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Christmas is right around the corner, and believe it or not, there's a science to gift-giving. Three Essential Ground Rules When people expect a gift, they experience less joy. Well, it's actually worse than that. If the gift giver fails to meet expectations, it creates problems. You'll find success with sentimental gifts. Experiential gifts, such as a thoughtful night out, foster stronger relationships than materialistic purchases. Those are the ground rules. However, gift

If you're looking to escape the dinner-and-a-movie routine, this post is for you. I wrote it because I know how stale that routine can get, especially after years of marriage, as I have. I also know that rising costs are cutting into how much we have for nights out. 5 Cheap Date Night Ideas We need to start thinking outside of the box, which is what I've done here. Half the battle to win your partner's heart for the night is showing them the effort you've put in, and my goal

I cringe when friends tell me that their go-to date is going out to eat. They drop a couple hundred dollars and leave the evening with no special memories. You can spend quality time with your spouse without spending a fortune, or in some cases, spending any money at all. I also know the cost of living has outpaced wages since the war, making affordable options important for all of us. I want to help. I want to help. Here are 51 fun, frugal date ideas. But the most important

Autumn is my favorite season. The challenge in our relationship is that I love football, primarily college football. I’m fortunate my wife fully understands and supports this, so I have to be especially thoughtful when planning our date nights. It’s also not lost on me that rising prices, which have been outpacing wages since the war, make finding affordable options important for all of us. 27 Frugal Date Night Ideas Use this post as more than a list to draw from. My challen

For this post, let's assume you're reading it because you don't want to handle your Halloween party on your own. That is in the title, so I'm not sure I needed to start by saying that :-) Anyhow, let's get started. I'm a Fair Play Facilitator, so I'll use the Fair Play method as the foundation for my suggestions. You'll see a pattern in how I suggest dividing up the work. If a partner owns a task, they own it from start to finish. They must anticipate or recognize the need, p

55% of workers do not have enough savings set aside to cover a $500 emergency expense, according to a recent SecureSave survey. Why? A recent Empower survey said that 2 in 3 said a rising cost of living is getting in the way. A bad solution is to stop hanging out with friends and family to cut costs. Sure, you’d avoid the high cost of going out for dinner and drinks, but not spending time with your buddies is a path toward depression. The House Hang is the solution for save

Research shows that happiness is often born by spending money on experiences, not possessions; and using money with friends, not alone. Here are four frugal and fun date ideas for under $20. 1. Ice-cream Bar You can also make a DIY ice cream bar at your house! Go to your local grocery store and pick out your favorite flavors of ice cream. Don't forget to grab toppings as well! My favorites include hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and M&M's. 2. Make Homemade Pizza Go to yo

July 4th cookouts have a funny way of exposing how couples really divide the work at home. Too often, men proudly “man the grill” while their wives quietly handle the planning, cleaning, shopping, hosting, and mental load that make the day possible. There’s nothing wrong with smoking meat, flipping burgers, or perfecting your brisket recipe, but being a good teammate means recognizing everything else that goes into hosting friends and family well. If you want to be the kind o

Ranking each movie started in a bar 90 minutes before the U.S. World Cup game against Australia. It was full of people who arrived early to get a good seat, looking for a bit of time to kill. Together, we wrote down every Will Ferrell flick. I made copies for everyone, and we voted. There were around 20 of us. What follows is the list of Will Ferrell movies in alphabetical order. I conclude the post with their top 5 rankings. Will Ferrell Movies A Night at the Roxbury (1998)

Saturday is not about cramming in more productivity. It is about presence, connection, and choosing how you spend your time instead of reacting to everything else. Whether you are flying solo, spending time with your partner, or wrangling kids, here are 19 simple, realistic ways to enjoy your Saturday without turning it into another to-do list. 1. Start slow on purpose Resist the urge to rush. Make coffee, sit down, and ease into the day without immediately checking email or

I want to give you my personal selection of 17 basketball films that I admire, together with brief summaries, the main stars, and the reasons why each one is special. 1. Hoosiers Stars: Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper A small-town high school from Indiana is chasing an unlikely high school basketball state championship with the guidance of a firm and principled coach. What makes Hoosiers unique is its constant emphasis on discipline, the basics, and the gentle beauty of team bask

Super Bowl Party Three-Part Series Original Post: Feb 7, 2025; Updated Post: Feb 5, 2026 Your Guide to Super Bowl Gambling Games 10 Recipes or Grocery Grabs for Super Bowl Homegating Success 15 Super Bowl Party Family Activities That's me on the left, wearing my FFL championship ring. That's my fireplace mantle on the right, with an FFL Super Bowl trophy placed squarely in the center. I know what you’re thinking: my wife is a lucky lady. 😂 I love sports. I love football. I l

When the weather outside is chilly, romance doesn’t have to freeze with it. Winter offers plenty of cozy, creative ways to connect that won’t cost a thing. Whether you’re snowed in or just saving money, these seven zero-cost date night ideas will warm your hearts without emptying your wallets. 1. Take a Winter Walk Under the Lights Bundle up, hold hands, and stroll through a neighborhood or downtown area decorated for the season. The crisp air and twinkling lights create an i

Yes, that's me. Needless to say, I love Christmas; it's my favorite time of year. One of my favorite routines is to settle in for the evening with a holiday movie and a glass of peanut butter whisky with a splash of Bailey's. I usually watch with my wife. For those like me, here are 21 holiday films divided into three categories: for men, for women, and for couples. This ensures everyone can find something to match their holiday mood. 7 Christmas and Holiday Movies for Men Na

Date nights provide an opportunity for couples to reconnect and strengthen their bond outside of the daily routines and responsibilities of married life. However, limiting date nights to just yourselves is not always the winning strategy. What Makes Us Happiest? The Harvard Study of Adult Development is a longitudinal research project that has been ongoing for over 80 years, aiming to understand the factors contributing to a fulfilling and healthy life. The study is widely re

Whether it's a tale of redemption, teamwork, grit, or comedic relief, sports movies capture the lessons we need off the field as much as on it. The list originally started in an episode of The Man Chair Podcast. It evolved into a longer handwritten list with a buddy that I shared on Instagram. I took input and finalized the list for this post. Best Sports Films of All Time 43. Chariots of Fire This British classic tells the true story of two runners—one devoutly religious, t

We wrote this post to save unknowing husbands from the nauseating experience of The Notebook, or any movie like it. Nevertheless – when...

The science is clear . Spending money on others promotes happiness – for the giver. What is equally as important is that research has...

Finding time to unwind and connect can be a challenge for dual-career couples. After a long week of balancing work, home, and countless...

Date nights allow couples to reconnect and strengthen their bond outside of married life's daily routines and responsibilities. This post will share three date night ideas for a happier marriage. Pickleball Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game’s easy-to-learn rules and adaptable gameplay, lends itself to a social and active experi