Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:33:40 -0800WeeblyFri, 18 Jul 2025 22:35:15 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/love-is-as-love-doesAs a friend of mine used to say, love is as love does. So, what does that mean? It means that if someone says they love you, but they don't act like they love you is that really love? It doesn't sound like love to me.]]>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:37:55 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/finding-a-good-thingHe who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. - Proverbs 18:22
Today I'm thankful for my wife--my good thing!!]]>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:33:25 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/single-in-preparationBeing single is a great time to be all you can be without having to be concerned about someone else.  There is also no better time than to prepare for a great relationship that is built on commitment and love.  Being faithful while single help build a strong foundation for faithfulness in marriage. Building trust before marriage allows you to walk in that trust during marriage. 

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." - Luke 16:10]]>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:02:16 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/true-love​"The best way to know true love is to have ONE true love." - Simon Whittaker ]]>Sun, 25 May 2025 23:31:45 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/a-great-marriage​"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."
— Dave Meurer]]>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:18:46 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/my-time-with-you-is-too-short

• "A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short." - Andre Maurois 

]]>Sat, 03 Jul 2021 01:21:00 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/can-you-celebrate-some-independence-in-your-relationship-this-4th-of-july​As we approach the fourth of July, Independence Day, we have an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the independence of the United States from Great Britain. Of course, since this blog is about relationships, I have to ask Do you experience independence in your relationship? Maybe a better question is, should you have independence in your relationship?

Healthy relationships are a result of people being together because they want to be, not because they have to be. They don't have to be with each other, instead they want to be with each other. Each of them has enough emotional independence (they're not needy), so they can give to the relationship; they are in a position to give and not just take. When each person has enough independence (emotionally) then they are in a position to receive from the other person and also replenish their partner by giving emotionally. So, interdependence is only possible after each person has sufficient independence.

Just like the U.S. had to become independent of Great Britain before the U.S. and Great Britain could work together as allies. So, this Independence Day, are you and your partner working together as interdependent allies?

]]>Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:49:45 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/prepare-for-spring-cleaningAs February comes to an end and spring is around the corner, it's time to start thinking about spring cleaning. As you look through your closets, what are some things that you don't use or need any more? What about the shirts that you haven't worn in over 2 years. I have some of several that I haven’t worn in the last 2 years.   Why do I keep them? Because I'm used to seeing them there.
When I go to get dressed in the morning, I'm used to seeing them, and ignoring them, and skipping over them, and finding a shirt that I actually want to wear.  I know, when I hear myself say that out loud it sounds crazy. 
It's time to start thinking about spring cleaning. At the end of March I'll share a little about what I've gotten rid of.  Some of the things in my closet will be hard to let go of, but I know it's time to get rid of them. Getting rid of some of those items will probably have an emotional impact on me. 
Relationships also need to be examined to see what things may need to change to enhance the partnership. I'm thankful for God has given me such an awesome wife, and the opportunity to examine things in the relationship that no longer fit us.  Then we can be even happier, and I can continue to grow in learning to be emotionally present and emotionally intimate.  This is tough stuff, especially for men.  But, the marriage is worth it, and the beautiful woman God has given me deserves it.  ​
]]>Sun, 21 Feb 2021 01:28:18 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/beyond-valentines-day​Valentine's Day is typically a wonderful time for those who are dating, engaged, or married.  The days leading up to it are often full of anticipation.  But, what about the days and weeks after Valentine's Day?  It's been a week, or more depending on when you're reading this post, since Valentine's Day.   So, how are you feeling?  Is the love and excitement still there?  Or, if you[re like I used to be, you might be thinking: "Thank goodness that's over.  I won't have to deal with that for another year."  I used to feel so much pressure to try to express my appreciation, to make Valentine's Day special.  I've learned that every day is an opportunity to express my appreciation for my wife, my Valentine.  These days I don't feel as much pressure to make Valentine's Day special because I try to put more emphasis on appreciating her on the regular days.   Today my appreciation for her was in the form of picking up dinner so she didn't have to think about what to fix for us, and taking the kids outside to play so she didn't have to deal with mommy guilt about the kids being inside all day.  So, beyond Valentine's Day is today and tomorrow.  Have you expressed your appreciation for the one you love today?  How will you express your appreciation and love tomorrow?   ]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:20:00 GMThttps://www.centerforpassionaterelationships.com/blog/ah-valentines-day-or-is-it-valentines-week

• For many couples today is a wonderful day of love, joy, and connection. Enjoy this day and the love that you're able to share, give, and receive. But, it doesn't have to end today. How about extending it through the rest of the week? What about doing something special each day for remainder of the week. Here are a few ideas:
  • Playing a cards or a board game together
  • Looking through old pictures together
  • Calling and talking to a few people that have been really supportive of the two of you during your time together
  • Planning some key romantice activities together 3-4 for the remainder of the year
  • Showing your partner pictures or scrapbook of when you were a kid
  • Each of you planning your favorite meal and sharing it with your partner
  • Listen to some music together and find a song that expresses how you feel about your partner, then tell them, why you chose that song. ​

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