, as well as a younger sister. I knew a select few of peers that also had both parents still married and because of that, I thought I knew exactly what marriage was supposed to look like. Lol! Growing up, our regular routine was Dad in the den watching TV and Mom in the bedroom watching tv. We rarely sat together for dinner, but did…
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Easy & Fun Date Ideas 2021
Here are some of the best date ideas for 2021: 1. The “Ultimate Stay-In” Date If you and your partner like to keep things low-key and enjoy spending time at home, this is the date for you! Dinner: Cook up your favorite dinner together, or conduct a friendly cookoff competition! Dessert: Think chocolate fondue or s’mores by the fire. Stargaze: Bundle up and stargaze outside, or cuddle up by a window and appreciate the night sky. You might try a stargazing app like Night Sky to help you figure out what you’re looking for. Play a Fun Couples’ Game: Couples’ games seem like such a good idea, but many of…
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Awesome, Affordable Stocking Stuffers for the Husband
Bring on the stocking stuffer ideas 2020! I always have trouble finding great gifts for my spouse. He doesn’t want me to spend too much money, but he’s very particular on what he will actually use. Sound familiar to anyone? We’re all looking for cheap stocking stuffer ideas that our men will actually use and love. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you. For those of us who have had a tough year economically, there are also some stocking stuffer ideas for him under 10 dollars. 1. A Fun Couples’ Game My husband loves spending quality time together, but it can be tricky to find things we both like…
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Running on Empty in Marriage Video by Haleigh Everts
You aren't alone if you think to yourself, "I feel I love my husband more than he loves me."
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He Would Never Part II: Domestic Violence Stories 2020
by Anonymous Individuals who have been through domestic violence themselves or whose friends or family members have experienced it want to hear similar stories. All victims should reach out for help with moving forward after domestic violence. Domestic violence stories 2020 all look different – there is no one size fits all. This anonymous author shares her domestic violence real life story, and how she moved on from tragic moments of sexual abuse. Domestic Violence Real Life Story It started the day our blended family became one. They moved in with us at the old house when I was around 5 years old. I was not exactly happy that there…
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What is Partnership in Marriage? Equal Partnerships in Marriage Are Not Always 50/50!
The specific percentages of labor division in a relationship are not important. What is important is how each person feels.
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He Would Never: Domestic Violence
by Anonymous This story is written from a victim of domestic abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help victims, survivors of domestic violence. Call 1-800-799-7233. Chat with an advocate on their website, https://www.thehotline.org/. This short story about domestic violence It can be hard to find a narrative story about domestic violence, since its victims are reluctant to speak. We thank this anonymous author for sharing and helping other women. Red Flags for Domestic Violence: Pay Attention Red flag, red flag, red flag. These particular red flags are very hard to miss, but a lot of red flags for domestic violence are easy to miss. You may think to yourself that it…
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Part 3: Being a Traditional Wife Married to a Feminist Man by Hayley
Is there gender equality in marriage? As the concept of women’s rights takes on new meaning every day, what is some relationship advice for couples? What should marriage roles today look like? Hayley shares her relationship advice for couples based on her experiences in a wonderful marriage. Relationship Advice for Couples: Feminism and Traditional Gender Roles in Marriage To the wife out there who feels like she is failing, you aren’t. Fearlessly challenge the expectations you place on yourself. Question “who” is determining what your life is “supposed” to look like, and what you are “supposed” to do. Is there gender equality in marriage? What are marriage roles today? Emma…
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Part 2: Being a Traditional Wife Married to a Feminist Man by Hayley
Our wivestribe.com writers like Hayley are here to confess marriage truths no one admits. Is it possible to be newlywed married and miserable? There are many reasons why you might be an unhappy newlywed. Here is Hayley’s story. The Wife Switch: Marriage Truths No One Admits My “Wife Switch” flipped when we got married, just over 4 years after that first summer. Equally responsible for our full-time student schedules, part-time work, and extracurricular activities, I somehow also assumed my supposed role of being responsible for the cooking, cleaning, and general management of our household. Irritability and frustration quickly filled the space of our dank cinder block apartment. Not knowing the…
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Being a Traditional Wife Married to a Feminist Man: Marriage and Feminism by Hayley
