AisleDashhttp://www.aisledash.comAisleDashhttp://www.aisledash.com/media/feedlogo.gifAisleDashhttp://www.aisledash.comen-usCopyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Where to live after the weddinghttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/02/where-to-live-after-the-wedding/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/02/where-to-live-after-the-wedding/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/02/where-to-live-after-the-wedding/#commentsFiled under:

Plan, plan, and plan some more. Weddings take a lot of planning. But of course, a wedding is a day -- a marriage is the rest of your life. Since you're in planning mode anyway, why not look a bit beyond the wedding? Do you know where you'll be living after the Big Day? If you plan on having children, would that change your choice of location?

What factors do you consider when you move with a family? Forbes has compiled a list of 20 family-friendly counties in America, based on how well they score on ten different factors, including high school graduation rate, SAT scores, crime rate, pollution index, and length of commute.

You won't be too restricted in your choice: Just about every part of the country is represented. There are counties in states from California to New Hampshire, Wisconsin to Texas. The winner? Hamilton County, Indiana, with high scores on nine of ten scales.

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]]>Americabest-citiesfamilyForbesIlona PeltzWed, 02 Jul 2008 18:00:00 ESTThe couple that exercises together, stays togetherhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/02/the-couple-that-exercises-together-stays-together/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/02/the-couple-that-exercises-together-stays-together/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/02/the-couple-that-exercises-together-stays-together/#commentsFiled under: ,

Exercising together, as a couple, has multiple payoffs for your relationship. First, it makes you both more accountable to the work out routine. If your mate is there counting on you and encouraging you, you're less likely to skip out. Second, it helps you balance your fitness training. Since most women prefer cardio exercise and most men prefer strength training, working out together helps you both get the balance you need for optimum health. Also, working out with a partner is healthier because you have someone to spot you or help you when needed. Finally, it helps bring you closer. Couples find that especially work outs like yoga or pilates help bring them eye-to-eye in a relaxing atmosphere - and this builds intimacy even outside the gym.

If you do decide to work on a mutual fitness program, keep compromise top-of-mind for success. Choose a time, place and activity that works for both of you, or take turns with your favorite activity. Don't turn work outs into a competition. It's about getting healthy and getting closer together, even if you can run a whole mile further. Finally, make togetherness the priority by blowing off the hard-sweat work out and taking a walk through the park or relaxing bike ride once in while. This will keep the fun factor high and boredom at bay.

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]]>fitnessworkoutCaroline HumphreysWed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 ESTAvoid these common newlywed money mistakeshttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/21/avoid-these-common-newlywed-money-mistakes/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/21/avoid-these-common-newlywed-money-mistakes/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/21/avoid-these-common-newlywed-money-mistakes/#commentsFiled under:

According to David Bach, Redbook Marriage Institute expert and author of Smart Couples Finish Rich, debt is one of the biggest factors driving couples to divorce court (which certainly doesn't make the financial picture any clearer). Here are the common mistakes he says to avoid:

Gallery: Avoid money mistakes

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]]>featuredfinancesmoneymoney managementMoneyManagementCaroline HumphreysSat, 21 Jun 2008 09:03:00 ESTLearn to say 'I love you' in his languagehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/16/learn-to-say-i-love-you-in-his-language/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/16/learn-to-say-i-love-you-in-his-language/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/16/learn-to-say-i-love-you-in-his-language/#commentsFiled under: ,

The language of love may in fact be international, but there can still be miscommunication, because people tend to express their love in different ways. Have you ever gone to all lengths to cook a romantic meal for your partner, complete with pretty plates and candles, only to have him gobble it down and go turn on the TV just like any other night? When your romantic gestures seem to go unnoticed, you're not speaking in your partner's love dialect. That's where Gary Chapman's book The Five Love Languages comes in handy to help us understand how to communicate love to our partner. Chapman breaks it down into five main love languages.
1. Quality time - To those who speak this language, making the commitment to spend time together speaks volumes.
2. Receiving gifts - These people aren't petty or materialistic, they just feel the most loved when they get unexpected little notes or trinkets that say "I love you."
3. Acts of service - This language basically boils down to helping out around the house, but it's important to know which tasks are most meaningful to the other person (i.e. don't clean up the garage when the toilets need scrubbed inside).
4. Word of affirmation - People who speak this language love small, spoken expressions of affection, "I just love the way you make an ordinary dinner special," or "You look so nice in that dress."
5. Physical touch - Just as it sounds, this language is all about expressing love through touch.
If you and your partner often miss the mark and put your efforts into the wrong things, it's worth investigating love languages to learn what really makes you each feel loved.

