The post Thought for the Day…11/20/25 appeared first on Good News!.

JUDY GOLD, SUSAN LUCCI, CATHY MORIARTY, TONYA PINKINS

BEGIN PERFORMANCES FEBRUARY 26

TALIA BALSAM,VEANNE COX, JACKIE HOFFMAN, ANDREA NAVEDO

MARCH 26-APRIL 20

(February 26, 2025 – New York, NY)— Tony winning Producer Rose Caiola together with veteran Talent Manager and Producer Cyrena Esposito welcome the next powerhouse casts for the world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, the new hit show by comedy maven Joy Behar at Off-Broadway’s newest venue, MMAC Theater at 248 West 60th Street.

Directed by Randal Myler, the 90-minute show called “as relatable as it is outrageous” by People Magazine has award-winning comedienne Judy Gold (HBO/Comedy Central), Emmy Award winner Susan Lucci (All My Children), Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull, Soapdish) and Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam, Caroline or Change, Sistas) from February 26 to March 23.

From March 26 to April 20, the cast will feature OBIE winner Talia Balsam (HBO’s Divorce, Homeland), Veanne Cox (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Emmy nominee Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building, Feud: Betty and Joan), and Andrea Navedo (Jane The Virgin). Balsam replaces the previously announced Gina Gershon who had a scheduling conflict.

MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND is a hilarious, no-holds-barred series of stories created by the legendary Joy Behar. With razor-sharp wit and zero filters, Joy dives into the messy truths of love, marriage, and divorce, revealing

the chaotic, funny, and often eye-opening realities of relationships. These stories are as relatable as they are outrageous, offering something for anyone who’s ever tied the knot—or thought about untying it.

The show is produced by Rose Caiola (Caiola Productions) and Cyrena Esposito (Red Letter Entertainment) with Associate Producers Mark Rubinsky and Tony Castrigno.

BIOS CURRENT CAST (February 26-March 23):

JUDY GOLD has had stand-up specials on HBO and Comedy Central, and is featured in the new Netflix documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution. She is the author of Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, which was featured in the New York Times Book Review. The solo show, Yes I Can Say That! received rave reviews. Judy hosts the weekly podcast, It’s Judy’s Show with Judy Gold. From 1999- 2010, Judy was the host of HBO’s At the Multiplex with Judy Gold. Judy won two Emmy awards for writing and producing “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” She was also the story editor on the final season of FX’s “Better Things.” Judy has written and starred in three critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit shows; Yes I Can Say That!, The Judy Show – My Life as a Sitcom (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother (GLAAD Media Award – Outstanding NY Theater, Drama Desk Nomination – Actor). Judy received exemplary reviews as Gremio in The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park all-female production of The Taming of The Shrew. Judy’s three albums, Conduct Unbecoming, Kill Me Now, and Judith’s Roommate Had a Baby are available wherever you get your music.

SUSAN LUCCI, the most famous face in daytime television history, has held audiences spellbound for over 40 years as the sexy and sassy “woman you love to hate,” Erica Kane, on ABC’s award-winning daytime drama “All My Children.” In May of 1999, on her 19th nomination, she won the EMMY for “Best Actress,” a historic moment for Lucci and all of television, receiving the longest-standing ovation in television history. From 2013 to 2016, Lucci played the wealthy and effervescent socialite Genevieve Delatour on the hit Lifetime series “Devious Maids” and played the role of Danica in the 2015 Academy Award-nominated film Joy. Susan was also the host and narrator of Investigation Discovery’s highly-rated series Deadly Affairs. On January 28, 2005, Susan Lucci received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her tremendous impact on the entertainment industry. She has appeared in countless television series and competitions, including “Hot in Cleveland,” “Army Wives,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and “Saturday Night Live.” Her theater and cabaret credits include solo concerts across the country and nightclub performances opening for Regis Philbin. In her 1999 Broadway debut, Lucci starred as Annie Oakley in the revival of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, to glowing reviews. In March 2011, Lucci released her New York Times bestselling autobiography, All My Life with Harper Collins. In December 2023, Lucci was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th annual Daytime EMMY Awards, celebrating her 40-year run as Erica Kane on the hit daytime drama All My Children. Lucci stars opposite Keanu Reeves in the upcoming Apple Original Film, Outcome, a dark comedy written and directed by Jonah Hill.