Some of us plan on being a traditional wife more than we realize. Others have a husband who hope their woman will enjoy being a traditional wife. What happens when a traditional woman and a feminist man come together? Can marriage and feminism work together? Part I: Before I Knew I Married a Feminist Man I’m only two months in and already failing at being a wife. The first year is supposed to be the ‘Honeymoon Year,’ so maybe this marriage is wrong. You’re supposed to be happy to do the dishes, plan the meals, and manage the household. If he has to lift a finger, I’m a terrible wife……
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Does Silent Treatment Work in a Marriage? When a Marriage Lacks Communication
by Ellen Do you ever feel like your marriage lacks communication? Many of our marriage stories deal with communication, and we encourage you to explore more of them. In this story, our author discusses her communication struggles and answers the question: Does silent treatment work in a marriage? Marriage Stories: Meeting and Marrying my Husband My husband and I knew each other for about 8 years before we even dated and then… we got married! We both grew up in North Dakota about an hour away from each other (yes, people do live there). We met at some church activity when we were 15 or 16; we have different memories…
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Hobbit Love: Online Dating, Marriage after Divorce, Dating with Children by Richard
Let’s hear a story from a husband’s perspective! Read this sweet story of Richard’s second chance of finding love – and finding his “Hobbit, Lord of the Rings-loving” wife. We are happy to share this story about online dating, marriage after divorce, and dating with children through a man’s eyes. Dating with Children The year was 2012, I was living in Eagle Mountain, Utah as a 30 year old single father. Being a single dad to my daughter and working full time made dating a challenge. Friends and family members would do their best to set me up, though this never turned out to lead to anything more than a…
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Toxic Marriage: Debt, Secrets, and Betrayal
by Anonymous Have you ever been in a situation where you feel something is WRONG? You have no burning proof, but a gut feeling? Read K’s story on how she learned to trust her gut, rely on family, and make the decision to leave a toxic relationship. Heading Into a Toxic Relationship One of the most exciting parts about finally being married to someone who had been my best friend since I was fourteen was changing my relationship status from engaged to married & changing my last name from my maiden name to his. Toxic relationships usually start off the same as any relationship does: happy and exciting. Because I…
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Closer to You: Who Should Go to Marriage Counseling? Things to Improve Marriage, Toxic Beliefs about Marriage
by Kaylee Have you ever wondered who should go to marriage counseling? Kaylee shares her experience with non-crisis marriage counseling. She believes that everyone has toxic beliefs about love or themselves. If you’re searching for things to improve marriage, consider attending marriage counseling with your spouse and exploring your own toxic beliefs about love or self. Things to Improve Marriage: Therapy and Self-Help My hubby and I are best friends. He still makes me light up like a Christmas tree when he walks in the room. Our problems have brought us closer. We have fought, both of us, to make it so. There are many things that have helped us…
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I Love My Husband but I Hate Our Marriage: Constant Fighting in Marriage, Competition in a Marriage by Anonymous
This author wanted to share how her perfectionism wreaked havoc on her marriage. She and her husband endured constant fighting in marriage and the consequences of competition in a marriage. If you’ve ever thought to yourself “I love my husband and hate our marriage,” you’re not alone. Read this author’s story: Setting the Stage for Competition in a Marriage This isn’t a long story, but it’s a lesson I want to share. My entire life pre-marriage, I had always been strong willed. I liked to make all the decisions and I tended to believe what I believe was always correct. Yes, I need to work on being humble, but it’s…
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Part 3: When is Divorce the Answer? The Cycle of Abuse in Relationships, How to Open Up about Domestic Abuse, Escape Plan: Abusive Relationship, Story about Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
By Anonymous Read Part 1 Here. Read Part 2 Here. In the final part of her story, our brave author discusses how to open up about domestic abuse and her escape plan. Abusive relationship trauma can make it hard to end the cycle of abuse in relationships, but our author managed to do it. Here is her story about breaking the cycle of abuse: Escape Plan: Abusive Relationship The next day when I saw the therapist, I told him what happened and the instant I did I saw his demeanor change. I could see his mind shift away from anything he’d previously planned for my visit to something new. He…
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Part 2: When is Divorce the Answer? Stories of Emotional and Physical Abuse, Narcissistic Personality Disorder Real Stories
By Anonymous Read Part 1 of “When is Divorce the Answer?” Here! This real author underwent emotional and physical abuse in her relationship. In Part 2 of the story, the author realizes that her spouse is physically abusive, and has been for some time. In Part 3 of the story, coming next week, her spouse is diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Real stories about this disorder can be hard to read, but so important to share with others going through the same thing. Here is her story. Marriage Counseling, Emotional Abuse A couple of months after the therapy appointment, he suggested we go see the therapist he’d worked with after…