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]]>lovelove-languageCaroline HumphreysMon, 16 Jun 2008 10:01:00 ESTEcho D'Amour: Monograms meet the 21st centuryhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/15/echo-damour-monograms-meet-the-21st-century/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/15/echo-damour-monograms-meet-the-21st-century/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/15/echo-damour-monograms-meet-the-21st-century/#commentsFiled under: ,


Monograms are a classic way to "brand" yourselves as a couple. Whether you use your monogram in your wedding or incorporate it into your home, it's fun because it's uniquely yours ... in a really, really traditional way.

Fortunately, for those of us who like the idea of a monogram but are interested in finding a more modern take on it, there is Echo D'Amour. Atlanta-based designer Chad Rullman creates jewelry based on "the beauty of symmetry," creating a mirror image (or echo) pendant. They are created in 18k gold or platinum and weigh in at 2.5 to 5 carats of ideal-cut colorless diamonds.

One of the things that make these pendants so very cool is that you can make yours out of any combination of letters or numbers. Want to use your wedding date? One initial? Four initials? No problem -- each Echo D'Amour piece is customized to your requirements, style, and budget. These are the kinds of pieces that will become a family heirloom -- you can't tell at first sight that they are monograms, so you'll always have a one-of-a-kind conversation starter!

Gallery: Echo D'Amour

Echo D'AmourEcho D'AmourEcho D'AmourEcho D'AmourEcho D'Amour

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]]>atlantachad-rullmancustomdiamondsechoecho-damourjewelrymirrormonogramnecklacependantKristen SeymourSun, 15 Jun 2008 17:00:00 ESTManaging your differences, California stylehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/14/managing-your-differences-california-style/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/14/managing-your-differences-california-style/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/14/managing-your-differences-california-style/#commentsFiled under: ,



He loves football, she hates it. She loves remodeling, while choosing paint samples makes him break out in hives. He's a gourmet cook, she would happily live on Kraft dinner and peas. How do you manage your differences? Is there strength in diversity, or will your differences tear you apart?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is (surprise!!) a staunch Republican. His wife, Maria Shriver, is a life-long Democrat. One of their four children is old enough to vote; she favors Mr. Obama. They couple is very open about their political preferences, right down to opposing (but numerically equal) lawn signs. In past elections, Ms. Shriver has even brought home a life-size cutout of her preferred candidate -- and of course her husband reciprocated with a cutout of his own!

How do they manage their open and obvious political differences?

Continue reading Managing your differences, California style

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]]>CaliforniaMaria-ShriverObamapolitical-differencespolitical-toleranceSchwarzeneggerIlona PeltzSat, 14 Jun 2008 11:00:00 ESTFriday in the forums: The changing name gamehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/13/friday-in-the-forums-the-changing-name-game/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/13/friday-in-the-forums-the-changing-name-game/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/13/friday-in-the-forums-the-changing-name-game/#commentsFiled under:

The name-change dilemma can be one of the most stressful things you deal with when you get married. You start mixing middle names, last names, hyphenated names in a last ditch attempt to not leave any important names off the family tree. Now maybe you're pulling your hair out. Here are some brides discussing the pros and cons of each different option and some things to consider when thinking about your name.

