WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED AFTER 7 YEARS OF MARRIAGE?

Marriage can be difficult. Which is why the seven-year itch — the belief that happiness in a relationship declines around then — exists. But what about those who power through and learn a whole lot along the way? If you and your spouse are at the seven-year anniversary mark, the Star wants to hear from you. Perhaps you’ve worked to keep things interesting (or at least not boring), or you’ve improved your communication skills or finally learned to compromise. What were your expectations versus the reality? What have you learned about your partner that you didn’t expect? What do you think the next seven years will look like? If you’d be willing to share your experience for an upcoming story, please contact ebrait@thestar.ca by July 19. Please put “Seven year itch” in the subject line and include your contact information. Your experience could be part of a larger story in the Star.

Don’t be tempted by quick-fix solutions. There are many marketers looking to sell solutions. Many of these have had no rigorous testing and may in fact be dangerous for some people. Talk to your doctor before embarking on treatments.

It is not a clear path, but good choices can make a difference in the long run. You and your sister should do all you can to live a brain-healthy life. Nira Rittenberg is an occupational therapist who specializes in geriatrics and dementia care at Baycrest Health Sciences Centre and in private practice. She is co-author of Dementia: A Caregiver’s Guide available at baycrest.org/ dacg. Email questions to caregivingwithnira@baycrest.org