When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs,

Medical Bankruptcies - The Growing Reality
Catastrophic illnesses are claimed to have triggered approximately half of all personal bankruptcies in the United States. According to recent findings from a Harvard University study, most people who go bankrupt because of medical problems also have health insurance. Researchers found that many private insurance plans that offer limited catastrophic coverage were inadequate and offer little financial security for less severe illnesses.Questionnaires were distributed to 1,771 bankruptcy filers in 2001 in California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas. According the study, a total of 1.46 million personal bankruptcies were filed in the United States during 2001.Nearly 1,000 individuals questioned gave detailed interviews about their financial and medical circumstances. Sickness and rising medical bills were cited as the cause, in part, for 46.2 percent of the personal bankruptcies. The numbers grew to 54.5 percent when an additional three other factors were included as triggers for medical-related bankruptcies: birth, death and gambling addiction. The study assessed that medical bankruptcies currently affect approximately 2 million Americans an

The statistics on relationships are depressing: in California alone, the average marriage lasts just 5 years. Nationwide, 43% of marriages end within 15 years. Second and third marriages end in divorce 60-70% of the time. Clearly, how we handle our relationships is not working. And yet, 94% of young adults in one study said that having a good marriage is extremely important to them. So, what can you do?

We researched much of current the literature on relationships and have condensed the results into just a few key concepts. These principles seem to be the common denominators in happy, successful marriages. See how many you can identify in your relationship.

1. It starts with you

To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, you are as happy as you make up your mind to be. Research has shown that happiness is a state of being, not of having or doing or achieving. Nor is happiness a destination. People often say, "I just want to be happy" or "I just want to have a happy marriage" as if that is a future goal or place in time. The problem is, they never get there. That's because the future is... in the future. And the only true destination is your final day on earth. And then it's too late. So make the decision to be happier starting today.

There's a relationship benefit as well. The happier you are with yourself and your life, the more attractive you are to your partner. Another way to look at this is: if you were someone else, would you marry you? Start today to work on being the kind of person you would want to know, to date, and to marry. If you're not that kind of person now, how can you expect your spouse to stay attracted or stay passionate?

2. There's you, there's him/her, and then there's "we".

You don't have to give up your identity or be known solely as your spouse's partner.

It also doesn't work when two people each do their own thing without regard to their partner's wishes and feelings. Marriage is, and should be, more than cohabitation. As the marriage vows state, "two shall be as one". That "one" is neither you nor him. The "one" is a third entity: the relationship, the marriage, the "we".

The "we" is what you share, what you have in common, the support and nurturing that you cannot give yourself. Think companionship, intimacy, and sharing.

3. You leave behind your emotional baggage

Are you really over your previous relationship? If not, you can't fully commit to your spouse. Likewise, if you are still Daddy's little girl or Mommy's boy, you are not in control of your own life. Therefore, you cannot fully enter into an adult relationship of mutual sharing and support. You can't be accountable to your spouse if you still have to please Mommy or Daddy.

You can't reach new heights as a person as long as you're dragging around your emotional suitcases. And, it's not fair to your partner. If you're dating but not in a committed relationship right now, consider a time out while you unpack those bags and resolve those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs,

The Benefits Of Finding A Government Foreclosure
You might wonder how our government ends up owning so many homes. The truth is that there are millions of homes that have been foreclosed on, and owned by our government. You can often get a good buy on a government foreclosure. It's not that our government wants to own these homes, the truth is that they help finance the home so the person who is buying the home can get in to it. Unfortunately, things don't always turn out the way we would like them to, and in some cases homes have to repossessed and taken back. This article will talk about the benefits you can receive in finding a government foreclosure.A government foreclosure is not the ideal situation for someone losing the home. Once the home is sold, the original buyer will still owe the bank the remaining balance, if the home is sold for less than what is left owing on it. The one thing our government doesn't want to own is homes. They aren't in the real estate market, so a foreclosed home is a pain to the government. A government foreclosure is pretty common. It's not that people set out to buy a home with the intent of not making the payments. It could have been the dream home they have always want

oblem is, they never get there. That's because the future is... in the future. And the only true destination is your final day on earth. And then it's too late. So make the decision to be happier starting today.

There's a relationship benefit as well. The happier you are with yourself and your life, the more attractive you are to your partner. Another way to look at this is: if you were someone else, would you marry you? Start today to work on being the kind of person you would want to know, to date, and to marry. If you're not that kind of person now, how can you expect your spouse to stay attracted or stay passionate?