1. Will sharing your husband's name make you feel like a more unified couple and/or family? To some couples it's important to share one name, and these days it can be yours or his. To others, family is not about names and it's more important to hold on to a part of your identity that represents who you were before and outside of marriage.
2. Do you like your name (and does he like his)? Some names are cumbersome and difficult, which can either make them all the more endearing or all the more frustrating. Consider whether you've always felt neutral (or worse) about your name or if it's a unique part of what makes you yourself.
3. Do logistics get you down? Let's face it. Although even the most remote and backward communities are starting to get used to members of one family having more than one name, most forms you'll have to fill out were created way back in the one-name era and don't really suit the multiple name scenario. Until the form-makers get up-to-date you'll have to get creative. Your mail will be addressed in funny ways and people will constantly get your name wrong. Think about whether you can laugh this off or if it will send you yet again to the medicine cabinet for another aspirin.

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]]>name changename-changeNameChangeCaroline HumphreysFri, 13 Jun 2008 17:00:00 ESTTo love, honor, and ...http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/to-love-honor-and/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/to-love-honor-and/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/to-love-honor-and/#commentsFiled under: ,

put out?

A couple of couples, marrieds of long-standing, have written books about how they fulfilled their pledges to indulge in daily sex for a set amount of time.

Yes, yes, you newly-weds take this pretty much for granted. (We can hear you from here: "What? Only once a day?") But we all know that with careers and social lives and leisure activities and business travel ... and later, with kids, and just all-round stress, sexual activity drops off. There's no drop off in love, mind you, only logistics and energy. When do you find the time? And if you have the time, sometimes you'd rather just sleeeeep...

These couples both noticed the drop in their love lives, however, and rather than accept it as normal, they decided to do something about it. They made the time, they made it happen. Every. Single. Day. One couple did it for 101 days, the other for a full 365. Want to know if their experiment made a difference in their marriages? Read the article, then check out the books!

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]]>101-sex365-nights365-sexJust-do-itIlona PeltzWed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 ESTUsher says "monogamy doesn't come naturally" to himhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/usher-says-monogamy-doesnt-come-naturally-to-him/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/usher-says-monogamy-doesnt-come-naturally-to-him/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/11/usher-says-monogamy-doesnt-come-naturally-to-him/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Usher is having a hard time being a faithful husband. His marriage to Tameka Foster has been plagued by insults and rumors from the start, prompting him to go just a little crazy on a recent TRL appearance, but he's now speaking out in a more subdued manner about his wandering eye.

He told Cosmo, "I'm good at making love, but I'm not good at being in love. It's a conscious decision every day to love the person you're with."

We couldn't disagree more. While we appreciate the fact that he's trying hard to stay faithful after making a commitment, love shouldn't be a decision -- and if it is, it's a big problem. We get it -- he's Usher, and he's surrounded much of the time by gorgeous women who are throwing themselves at him, which has to be hard to ignore. But, that being the case, if he's having to wake up in the morning and choose to be in love with his wife, we don't give this marriage much time at all.

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]]>celebritycheatingdivorceexpire-images2009-6-11faithfulmarriagemonogamyrumorssingertameka-fostertemptationUsherKristen SeymourWed, 11 Jun 2008 09:30:00 ESTMadonna and Guy Ritchie: Is it over?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/madonna-and-guy-ritchie-is-it-over/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/madonna-and-guy-ritchie-is-it-over/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/madonna-and-guy-ritchie-is-it-over/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After more than seven years, one bomb of a movie, and countless break-up rumors, it looks like Madonna and Guy Ritchie might just be calling it quits. Holy Moly reports that Madonna has hired Nicholas Mostyn, Britain's leading divorce attorney who represented Paul McCartney in his divorce from Heather Mills.

Holy Moly's sources claim the reason for the split is nothing more than "growing apart," which is understandable considering the couple's crazy work schedules, especially now with Madge's new album and tour in addition to the negative media attention the adoption of David Banta has caused.

The couple doesn't appear to have a prenuptial agreement, possibly because pre-nups don't have the legal standing in the UK that they do in the U.S. However, this means Guy could possibly walk away with half of Madonna's considerable fortune (Forbes reports that she earned $72 million last year alone).

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]]>attorneybreak-upbritaincelebritydivorceexpire-images2009-6-10guy-ritchielawyermadonnanicholas-mostynpre-nupprenuptial-agreementsplitKristen SeymourTue, 10 Jun 2008 17:30:00 ESTWho knew DNA could be so romantic?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/who-knew-dna-could-be-so-romantic/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/who-knew-dna-could-be-so-romantic/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/10/who-knew-dna-could-be-so-romantic/#commentsFiled under: ,



That's a funky piece of abstract art in that picture, isn't it? Want to get yourself one just like it?

