Francia Benson – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Wed, 12 Aug 2015 06:30:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Francia Benson – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 6 tips to ensuring your relationship stays safe from the temptations of technology https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/6-tips-to-ensuring-your-relationship-stays-safe-from-the-temptations-of-technology/ Wed, 12 Aug 2015 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/6-tips-to-ensuring-your-relationship-stays-safe-from-the-temptations-of-technology/ Make sure you and your partner do not fall for the temptations technology presents and keep your relationship safe from…

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There is a good side and a bad side to everything. Technology, in many ways, has affected our lives positively. It has made it faster and easier to communicate with others and find information. However, it has also ensnared many people and caused a lot of heartache.

Studies indicate that Internet and cell phones have become a great temptation for many people to deceive their partners. Yes, there's nothing wrong with having friends of the opposite sex, but how appropriate is it to have your ex-boyfriend or girlfriend as a friend on social networks when you are married? Most of us are learning that many social networks are facilitating infidelity. It is common for people to find old romantic partners and desire to relive the past. These networks make it easy to come into contact with people of the opposite sex.

Because of technology, you could be sitting right next to your partner while still being unfaithful. These cyber relationships usually begin as a simple friendship that grows into a spark. Before you know it, an intense emotional attachment forms and explicit messages are being sent back and forth. Although no physical contact is made between these cyber lovers, just like any kind of infidelity, these relationships often end in pain, embarrassment and broken homes.

Here are some tips that will help you avoid these temptations and save your relationship:

Stop the temptation when it is still small

When you feel like a conversation with a "friend" is starting to feel a little heated, turn off your chat and disconnect from the Internet. Don't even let it get close.

Define limits

It is imperative that when you start or restart any relationship with someone you knew long ago, you tell that person you're married or have a serious relationship and that only you offer your friendship.

Clearly indicate your status

Putting in your information that you are married or in a relationship leaves a clear message that you're already taken and not looking for anyone else. Stay away from any indicators that you are available.

Watch for signals

In the past, the warning signs of infidelity was lipstick on his shirt or her staying out late without a good explanation. In these technological times, the signals have changed. Make an analysis of you and your partner. If you are spending too much time online or on the phone with someone else, pay attention.

Communicate openly with your partner

If you think you would be embarrassed if your partner or your children read what you put on the Internet or typed in a text, it is very clear that things have gotten out of hand. If you are going through some of the stages that I mentioned, talk to your partner. Open and honest communication is essential.

Use your technology wisely

Of course, there is nothing wrong with having a Facebook account or a cell phone. It isn't a sin to have members of the opposite gender in your list of friends or contacts. But if you begin to feel a craving for communication with one of these people, be careful. It is easier to delete them as a friend than it is to mend a relationship broken by infidelity.

Many years ago, the great man, David McKay said, "Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny."

My simple advice is do not flirt with temptation. The little choices you make will ultimately secure your destiny. Keep your relationship strong and safe from the potential dangers of technology. You will be glad you did.

This article is an adaptation and translation of the original article, "Cuando la tecnología te tienta a engañar a tu pareja." It has been republished here with permission.

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11 unnoticed ways women tell their husbands they love them https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/11-unnoticed-ways-women-tell-their-husbands-they-love-them/ Fri, 29 May 2015 09:05:01 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/11-unnoticed-ways-women-tell-their-husbands-they-love-them/ Women express love in many ways; and sometimes those expressions may be unnoticeable.

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There are obvious - and not so obvious — ways to tell our husbands how much we love them. Men, pay attention - if your wife hasn't verbally said "I love you" today, she probably has said it in other ways. Here are some to look for.

1. Bragging about him

Bragging about our husbands is a way women show them that we love them and are proud of them and all that they accomplish. Talking about our husband's accomplishments, positive attitude toward a stressful situation, how good of a dad they are, etc. is a way of saying, "I do pay attention to your awesomeness and everything you do for me and for us, your family."

2. Setting a firm and unbreakable no-gossip rule

Prohibiting our children, family and friends to not criticize and gossip about our husbands shows them love and respect. Those around us should know that we won't allow anyone to make our husband feel down or embarrassed. Our husbands appreciate a gossip and judgment-free life.

3. Alone time

Explaining to our kids that even though they want to jump all over Dad constantly, he occasionally needs a little time for himself. Dads work hard to provide for their families, and deserve a little downtime. This can be as simple as letting him take a long shower after a stressful day.

4. Teaching our children to show love and respect for their dads

Talking to our children about the daily sacrifices that their dad makes for the family is the best way to help our husbands see how loved they are. Letting children know that dad provides food, clothes and toys helps them understand. Teach them creative ways to thank him. Something as small as a hand-made card, or helping mom to cook dad's favorite dish will make him happy.

