S2 Ep 2: Building a Strong Partnership in Marriage with Dr. Dionne Ledford

There are many nuances to a long and happy marriage, and it seems that everyone has a different opinion about what makes a successful marriage. What should dating or courtship look like? Is a long “getting to know each other” period necessary? Join us as we talk to today’s guest about the key ingredients to a lasting marriage.Dr. Dionne Ledford is a marriage veteran with almost 33 years under her belt. She is the superintendent of the Roseville Community Charter School District in New Jersey. She’s a proud mother of two who has invested over 32 years of her life in the field of education.Show Highlights:The story of Dionne’s courtship and marriage, which began in her college years at Hampton UniversityWhy it’s important not to lose yourself and your ambitions because you fall in love; “Know yourself first.”Why young women need to understand their value as a person and realize that a man doesn’t make their value or bring fulfillment to their livesHow Dionne and her husband both understand how to give each other the space to be themselves and achieve their dreamsHow to balance expectations and reality with a partner in lifeHow to achieve longevity in your marriage by “choosing marriage” EVERY day through all the ebbs and flowsHow to handle times that seem routine and unexciting, like being stuck in a rut with the day-to-day grindHow family relationships and friendships can change when you get marriedWhy no marriage is immune to life’s twists and turnsMarriage advice from Dionne that she has given her own daughter, who is getting married soonHow to prepare for being “empty-nesters” in your marriage (Dionne and her husband approach this stage of life in different ways!)What marriage has taught Dionne over the years about herself and what it takes to make a committed, sustained partnershipHow to handle differences in parenting styles with your spouse, learning when to step back and when to push forwardWhy marriage is a firm foundation for family, love, and partnership—something that benefits our community in many waysResources:Want more Gayle and Tia? Join our Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Find us on Instagram.Connect with us to learn about upcoming summer events!