Well, you can't. Not just like it, because that, my friends, is a truly unique piece. One-of-a-kind in the truest sense of the word, because what you're seeing is an artistic rendering of segments of the owner's DNA.

Still interested? It's not too difficult to do, and what a great conversation piece it would make for your new home! We're not sure someone could surprise you with one, though, as it requires a teeny smidge of cell samples from inside your mouth... (Cheek cells! Very easy, totally painless to gather.)

Go to the site, choose your color and size, then, when your kit arrives in the mail, send off your samples. That's all you have to do, to get your very own, very modern, very personal piece of art.

For more information on the DNA art, follow this link.

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]]>DNADNA-artIlona PeltzTue, 10 Jun 2008 14:30:00 ESTCould having an affair save your marriage?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/09/could-having-an-affair-save-your-marriage/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/09/could-having-an-affair-save-your-marriage/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/09/could-having-an-affair-save-your-marriage/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Marriage therapist Mira Kirshenbaum has a controversial theory about affairs: an affair, she says, is not necessarily the death knell for a marriage. Instead, it can be the spark that saves the relationship.

Kirshenbaum's assertion comes with quite a few qualifiers, though: the affair has to be the "right kind," for one thing, one that is pursued for love rather than as a conquest, and the cheating spouse must NEVER confess to the adultery, because it is the revelation of the truth that does the real harm. In a new book released this week, When Good People Have Affairs, she asserts that one approach to an affair is to "think of it as a radical but necessary medical procedure. If your marriage is in cardiac arrest, an affair can be a defibrillator."

Her point, it seems, is that under the right circumstances, an affair can jolt a person back into a marriage, rather than destroying the marriage. And while many of her Kirshenbaum's peers disagree that the affair itself may be theraputic, they agree that an affair can indeed be a sign of other issues in a relationship. Says Phillip Hodson, fellow of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, "Maybe this book goes too far, but we do need to take a sociological view of affairs. To think, 'what are we going to do about them?' rather than to say 'it can't happen', when it clearly does."

I find it hard to agree with Ms. Kirshenbaum, if only because I agree with part of what she argues: I think that an affair often is a sign of issues with a marriage, but I am resistant to the idea that the affair can save that marriage ONLY if it is kept a secret. But I have also never been down that road, so I am only speculating.

What say you -- could an affair be good for a marriage? Or is it always the end?

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]]>adultryaffaircheatingfeaturedMira-Kirshenbaumrelationshiprelationship advicerelationship-advicerelationshipadvicerelationshipsSusan WagnerMon, 09 Jun 2008 14:31:00 ESTMovie review: Sex and the Cityhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/movie-review-sex-and-the-city/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/movie-review-sex-and-the-city/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/06/movie-review-sex-and-the-city/#commentsFiled under: ,


I really wanted to love this movie: I'm in my 30s and feel like I grew up with Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. But as much as I wanted it to work - it didn't.

I just wasn't that into it. There, I've said it.

Don't get me wrong - I was mostly entertained by the movie and if you're a fan of the show it's a must-see. Plan a night out with the girls and have some fun. I also think that it's worth a look if you're planning a wedding. I won't reveal any plot twists and spoil the experience for you, but suffice it to say that the movie revolves around weddings and marriage - there's a wedding that gets out of control, a sexless relationship, commitment fears and, of course, a perfect marriage that works as a foil to all the drama. It's a lot to fit into one movie, and it shows.

The good news is that there's a lot of wedding style to admire - I thought that the location for the big wedding was romantic and sweet, and the bridal fashion was outrageous in a wickedly good way. And I absolutely loved the message that was sent through the choice of wedding gowns (you'll see what I mean when you watch the movie.) Early in the movie there's a fabulous wedding dress montage at Vogue magazine, where Carrie salutes dream designers Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix, Lanvin and Dior - there's enough pretty and fantasy there to make the movie worthwhile. Almost.

