Jerry Seinfeld Switching from Single Laughter to Married Laughter

posted by Michele Olson


Is a Seinfeld rerun a part of your daily world?



His successful TV show from the 80’s and 90’s that made us fall in love with Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer took a look at the “single world” all while introducing us to a show about nothing. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Now that Jerry has been married for nine years, his shift of humor has focused. As a comedian and producer, his production company is teaming up with an Oprah Show professional, Ellen Rakieten, to create a new comedy-reality series for NBC.

World Screen reports that the show, tentatively titled The Marriage Ref, will feature opinionated celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will candidly comment on and offer advice to real-life couples who are in the middle of a classic marital dispute.

Seinfeld said of the project, "This is not a therapy show, it's a comedy show. After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich."

Does it sound like a show you would watch…maybe with your spouse? If anyone wants to buy an ad in the program on behalf of thinkmarriage.org, let us know. Once everything has been stirred up, the couples will need a strong link to marriage education!

Beware of Facebook Fanning an Old Flame

posted by Michele Olson

Have an old flame...a first love? In the past, it was quite difficult to reconnect with someone from your past. It took a lot of effort and planning. Today, it's easy with the advent of social networking like Facebook.

If it's possible does that mean it's a good idea?

Probably not according to Nancy Kalish, a developmental psychology professor in California State University who was recently quoted in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article.

She has researched thousands of lost love reunions and has seen the disastrous aftermaths."These feelings can come back," she warns. "And it will destroy you." She's noticed that more people in their early 30s are becoming entangled in an affair that can become an online addiction. Many are married and have little children, she said.

So "playing with fire" comes to mind. People always get burned when they play with fire. So be careful. Fanning an old flame when you are married is simply not a good idea. Has anyone had this experience? What happened?

Read the full article here.

Australia Wants You to Stay Married for Mother Earth

Posted by Michele Olson

We've touched on this subject "in the states" as an Aussie would say...but it's hitting the news in Australia now too. Another good reason to stay married?

You are being much friendlier to the environment. Getting a divorce makes climate change worse and increases your carbon footprint. Being married cuts down on the amount of natural resources we use.

More rooms in separate houses to heat and cool.

Not being married means you eat out more and use more"take home" type containers which end up in the landfill.

It's really quite a controversial subject on many levels... but interesting that it's still a school of thought "out there."

What do you think? Is staying married part of being a good steward of the environment?

At thinkmarriage.org, we belive in satisfying healthy marriages. Find out more at www.thinkmarriage.org Being kind to Mother Earth can be the shrimp on the barbie.

(Read the article here.)

We Bust Marriage Myths

posted by Michele Olson

What myths do you still believe when it comes to marriage?

If you don't tackle the social science research, you could be walking around thinking things that aren't actually true. (Snopes anyone?)

At thinkmarriage.org we've made getting the facts very easy with our Marriage Myth Buster Guide.

For example; Myth #3. Your health is your health. Being married or single doesn't make a difference.

Want to know the answer? It's easy. Just send your name and mailing address to info@thinkmarriage.org and we'll send you a free Marriage Myth Buster Guide. You'll even get some cool Marriage Champion cards to use.

Ready to bust a few myths? Get your FREE Marriage Myth Buster Guide!

Ponder This

posted by Michele Olson

Here’s something to think about today.

You can do something about the obstacles in your relationship. That’s part of experiencing a healthy relationship. A lot of people hit the bumps in the road…panic…and think the grass is greener somewhere else.

Ponder this:
Every ounce of energy you spend removing obstacles will create closeness in your healthy relationship. For example: Do you have unrealistic expectations of your spouse?

Who didn’t?

That’s O.K.

What’s not O.K. is to keep thinking those expectations are realistic and “normal.” You will end up with constant disappointment.

Need an example of how you can do something about those expectations?

Here’s one. Focus on your spouse’s positive qualities.

Be honest.

How long has it been since you really concentrated on positive qualities instead of the things that bug you? You get the idea.

Determine that you will spend a month really working on your relationship in a positive way.
Then let us know what happens. We predict good things.

Sign Up Now For Free Preview

posted by Michele Olson

We've got HOT NEWS! Looking to add a spark to your relationship, or to be prepared for your next "match?"

Online learning is here!

thinkmarriage.org invites you to sign up for the free teleseminars Monday through Thursday. During the teleseminars you'll learn all the details about what you will learn, and how affordable it is to participate in healthy relationship education right in the comfort of your own home.

