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About Cornell

A calm, practical way to help long-married couples move forward.

Life With Dear started as a nickname between my wife Lisa and me.

Over time it came to mean something more.

We noticed something many couples quietly experience.

You can still care deeply about each other — and still feel like everyday life together has become harder than it used to be.

That does not mean the relationship is broken.

Often it simply means a few patterns have developed over time that make everyday life harder than it needs to be.

That is where coaching can help.

Who I Work With

I work mainly with couples over 50 who still care deeply about each other but feel stuck in the same frustrating conversations.

Some couples come because certain topics keep turning tense.

Others come because things feel quieter or more distant than they want.

Most are not looking for something heavy or complicated.

They simply want everyday life together to feel calmer and easier again.

I work with couples across the United States through private Zoom video coaching sessions.

What Coaching Is Like

Sessions are calm, practical conversations.

We slow the moment down, help both people feel heard, and identify one or two practical next steps.

Most couples leave feeling clearer about what to do next.

Many couples begin with one conversation to see if the approach helps.

Why Life With Dear

I created Life With Dear for couples who still care deeply about each other and want a calmer way forward.

This work is personal to me.

Life With Dear began inside my own relationship with Lisa before it ever became the name of this work.

That is part of why I care so much about helping couples who are not in crisis — but know things could feel better than they do right now.

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Who This Coaching Is For

This coaching is often a good fit for couples who:

have been together a long time
still care deeply about each other
feel stuck in the same frustrating conversations
want everyday life to feel calmer and easier
prefer practical help instead of long analysis

Many couples say something like:

“We still love each other — things just feel harder than they used to.”

When Coaching May Not Be the Best Fit

Coaching works best when both people still want the relationship to feel better.

there is domestic violence or fear in the relationship
one partner has already decided the relationship is over
there is active infidelity that has not been addressed
serious untreated mental health or addiction concerns are present
you are seeking therapy focused on past trauma

In these situations, working with a licensed therapist or other appropriate professional support may be the best next step.

A Simple First Step

If you are curious where your relationship stands right now, the quiz is a simple place to start.

Many couples say it helped them notice patterns they had not seen clearly before.

Check Your Relationship Score →
Private · Takes about 2 minutes · 12 simple questions · No email required
See Available Coaching Times →