CATHY MORIARTY. Her laudable career spans over 40 years of transformative work, with unforgettable dramatic and comedic performances. Her portrayal of Vikki LaMotta, in Scorsese’s 1980 film, Raging Bull, earned Cathy a nomination for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. Other notable films include But I’m A Cheerleader, Soapdish, Cop Land, and Analyze That. Cathy also starred on the CBS sitcom “Bless This House” and she has guest recurred on numerous television series.

TONYA PINKINS. Renowned theater actress, Pinkins is a three-time Tony nominee, winning the award in 1992 for her performance as Sweet Anita in Jelly’s Last Jam. Over the course of her career in theater, she has also been recognized with Opie, Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, AUDLECO, Garland, LA Drama Critics Circle, Clarence Derwent and NAACP Theater awards. On television, Pinkins can currently be seen in Tyler Perry’s popular dramedy series Sistas, and she recently starred in the critically acclaimed ABC limited series Women of the Movement. Pinkins also appeared in the series God Friended Me, Fear the Walking Dead, Gotham, 24 and J.J. Abrams’ 11.22.63. Notable silver screen credits include Above the Rim, The Book of

Henry and Enchanted. Pinkins made her feature directorial debut with the 2021 horror-comedy Red Pill, which received numerous accolades, including Best Narrative Feature at the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. Her second feature, Game Nite premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in early 2024. A 2019-2022 Fulbright Specialist and published author, she also was the 2020 recipient of the Franky Award and the Rachel Crothers Leadership Award. Her podcast You Can’t Say That is available for streaming on the Broadway Podcast Network.

PRODUCTION BIOS:

JOY BEHAR (Playwright) is among today’s leading comic talents. Whether performing stand-up comedy or interviewing politicians and artists, she is an original voice and leading woman on both stage and screen. She was a member of the original cast of ABC’s “The View” for 16 years, returning as co-host in September 2015 for the show’s three most recent seasons. Along with winning the 2009 Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, Behar is also the recipient of three MAC Awards, a CableACE Award and a 2000 GLAAD Award for her enduring friendship with the LGBTQ+ community. On television, she starred in two HBO specials and was a regular on the series “Baby Boom.” She also appeared in Woody Allen’s Amazon series “Crisis in Six Scenes.” In June 2016, Behar was inducted into the Brooklyn Walk of Fame at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, joining an impressive list of Brooklynites honored for their distinguished work in entertainment, sports, media and the arts. Behar has hosted her own shows, including a call-in radio show on WABC, “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN, and “Say Anything” on Current TV. Her film appearances include “This Is My Life,” directed by Nora Ephron, and Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” In theater, Behar starred in Nicky Silver’s play “The Food Chain,” for which she earned rave reviews, and also in the critically acclaimed play The Vagina Monologues. She also wrote and performed in her own solo show, Me, My Mouth and I, at the Cherry Lane Theatre. As a playwright, Behar has written Crisis In Queens, along with her short play Bonkers In The Boroughs, which was featured in the New York Comedy Festival in November 2023. Her new play, My First Ex-Husband, will be produced in New York City beginning in January 2025. Behar has written five books, including two children’s books. Her most recent book, “The Great Gasbag: An A-to-Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World,” was released in October 2017.

RANDAL MYLER (Director) is a Tony Award® nominee for co-conceiving and directing It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues at Lincoln Center. He recently directed Rock & Roll Man at New World Stages (with producer Rose Caiola) which won a 2023 BEST MUSICAL AUDELCO Award for Excellence in Black Theatre. He is also known (both as writer and director) for his critically acclaimed Hank Williams: Lost Highway (Drama Desk, Lortel nom, Outstanding Musical; 2 years at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville) and his Janis Joplin bio-musical Love, Janis, which surpassed 700 performances at the former Village Gate. Myler’s other numerous credits include co- conceiving Nat King Cole and Me with Gregory Porter; directing former Ronette Ronnie Spector’s triumphant UK tour of Beyond the Beehive; directing Dream A Little Dream: The Mamas and Papas Musical with “Papa” Denny Doherty; Fire On The Mountain: Music Of The Coal Mines (Best Musical—Bay Area Critics); and, most recently, I’ll Take You There: The Music Of Muscle Shoals. His extensive regional credits include The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alley Theatre, Seattle Rep, Denver Center, Dallas Theatre Center, San Diego’s Old Globe, and many others.