- Abuse, Anxiety and Panic, Arguing, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Dating, Divorce, Marrying Young, Mental Illness, Therapy
Part 1: When is Divorce the Answer? by Anonymous
A Story of Emotional Abuse in Marriage, Physical Abuse in Marriage, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Husband We talk a lot about working through problems and staying married here at Wives’ Tribe, but when is divorce the answer? Abuse is a reason to end a marriage, and so is a person who is not only imperfect but also immovable. A person who is treating you poorly and entirely unwilling to change may have problems that are beyond your control. Read on for a story about emotional abuse in marriage and how this anonymous writer dealt with their hurdles. After enduring physical abuse in marriage and narcissistic personality disorder in her…
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When the Honeymoon Phase is Over (AKA Entering the “Crumb Coat” Stage) by Brette
Is it normal to lose the spark in your marriage? Brette shares the universal truth of functionality, trust and friendship replacing some of the initial romance in marriage. Brette was unnerved when she first thought: “The honeymoon phase is over.” She missed the hearing about how perfect she and her husband were together, but with time and experience, she grew to love the “crumb coat” stage of marriage. Transitioning from the “Stacking Stage” to the “Crumb Coat Stage” in Marriage I’m married. Does that give me absolute authority on the subject? Not at all. I definitely feel the need to preface with that. Marriage relationships are so complex and intricate.…
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Love and Marriage Advice from Someone who Married Twice! By Katie
If you want sound love and marriage advice, ask someone who has enjoyed two successful and happy marriages! I’m honored to be asked to write a little about an institution of which I’m quite fond — marriage. I love it so much, I’ve done it twice. The first time was for 28 years before the love of my life died of cancer, I am now married to the love of the rest of my life. We’ve been married a little over two years. I won the lottery twice with two completely different men. I’m here to tell you that Stephenie Meyer was right, you can be in love with…
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Infertility, PCOS, and Self-Blame By Aimee
Are you and your spouse struggling with female and/or male infertility and coping with the stress that comes with it? We encourage our readers to visit Save The Marriage and begin this tried and proven experience to strengthen their marriage! When I was fourteen, I had had my first menstrual cycle and didn’t have another one till I was fifteen. I would only have them every few months. Remembering health class, I knew that wasn’t normal. When I turned sixteen, I started having periods twice a month for a year. These weren’t light and painless periods — these periods were the periods from hell! I would go through three ultra…
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Cooking Together in Quarantine: 15 Meals for Two on a Budget by Caroline
Caroline and Zach have spent some time during quarantine cooking together. Marriage can be strengthened by trying new activities or doing the daily humdrum activities with one another. Here are 15 meals for two on a budget. This is such an interesting time in our world right now. Quarantine is definitely different every day. Some days I’m so grateful my husband can work from home, and others I dream of the time he was gone from 9-5. Seeing as we’ve only been apart for a few hours total in the last month, it shocks me that we’re not constantly fighting. I think it helps we’re both homebodies and have a…
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Child Loss and Different Ways to Mourn by Robin
Are you and your spouse struggling with the loss of a child and having difficulty coping? Do you know the best ways to support yourself and each other during tragic times of sadness? We encourage our readers to visit Save The Marriage and begin this tried and proven experience to strengthen their marriage. When you find that person in your life that you’re willing to spend the rest of your life with, there is no other feeling like it. So much about your personalities and characteristics are similar, but you’re not naïve, you know that there are differences as well. I have been married for five years next month, and…
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Top 5 Mother’s Day Gifts to Treat YOURSELF 2020
Mother’s Day is coming up! And even though you may be busy shopping for others, don’t forget that –whether you have children of your own, fur babies, nephews & nieces, or neighborhood children who look up to you — this is your day too! The quarantine has been rough, you have been stuck home all day, and may or may not be dealing with emotional stress– you need some TLC! So, here is a list of ways you can treat YOURSELF during the quarantine! Remember, if mom’s not happy, NO ONE is happy! So, relax, take a breath, and let’s do some shopping to brighten your day! Custom Keto Diet…
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Bad Communication in Marriage? How to Fix Communication in a Relationship Based on Real Marriages, Real Stories
Are you wondering if you are experiencing bad communication in marriage? I know I have personally marveled many times at how hard it can be to get on the same page as my husband. Here at wivestribe.com, we collect true stories from real married women about all kinds of issues, and from them we’ve learned a lot about how to fix communication in a relationship. Here are the overall lessons we’ve learned about how to fix communication in a relationship: Find your voices and use them! It’s good to wait until you’re both cooled down to discuss a problem, but a lot of bad communication in marriage (and even divorce)…
