The Marriage Ref

Luis and Dalia are picture-perfect newlyweds. Their Florida love nest is a treasure and comfort to them both. But, like many newly married couples, there are a few territorial issues to be worked out. In particular, there's the matter of the dining room table: Luis wants to entertain his friends there for his casual gatherings like card games. Dalia will have none of it. "This is a formal dining room. It's for Thanksgiving. I don't want it being used on the other days of the year." Luis doesn't understand. "But why?" he asks. But Dalia is firm. "You don't even need to look at this area." She explains the living and dining rooms are special places to be used rarely; the rest of the time they're sources of reflection and tranquility for her.

Tina thinks Dalia is being absurd. She wonders if perhaps Luis could make the point by countering with an equally absurd edict: "Maybe tell her that the bathroom is only for Easter." Jerry's also puzzled. But Eva admits "I am that woman. I have a formal dining room we use only for Christmas and Easter. Of course last Thanksgiving, we didn't use it at all."

Tom wonders about just how much dust might accumulate in a room that's used once a year. He then asks Natalie Morales for a bit of clarification on what dust actually is:

Just the Facts: Dust is actually composed of fabric fibers, human skin cells, pet dander, and dust mite excrement.

But the Rios have another burning issue: an easy "do-it-yourself" porch kit that is anything but easy for Luis. Luis is a man of many talents - but home improvement is not one of them. Dalia is aghast. "As the man of the house, you have the responsibility to fix the things around the house. Every man is supposed to know what to do with a tool in his hands." Luis thinks she's being sexist and unfair. "You should have married Bob Vila, not me."

Again, Eva's on Dalia's side - a man should just know how to do those things. Tina reluctantly agrees, though it's more "I just want a man to do those things." Jerry offers a suggestion. "He should just build the porch, but not follow the directions, just make it all crazy and out of proportion. Then say 'Here's your porch. I'm going to sit at the dining room table.'" Just the Facts' expert Natalie Morales adds a little background:

Just the Facts: studies show that women actually posses better assembling skills than men - they tend to be more patient and follow directions better.

Tom takes his panel's counsel. Tina's actually with Luis on both counts, porch and dining room. Eva's with the wife all the way. Jerry's with Luis.

Tom decides it's an inside outside issue. He declares that Dalia should get to keep her dining room as a sanctuary - but that Luis is absolved of obligation to build the porch. "You both win," he says. The newlyweds couldn't be happier.

The Rios received a Second Honeymoon at Breezes Resort & Spa in Panama. For more information on Breezes resorts, visit www.breezes.com.

Travel journals coming soon!