LAURA’S STORY

I know how it feels to be married — and still feel lonely

These days John can't pass me without a kiss or a love pat. But I'll never forget how alone I used to feel.

We fought all the time — or didn't talk for days. I was holding everything together by myself, doing it all and getting no appreciation. I remember thinking: why is it always the woman who has to fix this? I was already doing everything! And at the same time, I missed feeling wanted. I wanted him to reach for me, and he just... didn't. I was so lonely.

I read the marriage books. We went to counseling for over a year. Sitting on that gray couch, I felt hopeless he was ever going to change.

As a last-ditch effort, I asked women who'd been happily married at least 15 years what their secret was. What they told me sounded crazy. I was desperate, so I tried it anyway.

One day I came home, and his face lit up — because he was happy to see me again. That had been gone for so long. The spark I thought was dead came roaring back. And here's what shocked me most: it wasn't about doing more. It was about doing less. More fun, not more dreary work. I just went first — and that unlocked everything.

But new habits slip. One blowup in the car scared me enough to realize I needed structure and support to make them stick. So when other women started asking what I'd changed, I shared it — and practicing together was what made it take root, for all of us. Women to bounce ideas off. Women to celebrate with. That's how the Six Intimacy Skills™ were born — and why John and I are still smitten, 37 years later.

Ever since, I've wanted to get these skills into every woman's hands — not just her notebook. When we practice them together, in one room, that's when they really click.

That's what Adored Wife Weekend is. Come do them with me.