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Quick Delivery Mother’s Day Gifts, Best Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts 2020
Mother’s Day always sneaks up on us, and this year, we can’t go out and browse in-store for gifts for our brilliant moms. There are only 10 days until Mother’s Day 2020, so it’s time to get the right gifts for the wonderful women in your life. Here are several quick delivery Mother’s Day Gifts and the easiest and best homemade Mother’s Day gifts 2020. If you’re like me, you want it to be special, but possible, to be delivered or made within ten days! Custom Jewelry I love giving and receiving custom jewelry. I think it’s so special to wear your loved ones’ names and carry them with you.…
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Two Worlds Collide: Couples Counseling Testimony by Anonymous
This marriage story is about two very different people with very different people who learn to unite as one with the help of couples counseling. If you need help finding couples counseling, it can be as easy as typing into google “couples counseling near me.” I want to tell my marriage story. I have been married for almost four years now. I dated my husband for a full year and knew him for about a year and a half before we got married. I always thought that if I dated someone for at least a year, the adjustment of living together wouldn’t be as difficult. Well, I was definitely wrong…
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Marriage Ebbs and Flows: Becoming a Stay at Home Mom, Anxiety and Depression Effects on Marriage by Amanda
Amanda shares the marriage ebbs and flows she has experienced with her husband. Transitioning from full-time work to becoming a stay at home mom put her and her spouse on totally different schedules. After a job loss, both partners suffered from anxiety and depression. Effects on marriage caused by mental health can be detrimental, but Amanda was committed to working through the tough times with her great sense of humor intact! My husband and I have been married for 10 years. On paper our marriage might look like this: 2 houses, 3 kids, 4 colleges, 5 boats, 9 vehicles, 10 different employers, and a few four wheelers and jet skis.…
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A Life of Her Own: How to Work On Yourself in Marriage
If you’re wondering how to work on yourself in marriage, we applaud you! It’s easy to focus on how you’d like to change your spouse, but that path will lead to disappointment and contention. One of the most important steps to a better marriage is becoming happier with yourself and your life. It’s time to look at the way you spend your time and fill it with things you love. When you are happy with lots of things in your life, you become less dependent on your spouse to create that happiness for you. If you want to know how to work on yourself in marriage, try looking at the…
- Abuse, Arguing, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Considering Divorce, Family Dynamics, Fertility, Raising Children, Therapy
Therapy or Divorce: Childhood Trauma, Miscarriage and Family, Becoming Co-Parenting Roommates by Anonymous
“Either go back to therapy or I want a divorce.” Words I never thought I would say or truly mean. I’ve never given an ultimatum before. I don’t like ultimatums, they can seem like manipulation. But I had hit my limit. My husband and I have been married for 5 years, and they’ve been some of the best and happiest, as well as some of the hardest years of my life. When I met him, he become my best friend. We spent every day together and had so much fun. All I had really wanted was a friend, and we were for a little while. Then our relationship progressed and…
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Six Years: Pornography & Cheating, Separation, and Finding Inner Strength by Anonymous
I feel raw writing this, because it is unfolding very literally as I type the words. It is a story that one day I hope to share freely. But because I am parallel processing alongside this writing, I thought best to keep it anonymous for now. I have a marriage probably quite a bit like yours. And although I don’t need to tell you this, I will: I love my husband. I adore him. He has given me the world’s most beautiful children, and he has supported me in my dreams. He is kind and good to his core; he is generous, selfless, and willing to change. I have a…
- Abuse, Anger or Temper, Anxiety and Panic, Considering Divorce, Family Dynamics, Marrying Young, Mental Illness
Revelations + Realizations: Learning Spouse after Marriage, Mental Health Disorders, Emotional and Verbal Abuse by Madi
I wish I could say that things immediately get better as my story progresses. I wish I could tell you that everything you’ve read this far is as bad as things got for me, but that’s not the case. I want it to be clear that I am not sharing these personal and difficult experiences to gain attention or pity, but rather, to empower others who are in similar situations to reach out for help and make a change. Too often, emotional and verbal abuse fall under the shadow of physical abuse. I have chosen to share these intimate details of my story to enlighten others of the dangers these overlooked…
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Stay or Go? – Debating Divorce, Debilitating Addiction by Anonymous