2. There's you, there's him/her, and then there's "we".

You don't have to give up your identity or be known solely as your spouse's partner.

It also doesn't work when two people each do their own thing without regard to their partner's wishes and feelings. Marriage is, and should be, more than cohabitation. As the marriage vows state, "two shall be as one". That "one" is neither you nor him. The "one" is a third entity: the relationship, the marriage, the "we".

The "we" is what you share, what you have in common, the support and nurturing that you cannot give yourself. Think companionship, intimacy, and sharing.

3. You leave behind your emotional baggage

Are you really over your previous relationship? If not, you can't fully commit to your spouse. Likewise, if you are still Daddy's little girl or Mommy's boy, you are not in control of your own life. Therefore, you cannot fully enter into an adult relationship of mutual sharing and support. You can't be accountable to your spouse if you still have to please Mommy or Daddy.

You can't reach new heights as a person as long as you're dragging around your emotional suitcases. And, it's not fair to your partner. If you're dating but not in a committed relationship right now, consider a time out while you unpack those bags and resolve those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs,

10 Benefits Of Submitting Articles To E-zines
1. You'll brand your web site, business and yourself by submitting articles to e-zines. You could include your name, business name, your credentials, web site address and e-mail address in your resource box.2. You will become known as an expert on the topics you write about. This will give you and your business extra credibility which will help you compete against your competition.3. Your article might also be placed on the publisher's home page. If they publish each issue on their home page this will give you some extra exposure.4. You might get extra exposure if the e-zine publisher archives their e-zine on their site. People might want to read the back issues before they make the decision to subscribe.5. You will get free advertising. This will allow you to spend your profits on other forms of advertising. You could buy advertisements in other e-zines that don't publish your articles.6. You might get extra income from people wanting to hire you to write other articles, books, or even ask to speak at seminars. This is a great way to multiply your income.7. You could allow e-zine

, "two shall be as one". That "one" is neither you nor him. The "one" is a third entity: the relationship, the marriage, the "we".

The "we" is what you share, what you have in common, the support and nurturing that you cannot give yourself. Think companionship, intimacy, and sharing.

3. You leave behind your emotional baggage

Are you really over your previous relationship? If not, you can't fully commit to your spouse. Likewise, if you are still Daddy's little girl or Mommy's boy, you are not in control of your own life. Therefore, you cannot fully enter into an adult relationship of mutual sharing and support. You can't be accountable to your spouse if you still have to please Mommy or Daddy.

You can't reach new heights as a person as long as you're dragging around your emotional suitcases. And, it's not fair to your partner. If you're dating but not in a committed relationship right now, consider a time out while you unpack those bags and resolve those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs,

UPS vs. USPS
1) UPS provides $100.00 of FREE insurance on every package. You may purchase additional insurance for higher value items. You pay for ANY insurance at the post office, and the rate STARTS at $1.35.2) UPS services are GUARANTEED! If the package does not arrive on time (unless weather affected the shipment), even on a ground shipment (except from 12/12 through 12/24 of any year due to the volume of air packages that in the system for the Christmas rush), you get a FULL REFUND of your shipping charges, usually within 2 weeks of filing. Try and get a refund from the post office, even for Express Mail.3) UPS packages are trackable. The post office charges you for the "privilege" of tracking your package. There is no need to pay for certified mail and/or return receipt requested when you have UPS as the alternative. The UPS driver normally obtains a signature for shipments to commercial establishments. Even for residential deliveries, the driver has the option to require a signature or just leave the package out of sight, but the tracking system does tell you where the driver left the package.The added value of using UPS is evident in these three bene

those issues that keep you from being your own man or woman. If you are committed, a relationship coach can help you stow your baggage so you can be there completely for your partner.

4. The marriage comes first

Marriage is supposed to be the strongest bond between two people. Parents come and go; children grow and leave. Your spouse is only person to stay with you the rest of your time on this planet.

Women who say their children come first, usually can never let the children grow up and become independent adults because then the primary relationship in these women's lives would end. So the children never emotionally leave home and are forever dependent on the parent. This delights the women because they are not willing to have their children grow up emotionally and become independent adults.

