David Beart

Having a pet is one of the most memorable parts of being a child. If you had a dog or cat when you were small you probably know this all too well. Days of running a field, being followed on your walk to school and returning home to see a familiar friend on the front porch awaiting your safe return.

So you've found out that you are expecting . . . but you already have a furry "baby" at home who thinks she rules the roost. Everything has been well and good until now, and you've already noticed she's checking out that crib and giving you the stink eye as if to say "This IS for me, right?"

So there you are . . . at the pet store or local rescue shelter. Your daughter's pigtails sway as she rushes to pick out "the one" that makes her heart bounce high.

A new generation of men and women are in fact enjoying coupled relationships without tying the marital knot. Approximately 33% of all unmarried adults living are with an adult companion without a wedding ring.

The first thing to realize is that all relationships, whether marital or otherwise go through rough times. As responsibilities and expectations change in your life, so will your relationship with your spouse.

You got married. You bought the perfect house in the nicest subdivision you could afford. You got your first brand new car, finished paying off your college loans, and got accustomed to eating dinner with your spouse wearing sweatpants and t-shirts. Then, taking things to the next – expected phase of life, you had a child.

You're married now, and suddenly your liberal vision has changed to one that seems to integrate gender roles into your home. Likely, it didn't happen purposely, but just sort of settled like dust, into the marriage after time of being together. So, how does it happen? And why?

At some point in your life, you will feel the pressure to get married. For most people marriage is something that they feel expected to do. But does it make your life or your relationship necessarily better?

While marriage starts out hot and heavy for most people, it is difficult and unrealistic to expect to keep up this behavior and emotion long term. It does in fact, take work.

Some time during pregnancy, it will occur to you. Soon you will have to leave your professional life behind for a few weeks or months in order to raise your baby. Up until the moment it happens, you honestly have no idea how you are going to handle the situation.