A weekend at Woodloch

Over the past weekend I had an opportunity to do two presentations at “The Lodge at Woodloch,” a world-class spa hidden in the hills of Pennsylvania’s Pocono territory. This was really the first chance I had to get away with my wife in about two years. The experience was thoroughly relaxing. Susan and I enjoyed being together.

In my first talk, I addressed the “Secrets of Happily Married Men,” to an audience of men and women. I talked about the shift we men often make from courtship (you know…singing serenades outside your intended’s window, showing up at her doorstep with flowers in your hand and a smile on your face) to conquering the world (where you focus on making your mark in the workplace and securing a safe home for your family—maybe even putting a few dollars away for the kids’ college). The problem with this transition is that women feel like we’ve forgotten them! We haven’t of course; often men see their focus on earning a living as the ultimate in romantic gestures—the problem is that their wives often miss that intent. The lesson for men is: continue to court in ways that are meaningful for your wife. Occasionally, that includes serenades and sunflowers.

In my second talk, called “The Secrets of Happily Married Women,” I also spoke to couples. I felt like a mouthpiece for men in this talk, for as I’d tell women how deeply men love them, or how men feel tongue-tied in how they communicate their love, or how men want to make their wives happy, I saw knowing nods from men all around the room! A few even elbowed their wives as if to say, “That’s so true!” (Note to men: not a good idea to elbow your wife under any circumstances; they don’t like the sharp angles of flying joints!) We went over few tips to women on how to figure out how your guy functions. Most importantly, if you figure out what makes him tick and roll with it, try not to fight it, he’ll feel more like your go-to-guy. And when a man feels competent, he wants to do more and more for you.

My recommendation: Go to the The Lodge at Woodloch—it will be a good way to pamper your marriage, and yourself. Maybe you’ll catch me giving a talk there!