ROSE CAIOLA (Producer). Caiola Productions has won Eight Tony Awards® and numerous Drama Desk Awards. It has produced over 50 Broadway shows. Their award-winning productions include: Company, The Inheritance, Once on this Island, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, All The Way, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Parade. Current productions include Cabaret, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Glengarry Glen Ross and Left On Tenth. Rose Caiola is a musical book writer and was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for Freckleface Strawberry The Musical. She received an AUDELCO Award as book writer of Best New Musical Rock and Roll Man, which is currently on route for a UK run. Rose is the owner of Manhattan Movement and Arts Center as well as the exciting new MMAC Theatre opening this January with its pilot production, My First Ex-Husband.

CYRENA ESPOSITO (Producer) is a long-time talent manager, former talent agent, and founder of Red Letter Entertainment, representing  some of the industry’s finest and award-winning talent. Cyrena is a producer on Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. She also co-produced the Tony Award-winning musical, Memphis as well as Spiderman on Broadway. She got her BFA in Theatre and began her career as an actress. She worked in television development before becoming an agent where she repped Ms. Behar and her childhood idol, a dream come true, Liza Minnelli. She and Rose Caiola will also produce Bonkers in the Boroughs with Joy Behar next year. Follow @redletterent on Instagram.

MMAC THEATER is New York City’s newest Off-Broadway theater. It is the next step in the evolution of the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center’s celebrated studio spaces that have long been used for dance performances, workshops and industry presentations. Many of these projects have gone on to commercial production including Rock & Roll Man, Hamilton , Cinderella, Pretty Woman, Billy Elliot, MJ, and over 100 others. MMAC will be available as a premiere Off-Broadway theater with raked seating for 191 seats, a new entrance, marquee, box office and production spaces.

TICKETS:

MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND is a new 90 minute comedy (no intermission) and runs at Off-Broadway’s newest theater, MMAC Theater at 248 West 60th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.MyFirstExHusband.com.

The post MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND THE HILARIOUS NEW COMEDY BY JOY BEHAR WELCOMES NEXT POWERHOUSE CASTS appeared first on Good News!.

Join Ann Carrozza and Guest-Host Reverend Paul Sladkus each week to learn about ASSET PROTECTION. The show is called ” The Laws of Your Money”. Listening to Ann, or  CALL 800 321 0710 with questions, might help save you from a major financial disaster in your life.

The post Ann-Margaret Carrozza, Asset Protection Lawyer, WOR 710 AM CALL IN Radio LIVE Every Sunday at 1030am appeared first on Good News!.

The mysterious and little understood system called guardianship, or conservatorship, burst into the public consciousness in 2021 with the case of pop star Britney Spears. After living under court-ordered restrictions for nearly fourteen years, Spears finally spoke out about her plight: she had been stripped of her civil rights, forced to work, involuntarily medicated, denied the right to freely travel or spend the money she earned, and rejected when she wanted to marry and have a baby.
Britney isn’t the only adult who has lost crucial rights through the guardianship system. An estimated 1.5 and 2 million Americans are currently living under similar court-mandated circumstances. Many of these arrangements for so-called “wards of the court” work out well. But after a yearslong study of the system, author Diane Dimond discovered the number of predatory players appointed by the court to control the life and finances of wards is astounding, and the number of victims is staggering. As Dimond writes in We’re Here to Help, “Consider that every year new guardianships and conservatorships place more than $50 billion under the control of others, and with the average case lasting about six years. . . . Informed critics estimate that predatory players illegally divert multiple billions of dollars from this monstrous cache of money each year.”
Dimond insists that “the sheer numbers of these abusive cases—reported by loving family members and worried friends across the United States—screams for attention to be paid.”

We’re Here to Help reveals that:
• Anyone can file a simple petition with a state court asking that a guardianship be established. Petitioners can be family members, angry business associates, neighbors, former lovers, or total strangers.
• Those at risk include young people with inheritances; individuals who’ve won sizeable workman’s comp or medical malpractice settlements; veterans with attractive pension payouts; and victims of mental illness or brain injuries who, even after they recover, find it nearly impossible to break free from the system.
• Divorce attorneys in contested cases have counselled male clients to petition for guardianship of their uncooperative wives—and judges have complied. The cases highlighted in the book were found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Florida.
• Women are most affected by guardianship. As elderly widows they become ripe for conscription and their caregivers are most often their daughters, not their sons.
• Guardians give presentations at senior centers and nursing homes urging audience members not to saddle their children with caretaking responsibilities. Guardians may share contact information for those interested with estate and elder law attorneys, who pursue court ordered guardianships.
• Lawyers, guardians, and conservators operating in the guardianship field can charge between $250 and $600 an hour for tasks as mundane as opening mail, paying bills, or answering an email. They can hire any number of assistants, including financial advisors, in-home health care, cooks, landscapers, and personal shoppers. The ward’s estate pays for everything.
• Jurists often allow the guardian to ignore a ward’s will, power of attorney, and other legal documents.
• While some states are enacting reform bills to regulate the current system, there have been no proposals to overhaul it. Congress has known about guardianship’s systemic problems for nearly half a century, but no definitive legislation to curb the exploitation has ever been passed.
By highlighting a multitude of real-life stories, We’re Here to Help explains this secretive process step-by-step. Readers will come to understand how family squabbles over what to do with an at-risk relative can spiral into a complicated nightmare of unwanted court intervention.
Dimond includes chapters about alternative programs a judge could establish, and protective legal steps readers can take to help safeguard their families.