Monday: 8-9 pm For married couples: Family Wellness (Feb. 23rd)

Tuesday: 7-8 pm For engaged or seriously dating P.I.C.K a partner (Feb. 24th)

Wednesday: 8-9 pm Conscious Dating for singles (Feb. 25th)

Thursday: 5-6:15 pm, and 7-8 pm for Teens (Feb. 26th)

Start your registration here.

Invest in your healthy relationship...attend a free hour seminar.

Easy Relationship = Good Relationship?

posted by Michele Olson

So look around. What do you see when it comes to what you assess to be a good relationship?


No fighting.

Not a lot of effort.

Life and companionship seems to be second nature. Ahhhhh. That's what a good relationship looks like, right? Easy!

If that's what you've been using as the "benchmark" for good, you're going to be disappointed. If a relationship doesn't come easy...just like any good thing in life...it just means it requires some work. Think about the good things in life...they pretty much all take some real efforts on your part. That two-week vacation to the Bahamas that makes you think life is easy was really supported by 50 weeks of hard work to make it all happen.

It's the same with your relationship.

1) Acquiring the skills to communicate in a healthy way and improve your ability to resolve conflicts.

Work.

2) Daily investment of your time focusing on another person.

Work.

3) Being there for someone else.

Work.

There is definitely joy in the journey...but there is also a commitment to working on the relationship.

So...does that sound easy? It won't be.

Does that sound like it could be a good thing? Yes, yes it does.

How do you work on your relationship? Do you think it's easy?


Follow us on twitter.com name: thinkmarriage

Federally Funded Marriage Ad Campaign

posted by Michele Olson


The average age at first marriage is now almost 26 for women and 28 for men. A growing percentage of Americans aren’t marrying at all.

So what’s a government to do?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, utilizing their resource center, The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center has decided to talk about it the form of an ad campaign. Because research shows many benefits to marriage such as better health, greater wealth and more happiness for the couple and improved well-being for children…the government does have a stake in promoting an institution that has shown to have those types of results. While opponents will argue that the government has no “business” being involved in something as private as marriage, everyone needs to realize that when Americans are not experiencing health, wealth and happiness…the government is often one of the entities they turn to for help. All of sudden scores of Americans are quite happy to involve the government and their funds into their lives.

The media campaign is aimed at the 18-30 year old group, many who have grown up with no real role model for a healthy marriage. Check out twoofus.org

Here’s the entire USA Today article.

So...what are your thoughts?

It's a No Brainer

posted by Michele Olson

I'm always fascinated by the progression we go through to get to a really good idea, even though at the time the "lesser idea" seemed like the best idea. We seem to have to do this to get to that. Why not hop right to "that?"

Before the personality styles who tend to operate in the factual and black and white tear their hair out...let me get to the point of today's blog!

We know an annual physical check-up prevents all kind of health problems. You find things before they get out of hand and are easily managed or cured. So it stands to reason that a yearly marriage check-up would save all kinds of bigger problems, before they get out of hand. Yet, if you talked to most couples entering into marriage, while they go to the dentist every six months and get a yearly physical...they aren't doing the same service for their marriage. Wouldn't it be great if that was just a "given"...an expectation of anyone getting married? Seems like such an easy idea...yet it's not happening.

James V. Cordova Ph.D. has written a book called The Marriage Check Up which advocates a regular marital check-up to make sure your relationship is on track. You've heard that before in this blog too. Since the 1960's there has been a lot of academic research on the topic. Now there's a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to put the idea of the marital check up to the test. They began studying 189 couples in Feb. 2007. So far from what they know they are finding improvement in overall marriage satisfaction. They are actually looking for more couples in the study. You can read the full article here. His book comes out next month.

Attending a thinkmarriage.org workshop in Wisconsin or attending one of our online workshops, available worldwide, is also a great way to have a marital check up. Free online teleseminars about our online workshops are available Feb. 23rd - Feb. 26th. Click on the classes tab at thinkmarriage.org to register for the free teleseminar where you will learn the details of each workshop.

Marital check-ups. Such a no brainer. So...why aren't more people doing it?

Let us hear from you.

Something for Couples Touched by Cancer

Posted by Michele Olson

With high divorce rates because of reasons not related to cancer, you can imagine the extra stress cancer imposes on even the strongest couples. Loss of routine, erosion of job security insurance and savings, plus a loss of intimacy amid pain and uncertainty; it’s clear that couples touched by cancer face unique challenges in their relationships.

thinkmarriage.org as a part of our Together We Can Marriage Education Series is having a Couples Touched By Cancer Weekend Event March 6 and 7th in Wausau, WI. The one night stay, meals and conference are only $69. If you or someone you know is a couple touched by cancer, get complete details and plan to attend. (Once at the calendar page click on Marathon County and go to the March Calendar)

Love Letter Follow-Up!

