After the honeymoon, when you realize that 50% of all marriages actually do end in divorce, marriage partners begin to realize the enormity of the tasks involved in staying happily married. Positive conflict management becomes a high priority in keeping marriages together. All couples argue, even in successful marriages, but happily married partners learn how to argue, stay best friends, and stay in love.

The overriding principle in managing arguments and conflicts is to make sure that rational thinking prevails and emotions do not run amuck. Visualize a continuum of emotions running from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of anger and dissent ; you should try to keep your arguments/discussions at level 3 where you are engaged in the issues but not so overwhelmed by feelings that rational thinking is impossible. Many couples have learned to agree to schedule a “time out” when emotions run high, with the withdrawing partner agreeing to schedule “time in” to resolve the problem when both spouses calm down.

The following discussion is organized around the concept of ” SOLVE” to emphasize the fact that marital problems can be resolved in an atmosphere of love and respect.

“S” stands for the fact that you should try to schedule discussions of problems when both spouses are calm and focused and willing to discuss the issue. You all probably have experienced the opposite, running out of the door on a tight schedule, when your spouse brings up hot issues which cannot be resolved at the time, and both leave for daily activities feeling upset and angry. Too many of these unsuccessful encounters leave the marriage partners feeling frustrated with a growing number of underlying resentments.

“O” asks the question, what outcome do you really want for yourself and your partner? Pick one issue to discuss at a time, deciding the importance of the issue and whether your proposed solution is reasonable. Too often arguments become confused with a lot of side issues and unresolved problems thrown in, making it impossible to solve anything and again increasing resentments. Also realize that it makes no sense to argue about the past which cannot be changed. So stay focused on the present and future and decide what outcomes would be reasonable for you and your spouse.

“L” stands for listen to your partner until you really understand his or her point of view. What usually happens during an argument is that you never really listen to your partner, instead rehearsing your reply while you wait for your spouse to stop talking. So no one really feels heard and discussions escalate to arguments. If you don’t understand your partner’s point of view, ask questions until you do. Make sure that you validate your spouse’s point of view by showing your understanding of his or her position, even if you then proceed to state a different position on the issue.

“V” stands for verbalize your thoughts, feelings, needs and possible solutions. To keep a discussion positive, use “I” or “we” messages, not “you” messages. An example will illustrate the difference. Let’s say your spouse leaves towels, socks etc. on the floor. ” You are a slob” is an invitation to a fight; ” I get upset when stuff is left on the floor” is less accusatory; ” We have a problem keeping our house neat” may lead to a productive discussion. Try to discuss or “brainstorm” many possible solutions to resolve the problem; a solution may emerge as various possibilities are discussed in a calm manner.

“E” calls your attention to the need to evaluate your solutions after you try them out. Good ideas often go by the wayside when they are not discussed. Too often one partner may forget, the other may become resentful that the agreement was not followed, and then both stop implementing the solution. Instead, pick a time to sit down and review marriage issues to make sure that agreements are honored.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Not so. Actually it’s one of the hardest things that we can do, making sure our rational minds control our arguments, not our hot emotions. Cut out this article and put it on your refrigerator door or other prominent place, so you can refer to it when needed. You can also consult a marriage counselor to help you learn this process and by so doing protect and preserve your marriage. Marriage counseling can help prevent problems as well as save marriages.

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Dr. Phillips holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Harvard University and is certified by the National Register of Psychologists. She specializes in relationship and marriage counseling, including helping couples deal with the challenge of recovering from infidelity. Her office is located at 466 Eagle Point Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312. You can find out more about Dr. Phillips practice, as well as other articles she has written on her website, or by contacting her at (919) 967.1860

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Bob is a Vice President of Wealth Management and Financial planning specialist who has been with Smith Barney for more than 20 years. You can reach Bob by calling his office at 919.877.2450, or visiting his website.

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Debbie Neel is a licenced psychologist, certified health services provider and certified sex therapist with a private practice in Raleigh North Carolina. She specializes in individual adult and couples therapy, sex therapy, and attention deficit disorder in adults. To find out more about Debbie and her practice, visit her website at http://www.atriumpsychology.com, or call her at (919) 781-8810.