Unfortunately, things go downhill from there.

Gallery: Carrie and Big

Do you eat gross foods in front of him?Are you comfortable dressing in frumpy clothes around him?Can you talk to him about things that bother you in your relationship?Do you talk about your hopes and dreams?Do you laugh off the embarrassing things, or ignore them?

Continue reading Movie review: Sex and the City

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]]>movie-reviewmovie-reviewssatcsex-and-the-citysex-and-the-city-moviesex-and-the-city-wed...Roxanna SarmientoFri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:00 ESTGay marriage not the only issue -- what about gay divorce?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/05/gay-marriage-not-the-only-issue-what-about-gay-divorce/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/05/gay-marriage-not-the-only-issue-what-about-gay-divorce/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/05/gay-marriage-not-the-only-issue-what-about-gay-divorce/#commentsFiled under: ,

A lesbian couple had no trouble getting married, but they're running into problems now that they want to get divorced.

The couple was married in Massachusetts in 2004, after the state legalized gay marriage. However, they live in Rhode Island, and last December Rhode Island's Supreme Court blocked the state's Family Court from handling a same-sex divorce.

Whether Rhode Island's Superior Court has jurisdiction to grant a divorce is being determined, but it does bring up an interesting issue -- if you're not planning to live in the same state in which you were married, and the states have different laws, you might want to look into how your home state handles same-sex disputes.

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]]>courtdivorcegaygay-divorcegay-marriagelawlegallesbiansame-sexKristen SeymourThu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 ESTWhat's your #1 honeymoon priority?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/04/whats-your-1-honeymoon-priority/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If we were to base life on romance novels and soap operas, we wouldn't even bother with this question -- obviously, the main thing on everyone's mind when it comes time for the honeymoon is sex, right? You'll go to a swanky hotel with a gorgeous bed and get busy four times a day, just like everyone else.

Except, in real life, everyone else isn't doing that. In fact, many newlyweds don't rank sex even close to being their top priority on their honeymoon. According to this article, couples are more interested in getting a tan, seeing the sights, and (yawn) reading a book than they are in getting busy.

We understand that, on your wedding night, you might be a little to tired to do the deed, and that's totally understandable. But, we were surprised about the honeymoon. What about you -- what part of your honeymoon is your top priority?

View Poll

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]]>beachholidayhoneymoonnewlywedspollprioritysexvacationKristen SeymourWed, 04 Jun 2008 12:00:00 ESTThe Elopement Chronicles: Throwing a party after the facthttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/03/the-elopement-chronicles-throwing-a-party-after-the-fact/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/03/the-elopement-chronicles-throwing-a-party-after-the-fact/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/03/the-elopement-chronicles-throwing-a-party-after-the-fact/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

For most people who elope, letting the secret out is pretty much the end of the line. Most people don't have a party or reception because you eloped to save money on that stuff in the first place. But hey, you've already broken from tradition -- it's not like there are rules you have to follow now. Have a party if you want to!

As with the ceremony, a post-elopement reception can be just like a typical wedding reception if that's what you want. You can do a fancy dress code, a three-tiered cake, music, dancing, and entertainment -- but you shouldn't have wedding-like expectations of your guests. They should not be pressured or expected to bring gifts, for one thing. It's great if you make this clear on your invitation -- a simple "No gifts, please" at the bottom will be fine (and lots of people will bring presents anyway). It is easy for parties like this to take on the appearance of a gift grab, which is not why you're doing it, is it?

You also need to be understanding if and when guests don't go out of their way to attend your party. People don't see these events as important as weddings, and if attending means buying a plane ticket or taking vacation days from work, don't expect them to do it.

Continue reading The Elopement Chronicles: Throwing a party after the fact

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]]>after-partycelebrationselopeelopementelopement-chronicleselopinginformal-receptionspartiesreceptionsthe-elopement-chroniclesMeg MassieTue, 03 Jun 2008 12:00:00 ESTDylan McDermott is getting divorced and plans to represent himselfhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/02/dylan-mcdermott-is-getting-divorced-and-plans-to-represent-himse/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/02/dylan-mcdermott-is-getting-divorced-and-plans-to-represent-himse/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/02/dylan-mcdermott-is-getting-divorced-and-plans-to-represent-himse/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dylan McDermott and his wife of 11 years, Shiva Rose, are divorcing, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason behind the split. They separated last September, and now that they are going through with the divorce, Dylan has decided to represent himself in court.

