The Art of a Good Marriage

A Poem by Wilferd Arlan Peterson Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going […]

Phase 5: Reinvesting in Us

Martha and I are squarely in this phase of our marriage. We are actively supporting our three adult children in following their passions, building our own business enterprises, taking care of our health, enjoying visits with our three grandsons and thinking a lot about our financial security as we look ahead to the latter years of […]

The Co-Pilot Metaphor

When I work with couples, who are raising young children or children of school age, I often hear their complaint that they simply do not have enough time or space to attend to the well-being of their relationship or the quality of their marriage. I completely understand their dilemma. I can remember that when our […]

Phase 4: You, Me and Us

For many couples, life events during the first five to nine years of their marriage can challenge their resolve to support each other’s happiness and success and that of their relationship. Whether a couple faces financial difficulties, extra-marital issues or communication breakdowns, each person in the relationship must call on their inner resources to renew […]

Phase 3: Investing in Us

The central focus in Phase 3 of a partnership marriage turns to the personal growth and success of each individual and to that of the marriage itself. This stage of marriage often begins in the fourth or fifth year of marriage when a couple is busy raising children, managing dual careers, managing their home and […]

Phase 2: We’re Committed!

Phase 2 of a partnership marriage begins when the two of you commit to creating a future together. You take the plunge together, get engaged and commit to getting married. Phase 2 often extends into the first few years of marriage. As you look forward to your wedding day, you must learn to balance your […]

Same-Sex Marriage is a Right Nationwide!

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would […]

Conversations for Partnership in Marriage

In my book, The Partnership Marriage: Creating the Life You Love…Together, I outline six distinct phases of marriage. Many stage models in the marriage literature are strikingly similar. In The Partnership Marriage, I focus on describing the marital commitments and kinds of conversations that are central to each phase of marriage. It is the premise […]

“Let’s…”

When we were boys, my twin brother, Wendel, and I always found things to do together. “Let’s play tennis.” “Let’s play catch.” “Let’s ride our bicycles.” “Let’s go to the store and get some baseball cards.” We were always finding ways to play together. Wendel or I would suggest something to do by saying “Let’s…” […]

Valentine’s Day Planning Kit

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! Just for fun, I want to provide you with resources that you can use to plan your Valentine’s Day celebration. If  you are looking for that special card, here’s a website I recommend: Valentine’s Day cards from Hallmark Cards If you are looking for a bouquet of flowers that is just […]