Love Needs Laughs

I remember talking to a couple not too long ago that admitted they just didn't have much fun together anymore.

Big deal...right?

Why should anyone be laughing when there are bills, house payments, debt, school decisions, parenting problems, aging parents, and a host of other things hanging over our heads?

Apparently, there are some very, very good reasons to be laughing. I'm thankful that Beth and I laugh together a lot, but like any couple, we can lose sight of the joy of each other from time to time.

After watching this video, I decided to step up the goofiness in our house a notch, not just because it's fun but because, well, it's one of the fuels of romance.

Why are you always unhappy?

Could this be why some of us are perpetually unhappy?

Try not to laugh: I dare you.

There is so much truth in this video and yet it's...hilarious.  Just try not to laugh.  I dare you.

Are Women Bad Listeners?

Beth likes it when I call her from work each day just to chat for a minute.  And yet, when I do, there are precious seconds (I'm at work!) that go by when I'm just waiting because Beth is dealing with one of our kids or answering one of their questions. 

Other times we have gone out for a date and at a restaurant I am sharing something of importance when I notice Beth totally turn her head and observe something else.  Why is that?!

I used to be frustrated by this and feel uncared for, but then I learned what is in this video.  Alison Armstrong again hits a homerun explaining how women think in 3ish minutes. 

Men, this is sooo good. 

Women, it will help you understand yourself!

Ignore every Disney film you've ever seen and don't follow your heart

Most of us grew up on Disney movies and many of us are watching them all again with our kids.  I love them, but there's one Disney mantra that runs through every film that is a bit problematic:

Follow your heart.

This short video, by a man who, in my opinion, is one of the sharpest minds in the American media, argues that we should NOT follow our heart, but instead following something else, something far, far more important than even love, happiness, or feelings.  It is, in fact, the most important thing you will ever have.

This is not a marriage video, but the concepts, I believe, when applied to marriage, are crucial to its success and, indeed the happiness that one acquires through it.

The wisdom here is worth the 5 minutes it takes to watch.

Woman: What, me focus?

Man: So...women can focus on 2 or 3 things at a time, right?
Woman: No, no.  We do not focus!

This is a great video to explain women to men and for women to understand themselves.  The info in this less than 2 minute video is more significant than we realize!

5 Love Languages Video

In this previous post we introduced the idea that each of us gives and receives love in different ways, or languages.  The 5 love languages honestly transformed the way Beth and I reacted to each other.  For so many of us, we are giving love, but our spouse doesn't think we are.  And we are receiving love, but we don't think so because we speak different "love languages" without realizing it.

This is a fantastic short video that illustrates the 5 love languages without any words.  Check it out.  It's really worth it.



The 5 Love Languages Trailer from Dr. Gary Chapman on Vimeo.

Better (and cheaper) than marriage counseling

The most honest talk about men and women in the American media!

Beth and I can recommend marriage tools like there's no tomorrow, but in the top 2 is a radio show/podcast called The Male/Female Hour hosted by Dennis Prager.

Every Wednesday for one hour Prager brings up an issue related to male and female differences and how this affects marriages.  He then takes calls and interacts with them.  He refers to it as "the most honest talk about men and women in the American media" and he's right.  He doesn't take the safe approach, but tackles tough topics from sexual differences to divorce.  His goal is to help men and women understand each other. 

We subscribe to what's called Pragertopia so we can download the show each week and listen to it on our ipods (it costs 60 dollars for a year.  That's major cheap when you consider that one marital counseling session could be twice that!  Plus, you get all of Prager's other shows-the Happiness Hour, the Ultimate issues Hour and more). 

You can also catch it on the radio.  Check out his website for the times.  We've even purchased some of his Best of the MaleFemale Hour compilations to give as gifts. 

Finally, for the men out there, his show has a half male, half female listening audience.  This is not just a 'girly' show.  Prager is both funny and direct.  You will enjoy it no matter what gender you are! 

All in all, we love that we can both listen to it and are able to have conversations we might not have otherwise had.  This show is truly worth its weight in gold.  

If you want to check out one of the shows for free check out the one below:

Male/Female Hour: Alison Armstrong and the 18 Minute Solution from Papa Giorgio on Vimeo.