What makes him qualified? Well, he did play a lawyer for seven years on The Practice, and he does kind of look like one, but we think that's about it. We're hoping it's just that the divorce is a very straightforward matter and the couple is remaining civil, seeing as how he plans to file for joint custody of the couple's two children, 12-year-old Collette Blu and two-year-old Charlotte.

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]]>actorcelebritydivorcedylan-mcdermottexpire-images2009-6-2hollywoodirreconcilable-differencesjoint-custodylawyerseparationshiva-rosethe-practiceKristen SeymourMon, 02 Jun 2008 08:00:00 ESTIs your man threatened by sex toys? Tell him to get over it!http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/29/is-your-man-threatened-by-sex-toys-tell-him-to-get-over-it/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/29/is-your-man-threatened-by-sex-toys-tell-him-to-get-over-it/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/29/is-your-man-threatened-by-sex-toys-tell-him-to-get-over-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When it comes to adding some spice for the sexual palate, many women dig in their top dresser drawer for their little buddies as extra stimulus. Meanwhile, many men hide under the covers like scared bunnies.

The truth is that many men hate sex toys because they simply fear the toy's better at satisfying their partners or will replace the need for the real thing. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Continue reading Is your man threatened by sex toys? Tell him to get over it!

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]]>AskMencouple-sexcouples-sexfemale-orgasmmarital-sexorgasmsexsex-toysTracey-CoxTrojan-condomsTrojan-ringvibratorsHeather HawkinsThu, 29 May 2008 18:01:00 ESTIs your marriage a 50/50 partnership?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/23/is-your-marriage-a-50-50-partnership/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/23/is-your-marriage-a-50-50-partnership/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/23/is-your-marriage-a-50-50-partnership/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ask yourself -- is your marriage a 50/50 partnership? If you answered yes to this question, now tell us, is that something you are proud of? Do you feel good about your abilities to compromise right down the middle?

A recent essay on I Am Husband suggests that this is not a good way to look at marriage. Instead, suggests the author, we should consider marriage a 100/100 partnership -- and we couldn't agree more. Asking whose turn it is to do the laundry or take out the trash is nothing more than self-serving score-keeping. It might be the ammunition you use in divorce court, but when is it handy in a healthy relationship?

If you only worry about doing your 50% of the work, what happens when your spouse has a bad day and needs to decompress? Here is where you should be swooping in to cover whatever chores are necessary, and tell your spouse to relax. This is just as important a form of support as being a crying shoulder.

I Am Husband suggests the best question to ask is not "Whose turn is it," but "How have I shown my wife [or husband] that I love her [or him] today?" What a beautiful idea.

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]]>1001005050give-and-takegood-marriagehusbandhusband and wifeHusbandAndWifehusbandsiamhusbandmarriagerelationshipssharingMeg MassieFri, 23 May 2008 18:00:00 ESTThe etiquette of elopinghttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/23/the-etiquette-of-eloping/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/23/the-etiquette-of-eloping/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/23/the-etiquette-of-eloping/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are people who claim an elopement is by definition a breach of etiquette. If you don't have a proper wedding, even if it's a very small one, you have committed a huge social faux pas. However, there are good reasons to elope: Maybe there's been a death of a close family member, and you no longer feel a big wedding is appropriate, so you slip off very quietly to city hall to have it made formal; maybe you simply can't afford a big wedding; maybe there are insurmountable religious/cultural differences. Emily Post and Judith Martin acknowledge that etiquette puts consideration and kindness above rules and regs. Sure the rest of us can do the same?

But if there's one rule that stands up to just about every situation, it is this: An elopement is a secret. Nobody knows but the two of you.

Why is that important to etiquette?

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]]>elopementelopement-etiquettewedding-announcementsIlona PeltzFri, 23 May 2008 12:56:00 EST