Memorial Day was originally referred to as “Decoration Day” and is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.  Started in the 1950’s on the Thursday before Memorial Day, 1,200 soldiers place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington national Cemetery.  Indeed, this is a wonderful way to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifices these men and women have made for our country.

Now, my guess is that you are currently wondering “what in the world Memorial Day has to do with your marriage?”  The truth is…nothing.  However, there is an attitude that can be applied to our relationship: one of honor and gratefulness for the daily sacrifices that each of us make in order to serve our spouse or family.  It is so easy to forget what is done sacrificially each day. 

Although the men and women who have died serving our country have made the ultimate sacrifice, we want to encourage you to remember the daily sacrifices that your spouse has made or is currently making in your marriage. 

This Memorial Day, take time to remember the sacrifices that have been made by the brave men and women in our country, but then apply the attitude of honor and gratefulness to your marriage.  Saying “thank you” can go a long way.

I (Lindsey) hate to admit that I am a t.v. junkie. With this season of American Idol winding down, I often get sad that there is not something to keep me going through the summer. However, this summer season I have a show to look forward to. This Monday is ABC’s season premiere of the Bachelorette. If you were like me and followed last season’s The Bachelor, chances are you had your jaw to the floor during the finale when Jason broke off his engagement to Melissa. Even after the break off, every girl in America was shocked when Molly violated the unspoken girl code and went back to Jason after he broke up with her just weeks before on national television.

But long before the drama with Melissa and Molly, Jillian caught my interest. The bubbly, interior designer from Canada, with the infamous hot dog theory, will be this season’s Bachelorette. There isn’t anything new about this season, other than she will be pursued by 30 (seemingly very good looking men) instead of 25. I am sure the producers will have something up their sleeve. But what will be worth watching for me, will be Jillian herself. Jillian in a recent interview readily admits she may not find love, and just because she is on this show does not mean she has to get engaged.

What do shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette say about dating and marriage? Does one lose the connection and the intimacy when they invite all of America to watch their relationship develop?