Have you ever talked to someone who wouldn't look you in the eye? Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation with someone who was clearly distracted? It's frustrating. Their body language makes it clear they don't care about you.

When the uncaring person is a stranger-someone you've just met, like checker at the grocery store-then uncaring communication is only a minor annoyance. But what if the lack of caring comes from your spouse?

That's when it becomes painful.

Enjoy Being Together One thing I tell Karen all the time is that there is no one in the world I'd rather be with than her. I like her and I enjoy doing things with her. Earlier in our marriage, there were times when we didn't get along. To be honest, I looked forward to the times I could "get away" from her to pursue my own interests.

One day, on television, I watched the famous comedian Jonathan Winters speak openly about his abusive childhood. He recalled how his father had beaten him severely, in addition to other forms of abuse. Then Winters said something I'll never forget. He told the interviewer he would gladly take a physical beating

A dream marriage is the kind of marriage where both the husband and wife are concerned about meeting each others' needs. The man sacrifices to meet his wife's need for security and meaningful communication. The wife sacrifices to meet his need for honor and respect.

A man's greatest need is to be honored, especially by his wife. Almost any woman is willing to honor a man who succeeds and is doing well. What separates a mature wife from the rest is how she responds when her husband fails.

This is the test of true honor.

During a marriage, every husband is bound to do something wrong. He will fail in some capacity. If a wife cannot still honor

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down" (Prov. 14:1).

I've been counseling hurting, confused wives for years, and have found emotional motivation to be a major issue in marriages.

Because our brains are wired

Does that verse make you squirm? As I have spoken to women's groups over the years on the subject of a woman's role in marriage, I often have sensed a feeling of caution in the audience when the topic of submission comes up.

It is definitely a touchy subject, and

Communication is a vital part of any marriage, and if not marked by open, honest communication, is one that will never enjoy more than a shallow intimacy. The reason for this can be found in the differences between men and women when it comes to communication. Most husbands I

I've counseled many couples who are suffering due to a distracted husband. His attention is dominated by his job, a hobby, recreation, or entertainment-and this leads to frustration in his wife and a contentious marriage. A marriage marked by distraction will never be healthy. For a husband to turn his heart back toward home, he

A woman's greatest need is security, whether she's growing up with her parents or living with her husband. She needs to know she is safe and provided for in every aspect.

What satisfies this need in a wife? It's only the protection and provision given by God through her husband. One of the ways a husband can meet this need is by