Women are happier in relationships when men feel their pain, suggests research at Harvard Medical School. The study examined videotaped discussions between 156 heterosexual couples about a frustrating, disappointment or upsetting incident in their lives. The researchers also surveyed the couples on their overall relationship satisfaction and measured their ability … Read More
Making Amends
How hard should one try to make up after an argument or disagreement? Sometimes it depends on who is the other party. We want to feel as though we are correct in our opinions, but when someone else doesn’t share that same idea, feelings become hurt and separation from each … Read More
Talk About It
Were you ever the kid in class that when you knew the answer to a question the teacher asked you would be raising your hand, waving it all through the air and go “ooh, ooh, I know, I know?” Neither was I. However, there were some who did. I often … Read More
Can Long Distance Relationships Work?
Long-distance relationships are on the rise as more married and committed couples make the decision or are forced to live in different locations to pursue work, military, or education opportunities. Regardless of the reasons a couple starts a long-distance relationship it is important for a couple to consider common difficulties … Read More
Living In The Details
Have you ever tried to be a detailed individual when you’re a big picture person? It’s not easy, but it can be done. Details to a big picture person are the annoying little inconveniences that just seem to get in the way of the project. It’s like saying “Let someone … Read More
Middle Ground Communication: The Last Guideline
This is the final part of a 4 part series. Read the 3rd HERE Have a signal for a time-out and know when to use it. Good coaches know when to call a time out that will be helpful for a team. Couples can learn this technique too. Often with … Read More
Middle Ground Communication III:
This is part 3 of a 4 part series. Read part 2 HERE Develop patience. Sustain it. Think about what your spouse says in terms of who your spouse is. When a conversation is stressful, find a way to relieve the stress. A deep breath can work wonders. The … Read More
Middle Ground Communication: More Guidelines
This is part 2 of a 4 part series. You can read the first part HERE More guidelines for finding middle ground in a relationship: No name calling Speak honestly and judiciously Name calling. It is easy to fall into this pattern in a relationship. Perhaps it is a familiar pattern within … Read More
Middle Ground Communication: Two Guidelines
This is part 1 in a 4 part series Opposites attract. This is true in the realm of physics, but is often true in relationships also. I sometimes sit with couples who are on opposite ends of the communication spectrum. What once brought them together now divides. Having a place … Read More
Recovery from an Affair: Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a process. A lot of people believe that forgiveness is accomplice in the “snap of the fingers”. I hear people say, “forgive and forget” all of the time. However, forgiveness can take hours, days, weeks, months, or even years. According to Life Innovations, “Forgiveness is the decision or … Read More