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~As your marriage moves into stage six, be aware that several factors could contribute to an explosion in your couple life. ~ I leaned against the cool surface of my desk, the fluorescent lights above flickering gently, creating a strobe-like effect that added intensity to the quiet hum of the office. I glanced around to ensure no one was in earshot before turning my attention to the figure seated across from me. Gavin was shadowed in the muted light, wearing a casual confidence that intrigued me. I had met with Gavin a few times because he had a certain ease about doing this with me, and I with him, because he had a wealth of experiences tucked away beneath his professional facade.“Let’s go over the plan again,” I said, my voice low and deliberate. “We need to ensure everything is smooth if this is going to work.” "Look before we get started. I don't mind helping you, but as a friend, I think you should talk this over with your wife, just the two of you. Now that I've gotten that
~No matter what form it takes, all types of cheating are devastating to a marriage.~The closer we got to celebrating our anniversary, the Fisker Rome became, as doubts about his commitment to our marriage swirled around in my head. “Good morning, baby.” He kissed my forehead. “Did you enjoy my pre-anniversary gift?" he whispered.“I wasn’t expecting that. What’s gotten into you?” “It's our anniversary, and you were good. I love to catch you off guard, especially when you are sleeping. I love spontaneity, don’t you?” “No,” “No? You don't mean that. Come here…” He pulled me closer. “You are my only one.” “Am I?” “Yes, of course.” “Okay, let me go. I'm ready to get up. You should let me change the sheets. Rome raised himself on an elbow with a seductive, playful smile. “Why bother when we’re going to dirty them again later?”"No, we are not. Not if I can help it.""What's with the stank attitude. You should be happy after five years. My desire for my wife is still evident."“Wha
~ The marriage has approached smooth waters- gratitude for what you have built together.~"Peggy, after almost five years, I finally have the man and kind of marriage I always wanted. Rome has come a long way; he's matured, and his partying ways have diminished. He now has a great job, and recently, his boss threw him a promotion party at the office.""Oh yeah, how was the party? I know you were so nervous about attending it." "It was a nice party. I met his boss and a few of his co-workers. We had a good time. I'm so happy for Rome because he can contribute financially consistently to the household, and you know, men can feel weird when their wives make or have more money than they do.""Has Rome ever said that to you?" "No, but I think that was one of the reasons for his behavior in the past. But now he works a full-time job, and he's moving up the ladder, so he's way more serious and has been more mindful of me and his marital commitment. I thought this would be a good time to st
~ If only he would change, everything would be perfect.~"I had heard about the seven-year itch, my deceased grandmother talked about with me at length. My marriage has me scratching my head, and we are nowhere near seven years of marriage. It's only been a few years and a couple of months, and the conflicts keep rising, and I'm running out of solutions. Later that night, Rome sneaks into bed. He thought I was sleeping. I opened my eyes and glared at him, making him jump. "Girl. You scared me." "That girl wants you. Couldn't you see that!" "I didn't know she would do what she did." "Well, you should have done something, Rome, besides sit there and enjoy it! Why are you so set on flirting with girls in my face!" I shouted"I wasn't flirting! Plus, I was just as surprised as you that she did that to me. You know Aerial is flirtatious, and I can't help that." Rome argued. "I can't deal with this; no more house parties! You have embarrassed and disrespected me tonight before all our
~Coming down to earth, the bloom comes off the rose.~You can never really know every aspect of yourself in every situation until you experience it. I found the absence of the "honeymoon high" fading quickly. Did that mean my marriage was in trouble? As the honeymoon haze fades, reality unveils my partner's true colors. I still enjoy my husband, but at this stage, I realize he was a human being with all that implies. Rome's faults and habits are not as cute as they were during the honeymoon stage. I'm feeling conflicted, trying to understand whether it's the drinking, the partying, love, or a lack thereof. I find myself asking the question, "What was I thinking?"I took a deep breath. There was no more thinking about it; it was time to act. I loved my husband, but most of all, I wanted to protect and save my marriage. So, I dialed the number on the card and waited. The ring echoed ominously in my ear until finally—"Hello!" a chipper voice chirped. "Is this Katie?" "Yes, it is! Wh
Stage two: The honeymoon phase is essential, promoting bonding, intimacy, and trust-building. Mother Nature knows what she is doing with this phase. My brain is swimming in endorphins and sex hormones.Rome kept me high on that. He used physical contact to manipulate the situation or conversation by skillfully luring me into bed with him."I need to finish our dinner, you know..""Don't go, not yet." I agreed and happily stayed wrapped in his arms by his side. Sometime later, I returned to the kitchen, smiling from ear to ear, contentedly cutting the vegetables and tossing them into the salad bowl. The radio played an old favorite that my Nana used to listen to when I was a young girl—a song called "Holding On."I swayed my hips to the song, enjoying the music while reflecting on the beauty of my relationship and how I met my husband. After finishing college and getting my teacher's degree, shortly thereafter, my grandmother died. After months of living alone, I was ready for a chan
~ Hailey's Perspective~I had heard somewhere that the honeymoon phase, which covers the initial years of marriage, is when everything is beautiful, generally lasts 1-3 years. Did that happen in my case? I quickly learned that marriage has many phases, and I had entered the honeymoon phase with my head in the clouds. The loud music and crowds of people filled my house from wall to wall. I maneuvered through the chatty, sweaty crowd with a tray of drinks, mumbling, 'Did this man invite the whole town to our anniversary party?' "Hey! Hey! Don't throw up my plants! Excuse me! Coming through with more drinks," I shouted into the crowd, pressed together like sardines in a can. When the way got clear enough, I gasped when I saw what all the commotion was about. My husband, Rome, stood atop the bar, unbuttoning his shirt while doing provocative dance moves, while girls chanted and screamed."Go, Romeo! How low can you go? Romeo!" I hated it when women called my husband Romeo. It ind