Five Questions for Diane Dimond
Qz; What is guardianship and why write a book about it? Guardianship, or conservatorship, is a system that was set up in the late 1800s and it was designed so that any citizen who couldn’t care for themselves got help from the state.
Traditionally, it protected elderly people with dementia or those with profound physical or intellectual disabilities and had no family to care for them. They became a “wards of the court.” But I discovered the system has morphed over the years into something almost sinister. Judges routinely declare all sorts of people as “incapacitated” and assign strangers—lawyers and guardians—to take control of wards’ personal lives and money. These appointees have enormous power because once a person is declared “incapacitated” they lose all their civil rights. Realize, wards can’t hire a lawyer, vote, write a check, or decide where to live or travel. They can be isolated from loved ones and, most shockingly, overmedicated to keep them compliant. Guardianships or conservatorships must be approved by a judge.
Q: Do “petitions for guardianship” state why the person in question needs to be guardianized?
Yes, but frequently a judge accepts whatever claims a lawyer has made in the petition. These might be exaggerations or outright lies; I found that’s not uncommon in these petitions. But these judges don’t have the staff or the time to vet the contents. They take the word of the officer-of-the-court and approve the guardianship. And, once a person is caught up in the system it’s very expensive—and almost impossible for their family to get them out. Court appointees love the fight because it means more time in court and more hourly fees they can charge.
Q: You’ve been writing about abusive guardianships since 2015. There have been other print and TV exposés about it. Why is it that a majority of the public doesn’t know about this system?
Because most guardianship/conservatorship proceedings are conducted in secret. The court and the players—the lawyers, the guardians, and all the rest—say the outside world cannot be privy to the inner workings because of federal HIPAA laws that protect the privacy of a person’s medical information. There have been some great exposes written and aired on individual horror stories—but never a big-picture, in-depth investigative look at the system as a whole.

Q: How did you obtain such detailed information about this secretive system?
In short, very brave family members came forward—at the risk of contempt-of-court charges and hefty fines—to tell me what their loved ones were going through. They shared horror stories about exploitive and abusive guardians: wards being isolated from the family or forcibly overmedicated, outright theft, even allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Most importantly, these relatives provided me with court documents to back up their allegations. And then they steered me to other families that had similar stories to tell. Throughout the book, you emphasize the role judges play within this system. Why should judges bear special scrutiny? To my mind, the ultimate responsibility for these obvious abuses begins and ends with the judge who ordered the guardianship in the first place. If judges need more training to truly understand what can happen after they establish a guardianship, or more money and staff to get the job done in a compassionate way, then their state legislature needs to step up. If a judge is found to be taking campaign contributions from those they appoint to these very profitable positions (and yes, I discovered that has happened), then that cash flow should be made illegal. If there are repeated complaints against a particular judge, then the state judicial board needs to seriously investigate and consider removing that judge. Think of it this way: most people plan where they want to live, travel, and how to spend their retirement. One judge shouldn’t be able to take all that away under the guise of “protection.” Some people really do need help living their life, but that doesn’t mean they should lose their civil rights or be subjected to humiliating and even criminal behavior.

The post Not Just Britney: More About We’re Here to Help by Diane Dimond appeared first on Good News!.

Financial resilience is the ability to withstand life events that impact one’s income and/or assets. Some financially stressful events, such as unemployment, divorce, disability, and health problems can affect people in different ways, and it’s clear that many Americans have been facing short-term money challenges brought about by COVID-19.

A new survey shows say the pandemic has changed their perceptions of what’s important in life as it relates to their finances. For example:
 A majority of adults (nearly 60%) say they have experienced financial stress amid the pandemic.
 About two-thirds now want to save more, view emergency funds as more important than ever, and place more value on being resilient.
 One-third had their employment affected.
 1 in 5 had to tap into an emergency fund.
 1 in 4 took on more debt.

