Relationships: Are the Five Love Languages helpful? Yes, say researchers, but not the way people think

BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, looks at a new study examining the real reason the bestselling book on love and relationships is a success…
StrangeSights: Gravy wrestling and bog snorkling; China county offers marriage “reward”; and, chewing gum artist Ben Wilson…

DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Dog custody: Spain to consider pets’ welfare in divorce battles

Madrid, Spain Reuters Spain will consider a pet’s welfare when couples divorce or break-up from Wednesday in a legal shift that strengthens the case for couples obtaining shared custody of their animals. The decision follows similar moves in France and Portugal and obliges judges to consider pets as sentient beings rather than objects owned by […]
Pope’s three key words for a marriage: “Please, thanks, sorry”

Rome, Italy AP Pope Francis sought Sunday to encourage married couples, acknowledging that the pandemic has aggravated some family problems but urging couples to seek help and always remember three key words in a marriage: “Please, thanks and sorry.” Francis penned a letter to married couples that was released Sunday, a Catholic feast day commemorating […]
Marriage – keep choosing

I’ve been happily married now for 25 years. What have I learnt that I can share with you? PICTURE: Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash I chose my wife 25 years ago. Quite publicly. Forsaking all others. As long as we both shall live. It’s a decision I have to keep making. Sometimes yearly, sometimes daily. When she annoys me. When […]
THIS LIFE: SURRENDER AND PERSPECTIVE KEYS TO BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE

ELISABETH CARTER shares what she’s learned about how to build a strong marriage…