Did you give a love letter to your loved one over the weekend? Please blog about it here and let us know about your love letter experience!

We're On Twitter and Love Note Tip

Posted by Michele Olson

Are you on twitter? Social Media sites are exploding, but this is truly a "fun one" and short and easy! thinkmarriage is on on twitter. You can follow us and keep up with everything going on...

Simply visit the twitter site and open a twitter account. You can find us there by just searching thinkmarriage. Once signed up, you'll get our twitters...very short thoughts and updates of what's happening at thinkmarriage.org Just another great way to stay in touch!

So...how are you doing on your love notes? Here are the rest to lead up to Valentine's Day. Remember we want to hear all about your Love Note and Love Letter Experience!

Feb. 11th This is the When We Are Apart I Miss…note:
Examples: When we are apart I miss the sound of your voice. When we are apart I think about how much I can’t wait to see you again. When we are apart life is just not as sunny.

Feb. 12th This is quote from your favorite song note:
Examples: Oh baby, I love your way. or B-b-b-baby you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Or I want to hold your hand… or any song quote you want!

Feb. 13th Use your loved ones name or a word and make an acrostic poem note:
For example:
M- Magnificent beauty A-Always so sweet R- Radiant smile Y-Yes, I love you so much!

D- Daring and fun
A-A handsome hottie!
R-Rugged good looks
L-Love love love to be with you
I-It’s you babe!
N-No one else for me but you.
G-Get over here and let me hug you!

Have fun!

The Love Note Habit

Posted by Michele Olson

By the end of this week...hopefully you'll be in some kind of love note habit! While you may not write a love note every day after this week, it is important to be your special someone's biggest cheerleader! In fact in a recent UCLA study it's even more important to be happy for your mate when things are going good ...than when they are not. The study found that couples who respond "energetically and positively" to one another's successes, by say for example...leaving a "Way to go" love note...report feeling happier with each other than those whose responses are more low key. So why not use this week to let your loved one know that when they see a little love note...they are about to feel great!

Love note seed ideas for this week....

Feb. 10th This is the You Remind Me Of….note:
Examples: You remind me of the first time I see a spring Robin. You remind me of how happy I am on Christmas morning. You remind me of sitting with my toes in a pond on a hot summer day. You remind me of that first wonderful sip of Cola after a long bike ride.

Feb. 11th
This is the When We Are Apart I Miss…note:
Examples: When we are apart I miss the sound of your voice. When we are apart I think about how much I can’t wait to see you again. When we are apart life is just not as sunny.

Feb. 12th
This is quote from your favorite song note:
Examples: Oh baby, I love your way. or B-b-b-baby you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Or I want to hold your hand… or any song quote you want!

What happened when you left a love note?

Jump on the Love Note Bandwagon

Posted by Michele Olson

Love Notes

If you are here for the first time...jump on our love note bandwagon! To celebrate National Marriage Week Feb. 7 -14th we have Love Letter Kits available. Leading up to Feb. 14th, if that's when you choose to present your love letter...we are encouraging "Love Notes" Here are some seed ideas for your love note.

Feb. 9th: This is the Without You note:
Examples: Without you I would not enjoy every day like I do. Without you we would never have such special birthdays. Without you we would all be wearing mismatched socks, every day.

Feb. 10th This is the You Remind Me Of….note:
Examples: You remind me of the first time I see a spring Robin. You remind me of how happy I am on Christmas morning. You remind me of sitting with my toes in a pond on a hot summer day. You remind me of that first wonderful sip of Cola after a long bike ride.

Feb. 11th This is the When We Are Apart I Miss…note:
Examples: When we are apart I miss the sound of your voice. When we are apart I think about how much I can’t wait to see you again. When we are apart life is just not as sunny.

(Any day is a good day for a love note, so if you didn't use these ideas yet...keep things going after the 13th!)

Feb. 7th: This is the I Love note….
Examples: I love to hug you. I love your smile. I love to make you laugh. I love the way you fold laundry. I love the way you crinkle your nose when you are in deep thought. Start your note with the words: I Love…

Feb. 8th This is the You make me laugh or smile note:
Examples: You make me laugh when I hear you laughing at your favorite show.
You make me smile when you fluff my pillow at night. You make me laugh when you tell the kids bedtime stories in your monster voice.