But there are strategies to help everyone achieve financial resilience in today’s climate.

Strategies include:
 Increasing retirement savings: Saving for retirement is a top contributor to financial resilience, yet 60% of respondents report they’re falling behind.
 Having a source of guaranteed lifetime income in retirement: 90% agree it’s important to have source of income that will not run out as they age, but most don’t know how to make that happen.
 Building an emergency savings fund: 77% of individuals now report having emergency savings compared to prior to the pandemic when only 69% said they had savings for emergencies.
 Paying down dept: Nearly 65% of those surveyed say they have some form of debt beyond their car or mortgage.

Shelly-Ann Eweka, Director of Financial Planning Strategy at TIAA to discuss strategies of how Americans can focus on long term financial planning, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. She’ll also reveal details of the Financial Resiliency Survey.
Interview is courtesy: TIAA Financial Services

#american #financial #shelly #ann #eweka #pandemic #resilience #life #events #income #assets #stress #unemployment #divorce #disability #health #covid #finances #emergency #funds #value #economic #employment #debt #tiaa #uncertainty

The post WHAT ARE AMERICAN’S TOP FINANCIAL PRIORITES IN 2021? appeared first on Good News!.

Author & Former NYS Assemblywoman

Elder Law/Estate Planning Attorney

For an interactive and

informative program

Time: Aug 26, 2020 11:00 AM

Meeting ID: 749 856 7817

Passcode: 748705

JOIN ZOOM MEETING

Learn about Asset Protection Laws from an Elder Law Attorney who was a NYS Lawmaker for 14 years
*Learn how to protect your home and other assets without losing control
Learn how to qualify for Medicaid home care in 1 month
Protect assets from your children’s liabilities, including divorce
Learn how to protect your family from taxes, long-term care claims, wacky relatives, angry exes and con artists

Facebook
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/AnnMargaretCarrozza

Learn about Asset Protection Laws from an Elder Law Attorney who was a NYS Lawmaker for 14 years
*Learn how to protect your home and other assets without losing control
Learn how to qualify for Medicaid home care in 1 month

Protect assets from your children’s liabilities, including divorce
Learn how to protect your family from taxes, long-term care claims, wacky relatives, angry exes and con artists

213-38-40 Ave, Bayside, NY 11361
718.224.4746 | Visit our website

The post NYS Laws are changing 10/1- Protect yourself now! appeared first on Good News!.

TALK TO RENOWNED RELATIONSHIP EXPERT, SOCIOLOGIST &SEXOLOGIST PEPPER SCHWARTZ, PhD.

NEW RESEARCH ON MODERN LOVE
WITH THE HOST OF THE HIT SHOW
‘MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT’

One of the Nation’s Top Relationship Experts Shares an AVVO Study that Explains How Americans Feel about Marriage, Divorce & Relationships

When it comes to relationships and modern love, Pepper Schwartz, PhD., is one of the top experts in the nation. She’s best known as the Co-Host of the unique and top-rated show MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT, but is also the author of 25 books on relationships. She is truly recognized as one of the premiere experts on dating in today’s society. In our contemporary world, relationships are constantly changing with internet dating sites, marriage and divorce. So with spring and love in the air, Dr. Schwartz is ready to discuss the fascinating findings in a new AVVO Relationship Study that provides some interesting and often surprising information about the way people feel about relationships. From the 1st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Gay Marriage to Millennial and ‘Grey Love’ viewpoints on modern love. Your internet subscribers will find the topic and the information both timely and educational.

LINK TO THE FULL STUDY

http://marketing-assets.avvo.com/uploads/sites/3/2016/05/Avvo-Relationship-Study_Final-Research-Report.pdf?_ga=1.46670244.224871863.1461005048

MORE ON THE STUDY

http://stories.avvo.com/relationships/new-avvo-survey-explores-modern-attitudes-around-love-sex-dating.html

The post ***WHY SPRING IS THE TIME FOR LOVE*** appeared first on Good News!.

The post Divorce is the Worst appeared first on Good News!.

Almost silently, so as not to scare the fish, Bob says, “I think I’m gonna divorce my wife.  She hasn’t spoken to me in over 2 months.”

Earl continues slowly sipping his beer, then thoughtfully says, “You better think it over, Bob.  Women like that are hard to find.”