I started off the year 2015 as a recent divorcee from a verbally abusive marriage, and honestly, I was wanting to be loved! I started going back to church to truly work on myself. I attended a church that was specifically for young single adults (known as a YSA ward in “Mormon” lingo). When I first started attending, all I could think of myself was as “damaged goods.” As the months passed by, I met Chad. Chad was the SWEETEST man I had ever met. We grew close, and eventually it turned into a passionate relationship. I confided in him my divorce and the reasons for it, and he was…
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International Women’s Day: March 8, 2020
Thank you to the resilient wives who have shared their stories with us! These women support loved ones with crippling addictions. They accept and love new family members. They bravely walk into therapy with their spouses. The women of Wives’ Tribe work tirelessly to support their families. They stand by their spouses through disagreements and miscommunication. They go above and beyond to take care of their children and their husbands every day, and they understand they have to take care of themselves as well. International Women’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated publicly in countries like Ukraine, Russia, and Armenia, among others. This tradition began in the early…
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Feeling Ambivalent Towards your Partner: Facing the Challenge of Postpartum Depression by BriElle
I was hit with postpartum depression shortly after the birth of my third child. I had three kids ages two and under, and felt completely overwhelmed by my situation. “How can I do this? What have I done to myself? Do I even like being a mom?” were all thoughts that scrambled through my mind relentlessly. I wept, feeling so much anxiety and pressure to be all that my three kids needed me to be. Thankfully, that pressure did not come from my husband. He did not expect to come home from work with a clean house or dinner on the table. He is an incredible man, and fully supports…
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Forming a New Family: Living near In-Laws, Fighting for Time by Anonymous
Just over a year ago, my husband, our first child, and I moved to his hometown for his new job in the family business. My husband’s entire extended family — grandparents on both sides, aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides, their in-laws, great aunts and uncles, etc. — all live in this same area and see each other everywhere. They work together, send their kids to the same schools, invest in the same projects, and meet up at church on Sunday. When I was younger, it was just my parents and my siblings. We were independent, introverted, and happy to “do our own thing”. Living around so much family…
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Fighting for Marriage by Wives’ Tribe
We firmly believe marriage makes us better human beings. A successful marriage requires sacrifice and compromise. We have to forego some independence and much selfishness. We believe marriage is God’s plan to both help us become selfless and find lasting joy. We have observed that there is a general complacency about marriage. In the last ten years, fewer people are getting married, and unfortunately, divorce rates are still about 40-50%, and even higher for subsequent marriages. Selfish ideas and inaccurate fantasies about marriage run rampant. You might have heard the phrases “we grew apart,” “people change,” or “we were two different people.” We ourselves succumbed to false ideas about…
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Wedding Ring… Less by Dani
What does a wedding ring mean to you? There’s a palpable absence on my hand of pieces of metal with diamonds I used to wear to symbolize that my heart belonged to someone. And I notice the absence of those materials on my hand the most when I’m driving. I usually drive with my left hand on the top of my wheel. When I was married, this meant that my wedding band and engagement ring were situated right on top of the wheel, too. I never realized how much I looked at them in that position until they were no longer there. I wasn’t the absolute most religious about wearing…
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A Rough Start: Emotional/Verbal Abuse, Limited Intimacy by Madi
We would see each other for about 30 mins each morning and then we would get home around 8 with homework still yet to be done. I knew that we wouldn’t be able to spend every second together, and I respected that C had to study a lot. All of that being said, I couldn’t help but feel like he was growing more and more distant. For some reason, I began to blame myself. I became obsessed with perfection. I would make sure to keep the house spotless, make dinner every night, and go along with whatever plans he had. A lot of the time, this included me just sitting…
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Coming to Terms with Divorce: Balancing Self-Care and Motherhood by Dani
laid in bed two nights ago and I cried. I’m staying in a hotel in St. George I’ve stayed in multiple times. And it hit me. I feel more at home in this hotel than I do anywhere else in the world. I feel more myself in this place than I do anywhere else. I feel more secure, confident, and safe than I do anywhere else. I feel more calm and peace here than I do anywhere else. I’ve been thinking about this constantly over the last 36 hours. Why do I feel all of these things in a place I’ve visited only a few times? Why does my current…
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Marriage Isn’t a Fairy Tale: When Values Change Over Time by Anonymous
