orbuch

'This is an exercise for you, to get all the emotions out on paper so you can release them, ' Dr. Orbuch says.

One wife in Orbuch's marriage study planned a treasure hunt for her husband all around the city that led to a skating rink.

A wife who was deeply in love with her husband came to Orbuch concerned about the lack of passion and excitement in her marriage.

To engage in a healthy way with your partner, you need to let go of the past, Dr. Orbuch says.

But "relationships have to be about fun, " Orbuch said.

Orbuch's research has shown that marriages with husbands who don't feel appreciated are twice as likely to end.

To remedy this, Orbuch suggests couples come to an understanding about their own gender limitations and needs.

'You need to tell each other about your lives and see what makes you each tick, ' Dr. Orbuch says.

For instance, Orbuch suggested asking: What was the craziest thing you ever did as a kid?

"Things can start out small and seemingly insignificant, " Orbuch said.

If you're in a long-term relationship, spend 10 minutes talking to your partner, Orbuch said.

That's a common reason for midlife divorces, Orbuch said.