Men Prefer Being Solo to Being in a Bad Marriage

Ever wonder why some men are bachelors-for-life? A new study has something interesting to say about that. The reseachers say most men in the survey were not afraid of marriage, just afraid of a bad marriage. The conclusion was that "Men are 10 times more scared of marrying the wrong person than of never getting married at all."

Straight Talk for Newlyweds

Newlyweds! Ever wish someone would give you the real story on staying married past a year? Tying the knot can be so exciting and romantic. And being a newlywed can be downright FUN. But the fact is, after the wedding there can be new pressures and frustrations that never came up before. Some brides and grooms suddenly find themselves at odds. But help just might be on the way. Author Lorraine Sanabria Robertson promises to tell you what no one else will in her new book, Help! I’m a Newlywed … What Do I Do Now? Wife-Saving Advice Every New Bride Must Know to Survive the First Year of Marriage The book will be released on Wife Appreciation Day, which is September 20th.
If Robertson's name sounds familiar, it could be because her work has appeared in various publications including Teen People, Upscale, and Heart & Soul magazines; and in the anthology Souls Of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Their Stories, and Heal Their Spirits. She has been married for nine years and her wedding was featured on The Learning Channel’s popular television show, “A Wedding Story.”

$10 A Day Can Make All The Difference

In our continuing series on money, we've talked about big ways to save money for your wedding, for the Summer, and for the rest of your life. But today's little nugget of wisdom is about saving a little, for big returns later on. An article from TheStreet.com explains why it's important to stop whatever daily habits have you spending $10 a day on things you don't need. You've heard it a million times, but with everything going on in your life right now you have more reason to pay attention to the tips in Spend $10 Today, Be Out Of 100K Tomorrow. It makes you wonder, "do I NEED to stop by 7-Eleven every morning?", "Is this caramel chocco venti-venti chino really worth 5 bucks?", "Wouldn't it make more sense for me to start bringing my lunch?" or "Could we wait to see that movie on video?" Just some thoughts.
But, what do you think? Let us know in the comments section. Have a great day!

Settling Into Newlywed-hood

Quick! What's the number-one cause of divorce? The latest figures show it's money problems and financial hardship. That's why relationship experts say it's important to get your ducks in a row before you tie the knot. Couples spend months planning the wedding, but almost no time discussing their finances or planning a budget. There are several online resources (like YesYouCanOnline.info) that can give you some steps to reaching financial harmony.

I'm a new Mom!?!

-by Lyrik08

I'm a new mommy to a 5-month-old bundle of baby boy joy.

I say that, smile and then pause.

My life is filled with daily blessings of juicy kisses, the smile that melts your heart, the touch of a little hand that lets you know that life is truly a gift from God and the giggle that makes you feel like a kid again.

Again, I pause.

My life has also been filled with sleepless nights, countless bottles, laundry, little socks (that go missing), cries, poopy diapers and uncertainties about my parenting skills.

Gone are the days when my biggest concern was what I was going to fix for dinner tonight, or what my husband and I were going to be doing for the weekend, or what movie to see--the latest black love story, or the latest epic thriller.

I never would have imagined that my life would be so fixated and consumed with the Disney Channel, or NickJr that I'd know the daily show line up to the point where I know when to catch the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or could recite the entire Backyardigans theme song along with all of the character names. Or, that my DVD library would slowly be overpopulated with the latest movie inspired by one of the aforementioned.

Who knew my living room would look like a mini kid camp with the latest gizmos and gadgets to keep my son occupied. I never thought I'd be reading up on the latest recalled baby items or researching which shots we can do without and worrying about which bottles to buy and if I should put them in the microwave or not. I even faithfully get the Sunday paper to see who has the best sale on Huggies and Enfamil and what coupons I can clip to make life just a tab bit more economical.

Let's not even mention that going shopping now means bypassing the cute outfit and matching shoes in the store window. Now, it's a beeline to Carters or Osh Kosh, Old Navy (again not for me) and Target is a marathon adventure spent mostly in the Baby section perusing the baby necessities -- man they grow so fast.

Again, I pause.....and a smile fills my face.

You know what......I don't mind the change one bit and wouldn't trade it for the world.

These are the feelings and blessings for which you can never be prepared.

My son is the joy in my heart....the laughter in my soul.....the calm in my storm. When I have a bad day at work, he reminds me not to sweat the small stuff because there are much bigger things in this world. He's such a ray of sunshine. He brings so much meaning to a world and life that was once so confusing. He has given me purpose--a drive beyond compare.

Even in the midst of all the confusion about being a first time mom, doubting my abilities to care for such a fragile life and hoping and praying to every God that I don't screw up this poor child......I know that all he wants and needs from me is to cuddle him when he cries and to play peek-a-boo once in a while. He doesn't ask for much and he doesn't expect me to be perfect and I can't expect to be perfect either. We're both in this baby training camp together and we'll make it through just fine.

Happy Mother's Day Ladies!

How was your transition to being a new mommy? Share your story with us in the comments section.