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Dr. Orenstein is a licensed psychologist with offices in Cary, NC and Chapel Hill NC. She specializes in couples counseling dealing with issues including intimacy, marital satisfaction, affair recovery, and work/family balance. You can find out more about Susan’s practice and seminars by visiting her site: orensteinsolutions.com, or calling her office at (919) 654 - 7311.

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Kimberly lives in California with her husband and three children. She received her Ph.D. in Spanish and French Literature in 2001 and since then has published short fiction and essays in magazines including Mothering, The Believer, and Brain, Child. You can find out more about Kimberly and her other work at kimberlyvford.com. To find out more about “Hump”, please visit humpthebook.com, where you can share your stories as well.

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You can find out more about the book at www.this-old-spouse.com, which also includes Sharyn’s blog, reviews of the book, reader stories, and information about Sharyn’s workshops, seminars and counseling services. Click here to order the book in hardcover, or here to pre-order the paperback edition (out June 24 on Plume Books).

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Debbie Neel is a licenced psychologist, certified health services provider and certified sex therapist with a private practice in Raleigh North Carolina. She specializes in individual adult and couples therapy, sex therapy, and attention deficit disorder in adults. To find out more about Debbie and her practice, visit her website at http://www.atriumpsychology.com, or call her at (919) 781-8810.

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Sherri practices in Raleigh North Carolina and offers a complementary 15 minute consultation to anyone interested in seeking marriage counseling. You can contact Sherri and find out more about her services by visiting her website at http://www.journeybeginswithin.com, or calling (919) 272-1454.

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This episode touches on issues that commonly cause problems in a marriage, like lack of communication, but also goes deeper into issues such as setting goals in the interest of the marriage instead of the self, and what steps can be taken to repair a relationship if one party is considering a divorce.

You can find out more about Jennifer at the Rosen Law Firm website.

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David Garver specializes in couples therapy with University Psychological Associates in Charlotte, NC. He also works with adolescents and adults with trauma histories, adjustment/transitions, and family issues and focuses on helping adolescents gain greater self-esteem and assertiveness so that they may lead more satisfying, fulfilling lives. David can be reached at (704) 547-1483 or by visiting UniversityPsychologicalAssociates.com

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Dr. Dan Ryan is a Licensed Psychologist with a private practice in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Ryan has worked in the mental health field, in a variety of settings, for over 33 years. Dr. Ryan can be contacted at 919.878.7800 x 2, or check out his website at www.psychotherapyresources.com/ryan.htm.

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The Charlotte office of the Rosen Law Firm is located at:
301 McCullough Drive, Suite 510

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is another matter. Learn what the latest marital research says about what differentiates the masters and disasters of marriage. Learn about the types of communication that build greater intimacy. Leave the workshop with added confidence that your marriage can be enhanced.

This workshop is for you if:
- You and your spouse keep arguing about the same issues
- You feel like you and your spouse have grown apart and are now like roommates
- You feel resentful, misunderstood, or hurt much of the time
- You and your partner get along well, you just want to feel closer
- You feel hopeless and are considering divorce

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25% of men and 15% of women will have an extramarital affair.

An affair can end any marriage. But, it doesn’t have to.

In this episode, Carmella Broome, a Licensed Professional Counselor with Crossroads Counseling Center in Lexington, South Carolina, talks about how couples can repair their marriage post-affair. Be sure to listen as Carmella details the stages couples go through while recovering from an affair.

Please visit Carmella’s website at http://www.solutionsforlife.org.

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Erin Langdon holds a Master’s Degree in counseling from Appalachian State University and is currently working to receive her PhD in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She currently practices with University Psychological Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. Erin can be reached at 704.547.1438.

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In this 21 minute podcast, Amanda Hardenbrook, LPC, discusses the issues couples encounter when relocating and how to deal with the stresses caused by this life-altering event.

Amanda Hardenbrook, LPC, can be reached at 919.946.3853

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Dr. Tina Lepage is the founder of Lepage Associates, a full-service psychology practice based in Durham, North Carolina. She is a specialist in relationship issues and has been providing couple’s counseling for over 10 years.

Please visit her website at: www.lepageassociates.com

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Dr. Tina Lepage is the founder of Lepage Associates, a full-service psychology practice based in Durham, North Carolina. She is a specialist in relationship issues and has been providing couple’s counseling for over 10 years.

