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  • Tag Archives marriage
  • Love & Money: Is the Art of Commitment a Lost One? (BlackEnterprise.com)

    On investing, commitment and finding purpose

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    As we approach the end of the week, I’d like you to take time and discuss “Is Commitment a Lost Art?” with your co-workers and friends to get their thoughts.

    The majority of people in our society desire to be in healthy, successful and prosperous relationships. Unfortunately, many of them are unprepared for the twists and turns that accompany commitment in a relationship. In previous generations, there was an emphasis placed on remaining committed even when challenges surface. Contrary to popular belief, commitment isn’t a magical switch that you can turn on and off, but it is a deliberate and dedicated lifestyle a person chooses to live. As I teach during my workshop sessions, commitment is only validated after you’ve been through some sort of opposition.

    I know you’re over there thinking, “How can I tell a person’s ability to be committed?” I’m glad you asked. Here are some ways you can begin assessing a person’s capacity for commitment:

    1) How committed are they to their family? – People who are uncommitted to those closest to them are a potential risk to you in a relationship. There are exceptions to this assessment, especially if they grew up in an unhealthy environment. However, if a person has never experienced a healthy relationship environment, then how can you expect for them to provide one for you?

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  • 3 Reasons Why Couples with Prenuptial Agreements are Happier (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Peace of mind has its privileges

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    Continuing with the theme from my previous article, I want to explore why couples with prenuptial agreements might actually be happier. In order to position the following points, let me first start by providing a disclaimer that I’m in no way endorsing prenuptial agreements.

    In discussing this particular area with friends, associates and family members, I’ve learned that finances are a very sensitive matter to a number of people. Because of this level of sensitivity, a number of couples are choosing to discuss this matter on the front end of marriage, instead of waiting until divorce is looming and emotions are at their boiling point. Let’s be honest, decisions made when level heads are involved are a lot different than when betrayal, unhappiness and anger take center stage.

    Here are a few reasons why entering into a prenuptial agreement may actually make couples happier in the long-term:

    Your pre-marital assets are protected. As previously mentioned, divorces often bring out the most vindictive thoughts and actions. Many decisions made with negative emotions running high are often intentionally targeted at hurting the other person. With 50-60% of marriages ending in divorce, it is very likely that you or someone you know could be impacted by this unfortunate reality. If a mutually agreed upon plan already exists, then the two parties involved can follow the pre-established plan for distributing assets brought into the marriage in the event of divorce. Knowing this sensitive matter has been addressed on the front end may remove any paranoia about the other person’s motives on the back end.

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  • 10 Unspoken Marriage Rules You Must Follow by Dawn Papandrea

    Every married person knows to be faithful, stay truthful and be there for her partner through good times and bad–they’re in the wedding vows, after all. But most seasoned couples would admit that some unspoken rules are vital for getting past rough patches and growing stronger as a couple. Here, experts share 10 of the less apparent (but just as important) marriage rules to live by.

    1. Don’t criticize your partner’s parents or friends. You know how it is-your family can tick you off but no one else had dare speak ill of them. That’s why you should tread carefully with your in-laws and your husband’s dearest friends. “Even when he’s venting to you, your contributions can put him on the defensive,” explains LeslieBeth Wish, EdD, a Florida-based psychologist and licensed clinical social worker. “When you take position A, you prompt your partner to take position B.” Instead, says Dr. Wish, put yourself in his position so that you can empathize with him.

    Click Here to Continue Reading–> http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/10-unspoken-marriage-rules-must-182400206.html


  • BlackEnterprise.com: In Love, What’s Debt Got to Do With It?

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    I recently had a conversation with a friend about a young lady he is currently dating. He asked me a question regarding debt, and whether it should be considered when evaluating a potential life partnership. On the surface this question may seem a little bit shallow, but allow me to share further details from the rest of our conversation.

    The young lady — let’s call her Karen — has pursued multiple levels of higher education (BS, MS, doctoral degree) in order to further her professional career. However, pursuit of her additional degrees has led to student loans totaling around $180,000. Now at this point you may have your own feelings one way or another about this student loan amount, but my friend expressed the concern.

    Click here to continue reading –> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/love-marriage-whats-debt-got-to-do-with-it/


  • BlackEnterprise.com: Does a Joint Account Indicate Trust in a Relationship?

    In reflecting on the state of today’s relationships and marriages, I’m becoming more and more sensitive to the elements currently causing them to fail.

    With the divorce rate currently hovering above 50 percent, we have to begin evaluating the various sources of discord and discontentment. One of the sources typically cited by those counseling couples going through divorce is the area of finance. As I personally consider my understanding of marriage and its symbolism of two people becoming united as one, I wonder if any insight on financial trust can be gained in how two people manage their bank accounts.

    Click here to continue reading–> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/does-a-joint-account-indicate-trust-in-a-relationship/


  • BlackEnterprise.com: Marriage…Still the Ultimate Investment?

    What can commitment values teach us about investment?

    The modern day approach to relationships is pretty predictable and standard. Man meets woman. They exchange information. They go out. Man taps into the mind of the woman or vice versa. The ability to seize control of a person’s mind usually results in an open heart and open body experience. It’s usually that easy.

    Unfortunately, when you cross certain boundaries in relationships, it usually leads to a change in appreciation of the relationship. Tupac stated it best in his song I Get Around: “I don’t want it if it’s that easy!”

    This can be better translated as I won’t want you if it’s that easy!

    Now there is nothing wrong with the above (as long as it’s with the person you are married to). However, the equation has gone from a Hollywood fairy tale, to a merry-go-round experience with the flavor of the week. Would you share your retirement account with someone who isn’t invested? Well, why share all of yourself with someone who hasn’t made a commitment through marriage.

    Continue reading here!