This Black-Tie-Affair mindset causes many couples to strive to keep up with Joneses to point of being maxed out to hilt in financial demise from debt. Money issues are cited as one of biggest reasons for breakdown in family leading to divorce.

Are you struggling with fantasy?

Are you confused with all hoopla?

Is this life reality?

Is this relational reality?

Is it reality?

If it is, I must be missing something. I must have made a wrong turn in road somewhere. Most of families I know must have made wrong turn with me.

Although my wife and I love each other very much, much of our relationship life is spent, well, INFORMALLY NORMAL.

A day in life for most couples is spent:

* Punching old inevitable time clock.

* Doing dishes and laundry.

* Cooking.

* Paying bills.

* Fighting colds, headaches and fatigue.

* Changing diapers.

* Bathing kids and getting them ready for bed.

* Getting up next day and doing it all over again.

Most of world struggles with getting up, getting old, getting fat, getting sick or simply getting by.

So, do yourself a favor. Stop buying in to all hoopla and falsehood.

If you get caught in this web of deceit, you just may miss out on what really matters - faith, family, character and integrity.

The last time I checked, love wasn't defined by word MONEY.

For words that better define love you may want to consider: commitment, sacrifice, support, unselfishness, home building, encouragement, forgiveness, planning and working together.

Maybe a bit informal and normal...maybe not as flashy as dollar signs...but ironically, a lot richer!

(C)Copyright 2004 advice-for-lifetime-relationships.com by Stanley J. Leffew ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!