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In this podcast, Lesli Doares, LMFT, discusses the concept of building an “Us,” for married couples. Doares gives a list of steps to follow for the most crucial transition in your marriage.

Lesli’s practice in Cary, North Carolina, Balanced Family Therapy, focuses on helping couples build strong, secure relationships. She is not only a qualified professional, but has twenty years of marriage experience with her husband in addition to having two children. To find out more about Lesli, please visit her website at http://balancedfamily.com/

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Do you often find yourself fighting with your spouse over who takes initiative in the relationship? Are you unsure as to what type of “initiative” your partner is seeking?

In this podcast, Dr. Tina Lepage discusses the underlying feelings that fuel these disagreements and outlines steps to take for the road to recovery.

Dr. Tina Lepage is the founder of Lepage Associates, a full-service psychology practice based in Durham, North Carolina. She is a specialist in relationship issues and has been providing couple’s counseling for over 10 years.

Please visit her website at: www.lepageassociates.com

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Dr. Hall enjoys national recognition as an authority on dual-career couples issues. To learn more about Dr. Hall, please visit his bio here or call him at 704.858.2984.

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Valentine’s Day is coming up fast. Love is on the line. Don’t blow it! Listen to this podcast. In 20 minutes you will learn what you need to know to make this the best Valentine’s Day ever.

10 successful marriage counselors share their top tips for how to stay happily married on Valentine’s Day. Don’t leave anything to chance - listen to this podcast - twice.

Our experts include:

• Sandra Dopf, Certified Master Level Life Coach
• Jennifer Coleman, Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in family and relationship issues
• Dr. Patricia Hogan, Clinical Psychologist
• Dr. Kathleen Connolly, Licensed Counselor
• Dr. Robert Abramowitz, Licensed Psychologist
• Donna Moore, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Barbara Keyworth, Marital Therapist
• Dr. Susan Orenstein, Licensed Psychologist specializing in relationship issues
• Dr. Michael Hall, Specialist in couples counseling
• Amanda Hardenbrook, Licensed Professional Counselor

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There is a lot of talk among marriage counselors about the 4 A’s that can spell doom for marriages. These “big four” are abuse, addictions, adultery, and abandonment.

There is another set of four A’s, though. This second set is much more positive and recommended for every marriage. They are appreciation, apology, attention, and affection.

Appreciation. When couples come to see me for their first session, they often want to know what they can immediately start doing to move their marriage towards a more positive place. This is also true for individuals who come in hoping their spouse will eventually join them for couples counseling. My first suggestion is “appreciate your partner more.” I say this because, a lot of times, spouses can become very focused on the negative things their partner does, or get hung up on the things their spouse doesn’t do, and loose sight of what the other person is doing right.

Appreciation means saying, “Thank you,” when your spouse does something nice or thoughtful. It also means stating your gratitude when your spouse does something you think they should have been doing for months or that you think is just common courtesy. Appreciation is for when your husband brings you flowers and for when he puts his socks in the hamper. It is for when your wife lets you pick the radio station in the car or offers to drive so you can nap or enjoy the scenery, and when she hurries in the shower so you’ll have some hot water. It is for when the dishes get put away or the trash gets taken out or the kids are given a bath or when you are surprised by a romantic dinner. Appreciation is for big things but is just as much for the little every day things.

Appreciation is most effective when it is specific. That is, when it is expressed in reference to specific behaviors you observed and liked. “I really liked the way you took time to look at Katie’s drawings, even though you were in a hurry to get out the door on time. I really appreciate it when you give our kids attention like that.” Or, “I really appreciate the way you didn’t snap back at me last night when I was cranky. Thank you for that. It means a lot to me.”

You can give appreciations in person, over the phone, or by text or email or note. Just remember to notice, and comment on, what your spouse does “right” rather than just focusing on, or complaining about, the things he or she does “wrong.”