Remember! We want to hear the stories of what happened with your love notes and love letters...please leave some comments on this blog!

Take Our Love Note Challenge!

Are You Ready to Take The Love Note Challenge?

In honor of National Marriage Week Feb. 7-14th...we are giving out Love Letter Kits. Although love letters are appropriate for any day of the year, many people will give their letter on Feb. 14th, Valentines Day.
Our Love Note Challenge involves giving your loved one a love note every day Feb. 7 -13th, with the 14th being the day you give your Love Letter. Here are the seed ideas to get you ready for the next few days!

A love note really does make someone’s day. It can be as simple as a sticky note, or perhaps you have some cards or beautiful paper that you want to use.
The point is…make the person feel loved. Places to put your love note: on the remote, in a favorite cup, the bathroom mirror, the computer screen, a coat pocket, rear view mirror, water bottle, mobile phone, book being read, lunch bag.


Seed ideas for love notes Feb. 7 -13th.

Feb. 7th:
This is the I Love note….
Examples: I love to hug you. I love your smile. I love to make you laugh. I love the way you fold laundry. I love the way you crinkle your nose when you are in deep thought. Start your note with the words: I Love…

Feb. 8th
This is the You make me laugh or smile note:
Examples: You make me laugh when I hear you laughing at your favorite show.
You make me smile when you fluff my pillow at night. You make me laugh when you tell the kids bedtime stories in your monster voice.

Feb. 9th:
This is the Without You note:
Examples: Without you I would not enjoy every day like I do. Without you we would never have such special birthdays. Without you we would all be wearing mismatched socks, every day.

Watch this blog for the rest of your ideas!
Let us know by blogging what happened when you took the time to give love notes and a love letter!

Online Healthy Relationship Education is HERE!

Posted by Michele Olson

Anyone who has ever come to one of our thinkmarriage.org workshops has learned something to enhance their current or future relationship. It's that simple. Unfortunately, we just can't reach enough people with on-the-ground-classes alone. Now we are adding something that should fit into everyones schedule. You can now take healthy relationship or marriage workshops online in the comfort of your own home! If time and scheduling has been preventing you from taking advantage of learning more communication and conflict resolution skills...online learning is for you!

Each online workshop will begin with a FREE online teleseminar to give you a class overview and idea of what to expect. After the teleseminar you will have the opportunity to register for the workshop...and also the chance to save money in the process.

We have a free teleseminar for teens, singles, seriously dating and engaged couples and married couples. Because it's online, you and your partner do not even need to be in the same city to do the course together.

The FREE teleseminars are coming up shortly in February....

Monday Feb. 23rd 8-9 PM CST Family Wellness for married couples.

Tuesday Feb. 24th 7-8 PM CST P.I.C.K a Partner for seriously dating and engaged couples

Wednesday Feb. 25th 8-9 PM CST Conscious Dating for Singles

Thursday Feb. 26th 7-8 PM CST Love U2 for Teens

Register for the free teleseminar by going to the classes tab at thinkmarriage.org

It costs nothing to find out more...don't miss out!

Remember: Healthy relationships work when you work on your healthy relationships!

Love Notes Build to a Love Letter

Posted by Michele Olson

It's the third year we are bringing the timeless idea of Love Letters to you! You can get a free Love Letter Kit from thinkmarriage.org simply by emailng us and including your name and mailing address. We'd also love to send you a FREE Marriage Myth Buster Guide.

Our Love Letter kits include tips on how to write a love letter, healthy relationship tips and the stationery. In a recent survey more women wanted a love letter than they did candy, flowers or even diamonds! This is your year to write a love letter!

New this year is the love note! Each day starting Feb. 7 -13th...(Feb. 7 -14th is National Marriage Week!) we'll be posting a seed idea for a love note on this blog and on our website. You just customize the seed idea to your life...and voila! A love note! You can put it on the bathroom mirror, in a lunch box, a pocket ...or anywhere you know your sweetie pie will find it!

Could love notes and love letters change the world? We think so. They could also open the door for you to pursue healthy relationship and marriage education. We have great opportunities going on throughout the state of Wisconsin...and now...for anyone as we get ready to do online learning. That will be the subject of the next blog!

Meanwhile, we want to hear from you about your love notes and love letter. Tell us anything...

how did you feel writing it? What were the results? What did you learn? How did it affect your relationship? Please take the time to tell us your story. We want to know!