The post Deeply Profound Thoughts by Men while Ice Fishing appeared first on Good News!.

Regardless, the sad fact is that divorce rates are high. Many Americans are choosing to endure the pain and loss that will inevitably result from a divorce rather than work on their commitment to their partner. Despite the statistics, divorce is not the best possible option in every circumstance. Issues in a marriage can be effectively resolved if a couple is willing to work together. A divorce is a long and difficult process which should not be entered into lightly. The consequences of litigation can be painful at best. The proceeding could negatively impact the financial, emotional and social well being of both parties. Prior to rushing headlong into the process, every couple should carefully consider the reasons they feel a divorce is necessary and the options available. There are circumstances where a divorce might be unavoidable. Remaining in a marriage with a partner who is physically or emotionally abusive or an addict is problematic. More often than not cycles of abuse and addiction will continue creating strain and inevitable harm to both spouses.

Additionally, if one spouse is adamant about divorce and cannot be persuaded otherwise, chances are the marriage will end. He will find a way to implement a divorce regardless of the feelings of his spouse. On the other hand, a divorce should not be the result of an argument which occurs naturally during the course of a marriage. Disagreements are bound to occur at times and most can be resolved in an amicable way without litigation. Divorce is not always the best option and can be avoided. A marriage is a work in progress. Both spouses should be committed to making their relationship work effectively. Many couples have a difficult time moving past the fairy tale quality of their weddings or the romantic nature of their honeymoons.

After the celebration ends, real life takes over. Dealing with the day to day details of a life together is not as exciting as planning a wedding or as thrilling as a romantic getaway. However, marriage, above all else, is a commitment to a life shared with another person. Communication and compromise are key ingredients to a happy life together. Speaking openly allows a couple to recognize the issues that need to be resolved. Understanding the goals that are important to each spouse and where compromise would be beneficial is essential to the maintenance of a happy marriage. In any relationship differences of opinion are bound to occur. Often, arguments are resolved in a way where neither party is 100% happy.

The best result happens when each spouse is able to recognize the others concerns and is able to compromise thus allowing both parties to meet their needs to some extent. There are couples who choose to remain in an unhappy marriage simply to avoid the negative impact of a divorce. Remaining in a bad relationship without taking steps to improve the situation is not a viable alternative to divorce. Both spouses need to recognize the issues and problems in their relationship and work together effectively to resolve them.

If disagreements about minor matters occur on a regular basis, it may be that the spark, or initial attraction, no longer exists. Taking time alone together, such as a romantic trip, a date night or a dinner at home without friends or family, can work wonders to rekindle the flame. Couples should realize that the intense desire that was present in the initial stages of their relationship will have been replaced with a more comfortable camaraderie. Additionally, physical appearances change with age and needs and opinions develop over time. Recognizing the changes in your partner and allowing your relationship to develop as a result is beneficial. On the other hand, many couples find it difficult to resolve major issues in their life together.

Differences of opinion about money, children, lifestyle and religion can be devastating to a marriage if not properly resolved. Again, both spouses need to be willing to work together for the benefit of their marriage in order for any resolution to work effectively. Communication with each other as well as outside parties is an effective tool in such circumstances. Marriage counselors are often useful in helping a couple resolve issues and remain married. A professional is an objective observer who can listen effectively to both sides in a nonjudgmental manner. A counselor can help each spouse understand the concerns of their mate in order to effectuate a compromise that is beneficial to both. Other professionals can also work to help a couple in crisis.

If regular arguments about money are commonplace, discussions with an accountant or money manager can alleviate some of the stress the couple is feeling. Religious advisors, such as priests or rabbis, are also wonderful resources. The key to a good marriage is the willingness to communicate and work together. Do not be afraid to open up. There are bumps in the road of every marriage but the problems do not necessarily have to cause a divorce. Working on a relationship and making it better is difficult but a divorce is not always a viable alternative. If issues can be resolved effectively and both spouses are willing to work together, a marriage can be saved and a divorce can be avoided.Randy is an attorney and a divorced mother of two in New York City.

Having experienced divorce first hand she is eager to help others facing this difficult situation. She is a graduate of Barnard College and Fordham University School of Law. She has a background in litigation and real estate. Please visit Randy on her website blog www.discussingdivorce.com . Randy can be reached via email at mailto:rperskin@discussingdivorce.com rperskin@discussingdivorce.com . Randy will soon be doing TV and Radio shows for www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast

The post Before You Get Married Watch This 2 appeared first on Good News!.