Women who say their children come first also seem so surprised when their mates eventually decide to leave for someone else who WILL put them first. And finally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs,

Strategic Principles of Marketing - 7 Essential Principles of Strategic Marketing for Success
Marketing promotes your business and all that your business offers to your customers, brings customers to your business, and makes your business stand out in the crowd. A solid Marketing Strategy brings consistent traffic and a constant flow of customers to your business.The 7 Essential Principles of Strategic Marketing for Success are:PRINCIPLE #1Know your Target Group - An Effective Marketing Campaign will be directly focused on selling to your specific niche. Different groups of people are looking for different concepts. When you present your product to a specific niche, you increase the buyer interest exponentially, creating an opportunity for greater marketing success.PRINCIPLE #2Share your Genuine Passion - When you feel strongly about your product or service, the passion and enthusiasm you generate creates momentum that will ultimately sell your product or service. Your buyer will assume the same passion and begin to promote your product expanding your potential market with word of mouth marketing.PRINCIPLE #3Dare to be Different and Unique - In a black and white world, wear RED and stand out i

ally, when children are the center of a women's life, and the children eventually leave, the woman typically feels lost. Her reason for existing the last 18-22 years has just moved out. And if she should turn to her partner after a 20 year emotional abscense, it's like going to your high school reunion. You used to know them but its not the same now because they've changed.

When partners put the marriage first, friends, relatives, and acquaintences are still important but they're not primary. The man and woman, as the principals in the relationship, are the combined heads of their household. As such they look to eath other-and no one else-for their primary comfort and support.

5. Your marriage is your top priority.

You didn't get married to commute two hours a day, work at the office 60 hours a week, and pay on a mortgage for 30 years, did you? You probably got married to share your life-not your bills-with that special someone. During life's ups and especially during life's downs, keep in mind why you married in the first place. It wasn't so you could get a better job, buy a better car, or obsess over your favorite sports team. Once upon a time, your partner was the most important thing in this world to you. If you value your relationship, he or she still is. Start acting like it again today and every day.

6. Don't compare

This holds true in your life as well as in your marriage. There will always be a couple that seems happier, wealthier, sexier, and more perfect than you two are. So what? Their happiness doesn't increase or diminish your happiness. Neither does their money, their jobs, their house, or their prettiness. All that matters is whether you for you.

7. Don't wonder "what if?"

Wondering what it would be like to be with another person-for a night or for a lifetime-is self-delusion and is really unfair to your spouse. You see other people socially when they are at their best. You see your spouse when he/she is at his best, her average, and sometimes at her worst. If you could swap mates, guess what? You'd see that person at his/her worst, and you probably wouldn't like what you see. You already have a lot invested in your partner. Take care of that investment. The payoff is usally greater than starting all over again.

8. Realize that love can grow.

As much as you were in love when you got married, your love and commitment to each other can grow over the years. Despite all the old married jokes and cliches, marriage can get better, not worse, with time. The longer you've been married, the more history you have together.The triumphs and disappointments, the successes and the failures, all are part of sharing a life together. And that history is unique to you. No one else has that or can duplicate it. This is why a man who leaves his middle aged wife for a younger woman eventually wants to come back. With his wife he has a history-a shared past. With the new woman there is only the present. Leaving his wife permanently is like leaving himself behind as well. Since she is a part of his past, she is the best person to be a part of his future.

9. Commitment means "no matter what".

It's as simple as making the decision to be totally committed to your spouse and to the relationship. No matter what happens: financially, health wise, or otherwise. No matter what. Once the two of you have decided to stay "no matter what", there is no question of stay or go, yes or no.

Write this down: "ALL RELATIONSHIPS HAVE ISSUES". Happy relationships always have issues. Unhappy relationships certainly have issues. It's just that in happy relationships, the couples identify the issues, negotiate the issues, and come to terms with the issues. Couples in unhappy relationships deny, ignore, put up, or run away. Once the two of you have made the decision "no matter what" the emphasis is on the we. And, since we is not you and not him, the only positions "we" have are the ones you've decided together. In short, all problems are negotiable because there are no his problems or her problems. When one partner has a problem, just having the problem should be a problem for the other partner. Therefore, all problems are shared problems. Their problems require their solutions.

10. Believe that a happy marriage is not only possible, it's yours for the making.

It won't happen by itself. It takes intention, commitment, and practice. But the many couples who have happy, blissful, and satisfying marriages are proof that it is possible. Just choose to be happy, and choose to be happily married. Yes, you'll still have to work at it. But the rewards are so much greater than the effort. Besdies, being single and looking takes effort; being divorced and looking again takes effort. Spend the effort inside your marriage and stay married. Happily married.