Mankato Marriage Solutions Blog
Marriage is one of life’s most fulfilling yet challenging relationships. Every couple faces ups and downs, from communication struggles and intimacy issues to financial stress and parenting conflicts. At Mankato Marriage Solutions, we believe that with the right guidance, support, and practical tools, couples can navigate these challenges and build a stronger, healthier relationship. Our blog is dedicated to providing expert advice, real-life solutions, and encouragement to help you and your partner reconnect, grow, and thrive together. Explore our articles to find the insights you need to strengthen your marriage today.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
There is a moment that happens in a lot of marriages, although most couples probably can't tell you exactly when it happened. You still love each other. You still live together. You may be raising children, paying a mortgage, planning vacations, and building a pretty good life together. You probably talk every day, sometimes dozens of times a day.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
When people think about what causes problems in marriage, three topics consistently rise to the top: Sex. Money. And how couples spend their time together.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Artificial intelligence has become part of our everyday lives. It helps us write emails, plan vacations, organize our schedules, and even prepare for difficult conversations. It's no surprise that more and more couples are turning to AI for relationship advice.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Few decisions carry the emotional weight of deciding whether to stay in a marriage or end it. For some, thoughts of divorce arrive suddenly after a major betrayal or painful event. For others, the thought develops slowly over months or years as disappointment, conflict, distance, or loneliness begin to accumulate.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Marriage is built on connection, support, and partnership. But when mental health challenges enter the relationship, even strong marriages can begin to feel strained.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Marriage is about partnership. It’s about building a life together, sharing goals, and creating something bigger than either person alone. But somewhere along the way, many couples quietly begin to lose something important—their individual identity.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
"I want to go to counseling... but my spouse won't go." Sometimes the person saying this feels frustrated. Sometimes they feel discouraged. Sometimes they worry that their partner's hesitation means the relationship isn't worth saving. But here’s the truth: it's incredibly common for one partner to be more ready for counseling than the other.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
Political polarization isn’t just an issue for Congress—it’s sitting across from you at your own kitchen table.
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
There’s a phrase that shows up quietly in couples counseling. It doesn’t yell. It doesn’t accuse. But over time, it can erode the connection between partners.
"You used to..."
- By Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT
It’s easy to get swept up in December. Shopping lists. School programs. Family gatherings. The stress, the schedule, the swirl of expectations—it's a lot. And often, the one person we promised to put first gets lost in the shuffle.