I was told as a young woman to date and marry someone whose values matched mine. I was never told they might change their mind. I was taught to value and strive for a temple marriage. I was not told that I might fall in love with someone who wouldn’t necessarily want the same thing. My husband is a wonderful, kind, and caring individual. He loves serving others, he is frugal, he put others before himself… in short, he is amazing. He accepts me in all my flaws and puts up with my crazy family. When we first got married, we thought it best to have a civil marriage, and…
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Blending Parenthood and Marriage by Jenna
Parenthood is beautiful and rewarding, and the best job in the world, but It can also be a vortex. As a parent, especially a mom, we give so much of ourselves to our kids. We give our time, our bodies, and possibly even sideline certain dreams. However, the one thing we have to be careful not to give up is our marriage. When my husband and I became parents for the first time, everything became about our daughter. She was breastfed and refused a bottle, so leaving her for very long was out of the question. Because of this, I’m sure you can imagine, that dates with just the two…
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Who Did I Marry? When the Honeymoon Phase Ends Early by Madi
When we got out of the water, C found a little hermit crab and started chasing me around with it. I always loved how playful and silly he could be. He never had to act like he was “too cool.” He was just himself, and I loved that. After taunting me with our new-found friend, we headed back to our cabana to layout and relax. I reached for my phone to look through some of the photos we had taken, but I quickly realized my phone was shorting out. Somehow, some water must have gotten into the case. I was so annoyed, but hey at least C still had his…
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Video: Stop Micromanaging Your Spouse
- Anxiety and Panic, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Dating, Deciding to Marry, Identity, Marrying Young, Raising Children
Cutting Single Life Short: Mourning Single Life, Struggling with Marriage and Motherhood by Jessica
I was the typical girl at BYU who came, studied Elementary Education, and married a young RM at age 20. Except I had never wanted that. I wanted to travel the world, meet and date a lot of boys, graduate and use my degree, and live independently away from home for years before “settling down”. It’s hard for me to explain how hard this was for me. I grew up in Ohio. I didn’t date before I went to college. At all. I had been on two dates. One was actually with some guy I met while visiting Utah over the summer. And another was a guy from my stake that I…
- Anxiety and Panic, Considering Divorce, Dating, Dishonesty, Infidelity, Mental Illness, Therapy, Trust Issues
My Trauma Triggers || Recovering from Betrayal Trauma by Dani
Josh and I headed to St. George last week for a wedding I shot down that way. Since we didn’t have the kids, we extended our trip so we could start out our year with a peaceful, relaxing week of pretty much doing nothing. We visited Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, ate some good food, spent time in the hot tub, watched a lot of movies, did some Yoga, and had great conversations in the car. I also had a panic attack. Panic attacks, while not as scary to me as they used to be, well, they suck. The first one I ever had was one of the scariest hours…
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Managing Money in Marriage by Caroline
Finances are something every couple has to tackle. There’s no way around it. Even if you make millions, finances have to be discussed for a strong long-term marriage. According to a new survey by Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce. Going into a new year is the perfect time to evaluate your financial goals with your spouse and make sure you set yourself up for financial success in 2020 and beyond. In this article, I’m going to discuss how to start budgeting and what that conversation looks like in my marriage. I’ve been told my marriage looks perfect (I can assure you it’s definitely not)…
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How to Strengthen Your Marriage in 2020
No one knows better than you that relationships require loving care. Give yourself (and your spouse) a pat on the back for working hard on your marriage since the beginning. If you want a little more spark, a little more connection, or a little more love in your marriage this year, here are a few ideas. Remember what you love about your spouse. One of the best things you can do to revive your marriage is remember why you chose this person in the first place. You might: Create a gratitude-style journal. Each night before the lights go out, scribble down three things that make you grateful for your spouse.…
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Imperfect People Part IV: What’s the Point? Overcoming Marital Challenges by Anonymous
My marital challenges put strain not only on my relationship with my husband but also on my relationship with God. Trusting God On those nights when dark thoughts clouded my mind, and I didn’t want to be a wife or a mother anymore, I cried out to my Heavenly Father, and was disappointed with the lack of love I felt back. I didn’t get much of an answer. The only answers I heard were things I did not think my kind Heavenly Father would say to His struggling daughter. “Tough it out.” “It’s not that bad.” “You’re choosing to be depressed.” I still do not know if those words were…
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Finding Strength Part IV: Contemplating Divorce, Self-Care, Open Endings by Anonymous
