Hope and Ryan eyed each other again. “I guess our spending habits are one of the biggest issues,” Hope admitted. “It’s not like I go on spending sprees or anything, but I like to dress nicely, and Ryan was raised to be more tightfisted—”

“Frugal,” Ryan corrected. “I believe in a budget.”

“And I think ‘What’s money for if you can’t spend a little?’” Hope wrinkled her nose.

They went on to discuss their differing views on household duties, their differing social needs, and their differing recreational preferences.

“Well,” Dr. Phil said. “We brought in reinforcements on this one. Dr. Kate, syndicated columnist and author of the newly released Finding Mr. Right-for-You is here to see if we can’t help you two make this thing work out.”

Kate smiled as the camera focused on her, and the audience applauded. Prickles of heat singed the skin under her arms.

“Dr. Kate has something else in common with you two—she’s also a newlywed, so congratulations on that.”

“Thank you.” Kate smiled.

“Now, Dr. Kate,” Dr. Phil said, “We know you advocate investing the time and energy to make a solid match, but what about situations like this? Are they too different to make it work?”

Kate felt a bolt of energy. How many times had she advised similar couples in her office? At least this couple hadn’t waited until they had years of animosity between them.

“First of all,” Kate began, “Congratulations on your marriage and on your willingness to seek help from the beginning. Every marriage is a merging of two personalities—sometimes more if there are children involved. When you’re blending two sets of ideals and expectations, there’s bound to be conflict. And when you’re opposites, there’s a greater amount of conflict.” Boy, can I relate to that.

“The key,” she continued, “is to determine which areas need changing and find the middle ground. Pick your battles. Does it really matter that he balls up his socks before he throws them in the hamper? Probably not. Does it matter that you disagree on how much of your income is expendable? Definitely.”

Kate swallowed, hoping nobody could tell how dry her mouth was. “Relationships are constantly negotiated,” she added. “Opposites can make it work if they’re both willing to find the middle ground. And both of you seem willing to make this work.”

“We are,” Hope said. “But every time we have discussions about our differences, we end up arguing.”

Kate jumped in. “It’s important to choose the right timing when you discuss your differing opinions. For instance, the arrival of the Visa bill isn’t a good time to discuss Hope’s spending habits. It’s too late, and that leaves Ryan feeling stressed and out of control.”

“Exactly,” Ryan said. “I’m already angry that she’s spent the money without regard for my budget.”