What's Happening on Your Behalf in Florida

posted by Michele Olson

Something is happening in Florida right now that you may or may not be aware of.

It's the annual Smart Marriages Conference and some of the best minds regarding marriage and healthy relationships are gathered to learn, share and work together to encourage marriage.

Diane Sollee is the founder of Smart Marriages. Here are some tips she offered in a recent Washington Post article.

Disagreements are normal. The trick is to learn how to manage disagreements without hostility and put-downs.

Couples who divorce and those who go the distance disagree the same amount and about all of the same basic things.

There are predictable challenge points in any marriage, including the first two years, the birth of the first baby, years 14 to 16 (when teenagers are often in the home) and the empty nest years.

No one stays the same. You promise to stay together till death do you part, but you can't promise to stay the same.

Don't avoid disagreements. They'll just fester and lead to distance, detachment and eventually detonate.

Listen and speak in a way your partner can't possibly doubt you love him or her. Give your partner your attention. Repeat what your partner said without sarcasm to show you get his or her point of view.

Learn to take time-outs.

Express appreciation often.

Be willing to make up after an argument; it's central to a happy marriage. A repair attempt -- even if it's clumsy or funny -- is crucial.

Some wisdom from Diane. Make sure you check out her website. Won't you join the marriage champions working so hard to make marriage and healthy relationship education available to everyone? The first step is to do all you can in your own marriage. Don't forget our website is here for you. http://www.thinkmarriage.org/