I like what Michelle Gielan has to say about keeping your promises.

"When we don't keep a promise to someone, it communicates to that person that we don't value him or her. We have chosen to put something else ahead of our commitment. Even when we break small promises, others learn that they cannot count on us. Tiny fissures develop in our relationships marked by broken promises."

An example of not keeping promises and breaking down trust in a relationship is the stormy and sad marriage of Sofya and Leo Tolstoy. Reading their diaries was difficult for me. They both promised to be there for one another, and they both yearned to be understood, yet through their many years together they couldn't or wouldn't give that gift to one another.

Leo Tolstoy: "Nobody will ever understand me."

Sofya Tolstoy: "He has never taken the trouble to understand me, and does not know me in the least."

Source: Source: William L. Shirer. Love and Hatred: The Troubled Marriage of Leo & Sonja Tolstoy. 1994. backcover.

Poll: Do you keep your word? Vote!

Choosing the right person to marry is not an easy decision but it appears there are similarities in how people make that choice. According to Katy Steinmetz of Time.com, religion and politics were the top two factors important to people in choosing a spouse. Steinmetz's article lists traits, issues, and attitudes listed by more than 5,000 couples.

Before you get married, we recommend that couples discuss important issues, especially these four issues.

What made you decide to get married? Please share your story.

Back in 2008, Dr. Laura Schlessinger blamed women when their husbands cheat. Now, Pat Robertson is saying the same stupid thing.

Pat Robertson: "Here's the secret. Stop talking about the cheating. He cheated on you, well, he's a man ... Does he provide a home for you to live in? Does he provide food for you to eat? Does he provide clothes for you to wear? Is he nice to the children... Is he handsome? ... Recognize also, like it or not, males have a tendency to wander a little bit. What you want to do is make a home so wonderful that he doesn't want to wander."
Source: Hayley Peterson, David McCormack. "Stop Talking About the Cheating!" DailyMail.co.uk. 5/16/2013.

This is truly irresponsible and cruel thinking.

Two More Controversial Comments by Pat Robertson:
     Wife-Beating Comment
     Alzheimer's Justifies Divorce Comment

Related:
     Video: Pat Robertson: Cheating is natural and probably women's fault
     How To Cope When Your Spouse Is Unfaithful
     How To Forgive Your Spouse
     Dede and Pat Robertson Marriage Profile

One of the greatest ways to create positive memories for both yourselves and your children is to travel and take vacations. However, with today's gas prices, the idea of a summer vacation may be out of reach for you.

You don't have to travel all around the world to make a vacation memorable. Planning a vacation in your own locale and back yard can create great memories.

Read the Full Article:
     Back Yard Vacations

Poll:
     How often do you and your spouse date one another? Vote!

Related:
     Have a One Night Stand Together
     Month of Dates
     Dating Rules for Married Couples

Photo: Ted Stritof