A week before Valentine’s Day of this year I realized that I couldn’t keep pretending to be in a happy marriage when both of us were extremely unhappy. I also realized that there was no way I could leave my marriage and find happiness if I didn’t work on myself first. I made a plan and set it into motion. I decided I was going to embark on a healing journey and allow my life to unfold however it needed to. I started doing many things that forced me out of my comfort zone. I joined a non-profit organization and began to donate my time once a week. I began…
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Sink or Swim Part 2: Home of Anxiety & Depression by Anonymous
Let’s set the mood: The wedding was over, the honeymoon was bliss, and real life set in. The first few months of marriage was great. W (my husband) and I found an apartment in a great location in Provo – and for all the married couples looking in Provo, you know that is no small feat! W was going to UVU while I finished my degree at BYU. As the fall semester ended and the Holidays approached, something changed. I felt myself becoming anxious for no perceived reason. I could feel something was wrong. I started to become the queen of nagging, picking apart W on the daily. At first…
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Finding Strength Part III: Faith Crisis, Sex Drought, Less Love, Suicidal Thoughts by Anonymous
He belongs to a very large family and is one of 7 siblings. Unfortunately, he hasn’t felt close to any of them since his mother died when he was 13 years old. She fought a vicious battle with Melanoma that progressed to a point where she was left comatose and dying in their home until it took her life. He watched his mother die slowly. He witnessed her declining every day until she took her last breaths. Shortly after his mother died, his father remarried, and the family moved two hours away. He had just lost his mother, a stranger was now living in his home and trying to control…
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Phenomenal Gifts for Him — on a Budget!
What are the best inexpensive gifts for your husband? We’ve compiled a list of the best budget-friendly gifts for your spouse in the following categories: To Eat To Use To Wear To Play The best part of our gift guide for him? These gifts are what we call budget-flexible. These ideas can all be budget-friendly gifts, or they can be made a little more expensive. Whether you’ve got a $500 budget or a $15 budget, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect gift for the husband below. To Eat When you need gift ideas for your husband on a budget, you can’t go wrong with their favorite snacks. You know it…
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Imperfect People Part 3: Marriage Roles and Responsibilities
by Anonymous When we are struggling in our own marriages, sometimes inspiring stories of marriages that survived are exactly what we need. This anonymous author shares how she struggled in her marriage due to love languages, communication fallout, and questions about roles. Marriage roles and responsibilities cause a lot of marital strife. Read what this author learned about making marriage work when she and her husband could not agree on their roles in their long-term relationship. I have opened up about some of the darker moments in my marriage, but I want to paint a better picture of what my relationship looks like. I’d bet money that this will be…
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Finding Strength Part I: Story about Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse in Marriage, Losing a Loved One
by Anonymous Before explaining her marriage story, this author shares her struggle with anorexia. Personal stories like these can help women suffering with an eating disorder understand they are not alone. Eating disorders can also affect long-term relationships. This author also shares her substance abuse and depression story, which occurred shortly after losing one of the most important people in her life. All of this information is necessary to understand her unique marriage (explained in Part 2). Every little girl grows up fantasizing about finding a handsome man who will sweep her off her feet. And that together they will build a beautiful life and live happily ever after. I’m…
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Spouses Disagree Over Family Size: Arguing in Marriage Christian
by Holly What if you want another baby but husband doesn’t? Holly shares her true experiences with arguing in marriage. Christian couples often value marriage and work hard to overcome problems including when spouses disagree over family size. Arguing in Marriage: Christian Relationship Story My husband and I met in college. We lived in the same apartment complex, but went to different schools. He went to a highly regarded school that was hard to get into. I went to a nearby school that a monkey could get into. We were definitely not each other’s usual types. I was funky and quirky. I had a tongue ring and a different…
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Losing Myself in Marriage by Anonymous
Losing self esteem in marriage is more common than you may think. Your world is changing, and you may be seeking approval from spouse or others. This anonymous writer shares her experience with losing self esteem in marriage. Losing Self Esteem in Marriage I definitely wouldn’t say that I have low self-esteem. If anything, I could probably dial down how highly I think of myself… or at least how I present the way I think of myself. I’ll explain a little. I have always felt odd getting compliments from people, so when I do get one, I always agree with them: “Yeah, I’m amazing” or “Yeah, you will miss me…
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Sex is Not What I Expected: Living with Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, Painful Sex and Marriage
