When you enter into a relationship it is very similar to a business agreement yet with a business agreement, papers are signed, and some type of contract is produced. However, with a intimate relationship nothing is written down. I think this needs to change. I would like to develop a quick contract that I wish I would have given to my husband, then maybe I wouldn't be in this situation. 1-I will always try to be romantic 2-I will pick you up when you are down 3-I will keep my health and fitness a priority 4-I will be accountable for any of my actions that affect my relationships 5-I will assume 1/2 responsibility for my marriage breakdown 6-I will be happy as I know I am blessed 7-I will take you out 1x at least a month 8-I will encourage you in everything you do 9-I will forgive 10-I will love unconditionally

Marriage is a funny thing. It was created based on that most ancient societies needed a secure environment for the perpetuation of the species, a system of rules to handle the granting of property rights, and protection of bloodlines. The institution of marriage handled these needs. So why did mine breakdown. In all honesty it was because when I became a mother I changed. I went from a free spirited relaxed women to having 2 children in 2 1/2 years, suffered from mild postpartum, moved countries, stopped my selfish life for awhile. and the clincher...lost my sex drive. So the result; my husband didn't like me. So speed up 8 years and constantly changing as my children were getting older and just changing with age I "out grew" my husband. Does this sound familiar?

2008, the year I opened my boutique Angela's Attic (www.angelasattic.ca) and the year my marriage went on sale. The dictionary defines the word sale as "the state of being purchasable". I define sale as "trying to get rid of something that is not selling or profitable". Sounds harsh and I do love my husband but our shelf life is expiring. Something needs to change. 2010 is fast approaching and I am determined to make this marriage work. You see we have 2 employees, two amazing young sons and we owe it to them to work our ass off and not close our doors.