Category Archives: Relationship Lessons Learned

Two New Book Projects

Posted on September 20, 2016 by russtowne

I’ve just decided to write two more non-fiction books, one each offering insights into relationships and parenting lessons My Beloved and I have learned during our nearly four decades together. Neither are likely to be funny or heartwarming (because all those stories … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Parenting, Relationship Lessons Learned, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing Project Updates | Tagged book, lessons, parenting, projects, Relationships | 10 Comments

Cover Reveal: Stop Peeing in the Kitty Litter!

Posted on September 20, 2016 by russtowne

Cover image courtesy of yelet and canstockphoto Cover by Joleene Naylor Here’s the cover for my latest non-fiction book, Stop Peeing in the Kitty Litter! It’s filled with humorous and heartwarming stories offering insights into marriage. Editing begins on October 2nd, followed by interior layout, printing, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Marriage, Relationship Lessons Learned, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing Project Updates | Tagged book, cover, humor, mariage, Relationships | 14 Comments

Our Imperfections Are What Make Us Unique.

Posted on March 8, 2016 by russtowne

A recent comment from “Mrs. P” reminded me about a decision My Beloved and I made more than 38 years ago when we selected wedding rings for her. We intentionally selected two stones, a diamond and ruby (the latter being her birthstone) that had … Continue reading →

Posted in imperfections, Relationship Lessons Learned, Wisdom | 14 Comments

The Most Embarrassing Marriage Proposal

Posted on November 10, 2015 by russtowne

Embarrassing Wedding Proposal While I found the clip quite funny, even hilarious, in the back of my mind I wondered if perhaps the man shouldn’t have just stuck the ring box back in his pocket and left before she saw … Continue reading →

Posted in Marriage, Relationship Lessons Learned, Vids & Stories That Touched Me | Tagged humor, marriage, proposal, Relationship, wedding | 4 Comments

Hello Again

Posted on October 26, 2014 by russtowne

It has been nearly a month since my last post. Much has happened during that time. I plan to update you all when I come up for air. It may be another two to four weeks before I get back … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Connection/Connecting, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Pain & Grief, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged Anger, Caring, experience, gifts, Grief, gut, help, joy, lasting joy, Love, loving, pain, silence, suffering, support, touch, touched, Touching, trauma, truth | 37 Comments

Secrets and Truth

Posted on April 22, 2014 by russtowne

A kind reader recently said–likely with tongue firmly in cheek–that my secrets are safe with her. Joke or not, I appreciated her comment and am grateful for such friends. In actuality, I don’t fear my “secrets” being exposed because I … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Communicating, Gossipping, My Beliefs, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned, Truth | Tagged friends, gossip, loved ones, secrets, truth | 15 Comments

Love and Sacrifice

Posted on February 9, 2014 by russtowne

In a comment to my most recent post, titled “Blindness”, a reader asked some great questions about what my thoughts were on the underlying message of the story and whether complete sacrifice equaled true love. I thought some of you … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Marriage, My Beliefs, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged beliefs, heart, Love, Relationships, sacrifice, true love, writing | 10 Comments

Whole-Heartedness

Posted on February 4, 2014 by russtowne

Source: The Other Side of Ugly (April Roble’s Photo) I believe there is much wisdom in these messages. With Love, Russ

Posted in Choices, Love, Quotes I Love, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged Love, passion, quotes, quotos, Relationships | 10 Comments

When Words Fail Hugs Often Help

Posted on January 30, 2014 by russtowne

It can be frustrating to want to help someone and not know what to do or say. Sometimes when words fail, My Beloved and I just hug each other tightly for as long as it takes, letting the hug do … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Challenges, Communicating, Compassion, Connection/Connecting, Healing, Love, Marriage, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged healing, hug, hugs, Love, overhealm, pain, patience, Relationship | 18 Comments

Humor, Trust, and Relationships

Posted on January 27, 2014 by russtowne

I tend to avoid sarcasm, tricks, practical jokes, or humor at the expense of another. I’ve seen the damage they can inflict on relationships, eroding trust, damaging self-esteem, and sometimes even destroying a relationship. Because I’m so trusting of my … Continue reading →