These little hearts were depending on this marriage suceeding.

We looked SO happy!
Have you ever looked at a photo of your beautiful family and wished you felt as happy as you appeared?

To the outside world, we looked like the picture-perfect family—five adorable, well-behaved children, homes in both Florida and Hawaii, successful careers, world travel, Disney vacations, and cruises. Friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers often told us how lucky we were.

But behind the glossy surface, we were deeply unhappy.

After two decades of “unhappily ever after,” our marriage had become a storm of pain, heartbreak, and emotional distance. We endured two long trial separations — at one point we were living in different countries for nearly a half of a year. No one could believe we were still holding on.

We faced so much excrutiating pain! The erosion of trust and lingering effects of betrayal created constant suspicion, jealousy and anxiety. We had a loss of emotional intimacy and both felt neglected and isolated even though we were living side by side. Due to the unresolved conflicts, resentment, anger, verbal abuse - screaming matches became the norm, which made reconciliation increasingly difficult. Financial stresses and external pressures from extended family didn’t make life any easier. Additionally, we had to endure the burden of losing a baby mid-pregnancy, followed by a health crisis where I was in the ICU leaving my husband to care for all four of our children alone. In time all these pressures culminated into a complete financial collapse where we had to file for bankruptcy and forclose on our home. You name it—we lived it. Divorce hovered like a shadow over every screaming match and caused us both to act completely out of charachter.

I never wanted divorce. To me, it was the ultimate failure—the “D-word” I couldn’t even say aloud. But I didn’t know how to fix the deep, growing cracks in our foundation.

I married young, naïve, and completely unaware of what respect truly meant. Our “bad old days” started on our wedding day. My husband danced with his ex-girlfriend to my favorite love song. I was humiliated, furious—and heartbroken. That moment, which feels so small now, was the first fracture. But instead of opening up and sharing how hurt I was, I decided he just didn’t know how to make good decisions—and that I had to teach him. I stepped into the role of his mother instead of his partner.

I thought I was helping. But after discovering the Six Intimacy Skills™, I realized how often I had unknowingly criticized everything he did—his career, friends, hobbies, faith, even his haircuts. I thought I was being a supportive wife, but I was being controlling and disrespectful. I was shocked to realize I had contributed to our struggles. It was humbling—and incredibly eye-opening.

We stayed together for our children, our faith, and finances. I truly believed there was no hope left. We had tried everything—counseling, endless self-help books, advice from friends and family. Nothing worked.

And then, almost by accident, I discovered the Six Intimacy Skills™ while researching ways to help my brother, who was going through a divorce. I didn’t think it would apply to me—but the more I read, the more it felt like the missing pieces of our marriage puzzle were finally falling into place. It was humbling, empowering. and transformative.

I decided to try just one phrase: “Whatever you think.” The first time I said it, my husband tilted his head in confusion—and then smiled. A real, genuine smile. Encouraged, I tried it again. And slowly, he started looking happier.

Next, I practiced the “duct tape” skill—staying quiet and truly listening. For someone who always had an opinion, this was tough. I remember catching myself in a hardware store, giving my opinion on what hacksaw he should buy—when I didn’t even know what a hacksaw was!

Each skill and sub-skill became like magic: “I hear you.” “I’m sorry for being disrespectful.” “Ouch.”

I embraced self-care, rediscovered my playful feminine side, and launched a “smile campaign.” My husband responded in ways I hadn’t seen in years. He began initiating affection, meeting my desires, protecting me when I felt vulnerable, and—most importantly—becoming my hero again.

Love, respect, admiration, and laughter fill our home today. After 27 years of marriage, I finally feel beautiful from the inside out. And when I look at family photos now, I no longer see a staged illusion—I see true joy.

In my early years of marriage, I believed I had to be the “perfect” wife: flawless appearance, successful career, immaculate home, amazing cook, perfect mother. I thought those things would make my husband happy.

But through the Six Intimacy Skills™, I discovered what he really wanted:

1. Respect for His Thinking
I realized that my husband deeply valued my respect for his thoughts and decisions. Instead of trying to control or second-guess him, acknowledging his perspectives fostered mutual respect and understanding.

2. Expressions of Gratitude
Beyond grand gestures, my husband cherished simple acknowledgments of his efforts. Regularly expressing gratitude for both small and significant things he did strengthened our emotional bond.

3. Receptivity to His Efforts
Being open to receiving his love, support, and even compliments was vital. Embracing his gestures without deflection made him feel appreciated and valued.

4. Vulnerability and Authenticity
Sharing my true feelings and allowing myself to be vulnerable created a deeper emotional connection. This openness fostered trust and intimacy in our relationship.

5. Commitment to Self-Care
Prioritizing my well-being wasn’t selfish; it was essential. Engaging in activities that rejuvenated me allowed me to bring my best self to our marriage, positively impacting our dynamic.

6. Relinquishing Unnecessary Control
Letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives and trusting my husband’s capabilities brought balance and harmony to our relationship. This shift allowed him to feel more empowered and respected.

Embracing these insights transformed our marriage! I learned that perfection wasn’t what my husband sought; instead, he desired a genuine, respectful, and loving partnership. This journey taught me that understanding and implementing the Six Intimacy Skills™ can lead to a more fulfilling and connected relationship.

I would be honored to support you on this journey, stand beside you, and practice these Six Intimacy Skills™ with you as you transform your marriage and rediscover joy. When you do what you love, and love what you do, it never feels like work! Although this is now my job, it is also my passion, my joy and my life mission and I am grateful to have such meaningful work in my daily life! See you soon!