Apologies. This seems simple. When you know you did something wrong or said something hurtful, you go to the person you wronged or offended and say, “I’m sorry.” For many people, this is much easier said than done, though. We want to explain or defend ourselves, rationalize our actions or words, make excuses, blame the other person, or anything else. It is very humbling to say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

Apologies have to be sincere. You can’t say you’re sorry for shouting something hurtful when you’re angry and then turn around and do the same thing next time you’re angry. If you keep apologizing for a certain behavior (swearing, drinking too much, not putting the lid back on the toothpaste), but continue engaging in that behavior over and over, the apology means nothing. It is just a way for you to try and clear your conscience but it holds no weight in your partner’s heart or mind. They know you are just saying words of regret out of a sense of obligation or habit.

Apologies are effective when your partner feels that you really know you made a mistake and that you really will do your best not to let something similar happen again. If necessary, it means letting them know you have a plan to take action to minimize the chances of repeating the same behavior. This may include taking a time out when angry, getting up five minutes earlier so you can pick up a little after yourself before leaving for work, or even going to counseling or seeking other outside help if you have a problem you can’t seem to manage on your own.

Apologies don’t include the word “but,” or anything similar. If you want to help your spouse understand what lead to whatever you said or did, that can come later. Otherwise, whether you mean it to or not, it will seem like you are trying to explain or rationalize your words or actions. Say you are sorry, name the behavior you are apologizing for, and humbly state that you know you were wrong and hope the other person will forgive you. It may also be helpful to state that you know your words or actions were hurtful or upsetting so your partner knows you are trying to be in tune with how he/she is feeling.

Attention. Paying attention means being aware and observant in your marriage. It means really “showing up” not just phoning in your participation or physically being present while being mentally somewhere else.

Paying attention or giving attention means your spouse gets pieces of your time and energy throughout the day. This is about noticing what your spouse is wearing, being interested in his/her day, and knowing the things that are important to him/her. Paying attention means remembering to ask about that big work project or stressful situation with colleagues. It means calling just to say “Hi, I was thinking about you,” or saying, “You look nice in that sweater.” Paying attention also means looking at your spouse when he/she is talking to you and being aware enough to say, “You look angry/worried/upset. What’s up?” It means remembering anniversaries and birthdays and other dates that are important to your spouse. It means setting aside time to focus on your spouse and your relationship. Time should be set aside each week to really talk, go to dinner, or engage in an activity that will allow you to focus on your spouse and nurturing the friendship and romance. This is very important for every couple. But paying attention to your spouse can’t just happen during these “designated” times. It also must be done in small ways every day.

Affection. Affection means touch. This does not just mean sex. It does not just mean “making a move” on your spouse or even being flirty, though touch is very important for romance and sexual intimacy.

It means small gestures of physical contact throughout the day. It means brushing your spouse’s arm when you walk by, a light touch on the back or shoulder, reaching over to take your spouse’s hand while riding in the car, or a playful poke or swat. It means offering hug when your spouse gets home from a long day at work, rubbing his/her feet, or snuggling on the couch while watching TV.

It is important that touch be given at other times besides in the bedroom or when trying to initiate sex. Touch is a way of connecting with your partner and does not have to have an ulterior motive. It is friendly and supportive and helps your partner feel close to you.

Affection can also include aiming a smile your partner’s way, calling them by a special pet name, or giving them a wink or a nod.

Add more of these 4 A’s to your marriage and you’ll be reducing, and even preventing, a lot of common marital difficulties. The climate of your relationship will be more positive and you’ll be working smarter, rather than working harder, at strengthening the bond between you and your spouse. The four A’s make the good times more satisfying and make the rough times harder to get through.

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1. What made you fall in love with your partner, and what do you love most about him/her now?

2. When did you feel the most loved by your partner, and what specific things did he/she do to make you feel loved?

3. What needs to happen to make your partner a better friend?

4. What have you learned about being married that surprises you?

5. What do you imagine your relationship will look like 10 years from now?

6. What is the best thing that has happened to you and your partner in the past year?

7. What is your relationship’s strongest point, and what areas can be enriched?

8. Are you able to talk openly about your sexual needs with your partner?

9. Is this the relationship you expected, hoped or dreamed it would be?

10. When is the right time to get professional help with a relationship?

11. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the ideal, how would each of you rate your ability to resolve conflicts?

12. Do you and your partner share enough fun times, and what are some fun things you could do?

13. Do you spend at least 20 minutes a day talking about things other than children, finances, or work?