by Anonymous Do you suffer pain with sex? If you are experiencing painful sex and marriage, you may be suffering with Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome. If you are fearful of painful sex ruining marriage, rest assured that vulvar vestibuilitis syndrome doesn’t mean the end of intimacy. Painful Sex and Marriage: Painful First-Time Sex Before getting married, I was a virgin. The first time with my husband, I expected it to hurt. That’s what everyone said. I prepared and did everything I could to make our first time a good experience, but was EXCRUCIATINGLY painful. I talked with my friends — they said it hurt their first times, but after having sex…
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Imperfect People Part 2: Empty Threats in a Relationship, Feeling Confused about Marriage, Husband Raised His Hand to Me
by Anonymous Have you or your spouse ever implemented empty threats in a relationship? A sense of lacking control can act one or both partners to act out. Like the author, you may be wondering: “What should I do? My husband raised his hand to me.” If you’re feeling confused about marriage for this reason or any other, this story might provide some insight. Part II: Raising a Hand Read Part 1 of Imperfect People here! Feeling Confused about Marriage Confusion has accompanied me throughout my marriage. It’s this deep confusion that I can’t dig myself out of. I’m never sure if it’s my husband or myself in the wrong,…
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Feeling Naive: Marrying Someone Who has Been Divorced, Marrying Young vs Marrying Later by Cassandra
Cassandra shares her story about marrying a divorced man who is older than herself. Between disapproval of her loved ones and her own burning questions about marrying young vs marrying later, getting married was a difficult decision. If you have experience marrying someone who has been divorced, you will relate with Cassandra’s concerns and story. Marrying Young vs Marrying Later: 18-Year-Old Bride I was a newly engaged 18-year-old that never even had a boyfriend before my now-husband. My first boyfriend, my now-husband, was once married. He had divorced his ex-wife just a year before meeting me. It makes my cringe to even say those words. I feel like it automatically…
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Imperfect People Part 1: Unfair Fighting in Marriage, Depression in a Marriage, Fighting with Husband over Discipline
By Anonymous What does unfair fighting in marriage look like, and how can you mitigate it? Depression in a marriage can stem from unfair fighting and fighting with husband over discipline. This author shares her experience with the cycle of depression in marriage stemming from these tough arguments. Part I: Marrying an Imperfect Person Did you ever sit with your friends and dream about the future? Did you ever debate about where that “line” is between marriage and divorce? “Oh, I would definitely leave my husband if he…” There’s a problem with this game. You don’t know your spouse yet. You don’t know how you work together in a marriage.…
- Blending Families, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Dating, Raising Children, Single Motherhood, Substance Abuse and Addiction
Drug Addiction in Relationships: Stories about Recovering Addicts and Relationships
By Shealynd Have you ever had to worry about how to deal with drug addiction in a relationship? Shealynd has. Our strong anonymous author shares her stories about not one, but two recovering addicts and relationships. Drug addiction in relationships can cause heartbreak and struggle, especially when families and children are involved. Here is her story. A Ruined Engagement: Recovering Addicts and Relationships My life is not how I imagined it would be. Not even close. I’m not married. I never imagined I would be 27 with a three-year-old daughter and still have my dad’s last name. Marriage has come close a few different times. The closest would be July…
- Anxiety and Panic, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Deciding to Marry, Marrying Young, Mental Illness, Therapy, Trust Issues
Sink or Swim Part 1: Anxiety and a Relationship, How do I Know if I Should Get Married? by Anonymous
How do I know if I should get married? Is it a feeling, is it trust, is it a risk? Knowing whether or not you should get married is very personal, but we recommend taking time to get to know your partner. See them when they’re angry, upset, frustrated, and stressed. Ask them every single question — nothing is off-limits. This author understands that anxiety and a relationship can make progression very difficult. Don’t hesitate to consult with people you trust, including loved ones, leaders, and therapists. Here is one woman’s story. I grew up a very happy person. I loved my family, loved my friends, loved what I did.…
- Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Marrying Young, Mental Illness, Pornography Addiction, Raising Children, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Trust Issues
Worth the Fight: Substance Abuse in Relationships, Fight the New Drug, Mine and My Husband’s Addiction by Amelia
Part I: The First Date Phase He was my best friend’s brother, six years older than me, and the mysterious cute guy who occasionally showed up to church. I wasn’t even a senior in high school, and he must have had lots of life experience by then. But I wanted to get to know him. Two years later, I walked down the aisle to the handsome man I was too scared to talk to a few years before. I was a young bride, only 19 years old, but I knew that was where I wanted to be. We have been through so much together and many hard trials have come…