5. Asking our husband's opinion about something personal.

Including them in our decision-making process show them we value their opinion. I myself like using my husband's deep reasoning to make better decisions.

6. Massages

Massage is a great way to bond with our husbands, and help them ease a little stress as well.

7. Allowing and encouraging buddy time

We know our husbands. We know that, like ours, their days are busy. Helping them realize that they deserve to have fun, and encouraging them to take some time to enjoy themselves, shows them that we care about their happiness.

8. Asking how he is doing

Taking the time to have conversations with him every day is important in a marriage. Asking how he is doing, both physically and emotionally, shows that you care and gives him some time to open up if he feels the need.

9. Setting up his doctor appointments

Though simple, this one shows our husbands that we care about their well-being. Plus, they don't always stay on top of this one as they should.

10. Supporting and loving his family

No family is perfect, but our families are a huge part of who we are. Showing love and respect for your husband's family shows him that you care about where he came from and who he is. If his family is nearby, and he has a close relationship with them, encourage him to have some time alone with them here and there to bond. Also, being sure to spend time with them together is a great way to show love for him and them.

11. Making food

We have all heard that the way to a man's heart is his favorite food. Women work hard as well, whether in the home or outside of it - preparing a meal for our husbands, especially after a long day, shows them we are thinking of them and love them.

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How to help when your wife has a miscarriage https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/how-to-help-when-your-wife-has-a-miscarriage/ Thu, 28 May 2015 09:01:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/how-to-help-when-your-wife-has-a-miscarriage/ Having a miscarriage is one of the most painful events a woman can experience. There are no words to describe…

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It was a dark, cloudy morning. My father carried the little wooden box in his hands. My siblings and I followed him ominously. Once he found the perfect spot he proceeded to bury my stillborn brother.

My mom was four months pregnant when she had the miscarriage. Despite my young age, I noticed and appreciated how my dad helped her go through that painful period in her life. He was there, physically and emotionally, for her and for each of us. Who knew that years later, it would be me who would be crying over the death of my own stillborn baby.

If your wife has experienced a miscarriage there are several things you can do to help her, help yourself, and help the whole family recover emotionally.

Try to understand

This experience is different for everyone. Both you and your wife are aching at the loss of your baby. However, your wife was physically carrying your child, feeling each movement or heartbeat inside of her. Now, she may be feeling empty, like something is missing inside. Try to understand her pain and emptiness.

Cry if you feel like it

Feel the pain. Be in touch with your feelings and know that it is OK to suffer over the death of a stillborn child. Don't repress these feelings. The sooner you recover, the sooner you can help your wife and your family recover.

Try to cope with her emotional instability

Her hormones are still a mess, which only adds to the physical and emotional pain. Just a moment ago she was going to be a mom, now she is burying her baby. If she was in the early stages of pregnancy, she doesn't even have a body to bury. For some women, this can be even more painful. This an emotional time; try to help her cope with it all.

Be patient

It will take her awhile to feel whole again. Help her get her life on track, but don't push her. Every woman is different. For some, getting back to normal can be quick but for others it is a longer and more difficult process. Even though it has been two years, I still cry here and there and even feel empty sometimes.

Explain the situation

If you have other children, take the time to explain the situation. They will be wondering what happened, why they won't have another sibling, and why mom is in so much pain. It may be too painful for your wife to talk about, but you can help by doing this for her. Explain that mom needs some time alone but still needs their love. Even if mom isn't spending a lot of time with the family, she still loves us all. She is just hurting for their lost sibling.

Be in charge

Take care of every bill related to the miscarriage. Handle everything yourself or ask a relative for help. Your wife is in no condition to stress over bills, insurance, and other concerns.

Speak carefully

Avoid using words like "fetus." For a woman who has just lost her child, she has miscarried her baby, not a fetus.

Say goodbye

Do what you need to in order to say goodbye. Writing a note and throwing it into a river, lighting a candle, or writing a message in a balloon and letting it go are all ways to say goodbye. These rituals can help you close this chapter of your life and move on.

Be affectionate

....but give her space. She needs time to cry, wrap her head around what happened, and figure out what to do next. Reminders like, "I love you", "I am here for you", and "together we will overcome this" help her know you support her. Together, you really can overcome whatever life throws at you.

Having a miscarriage is one of the most painful events a woman can experience. There are no words to describe the hurt, the anger and disappointment. It is no one's responsibility to judge a woman who has lost a child.

With my own miscarriage, this quote by Zoe Clark-Coates helped me a lot: "If you have held a child in your womb, you are a mother, and I can't think of anyone who deserves that accolade, more than those who have had to give their child back".

Ultimately, patience, love, and understanding are key to help her to recover and feel like herself again.

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