Relationships. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a formula for them? Amazingly, there is! It is a magic formula. Really. The math is easy: 5 to 1. Dr. John Gottman (who has studied couple interactions for 40 years) found that when couples speak more positively than negatively to one another, there is a much higher rate of satisfaction in the relationship. And the math is so easy, but not exactly balanced.
Hope After a Heartbreak
It’s been said, “Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it’s better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.” Making this choice leaves a person heartbroken in many instances. Most of us have experienced this at least once in our lives.
Hey Couples: Arguing is Good!
Are you concerned about your relationship because you argue pretty often? Studies suggest that arguing 1 time a week can actually be healthy for a relationship because it can open up the lines of communication.
The Dating Coach Answers: Should I Try Internet Dating?
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and if you’re single, you are probably ready to up the ante in your search for a dating partner. After seeing all the jewelry, flower, and candy commercials start, many singles subscribe to internet dating sites in an effort to meet that someone special. So, is internet dating for you? Traditionally, internet dating has been dubbed something that desperate people do, but not anymore. In today’s world, internet dating naturally fits into our tech-oriented society.
Men and Women: Are We Really Different?
Recently a few of us here at GROW lead a couples workshop in Atlanta. During the course of the workshop, we talked about the differences between men and women. Since this workshop, I have continued to be fascinated as I seek to understand some of the differences between the sexes.
The Dating Coach Answers: Giving Gifts
We are discussing various tips for the holidays when you are in a new relationship, casually dating several people, or in a relationship that hasn’t been officially defined. This time of year can be stressful and filled with pressure and expectations for all dating relationships. So far we’ve talked about when to define the relationship and whether or not to invite each other home for the holidays. Today let’s focus on giving gifts.
The Dating Coach Answers: The Invite Home for the Holidays
Many people visit relatives or go home for at least one of the major holidays. If you’re single, you may feel the pressure and expectation from your parents or family to have a significant other and invite them with you to family holiday events. Nothing is worse each year than to have aunts, uncles, cousins, or parents asking if you are dating anyone or when you are going to get serious about someone.
The Dating Coach Answers: How Do I Date During the Holidays?
Maybe you’ve just met someone who seems very promising. Or maybe you’ve been casually dating a new love interest for a few weeks or months. The holiday season approaches and you wonder where the “relationship” stands. This time of the year naturally brings some pressure and expectations with it. You would love to be in a comfortable dating relationship where you know what to expect between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, but, unfortunately, you’re not quite there yet. What to do?
The Dating Coach Answers: How Long After a Divorce Do I Wait to Date Again?
Many people seem to just be chomping at the bit to get back out there, sometimes even before the divorce is final. I’ve heard various responses to this question. One “formula” is to wait a year for every year that you were married before pursuing dating again. This seems a bit extreme, especially for those who had many years of marriage under their belt – they might not ever date again at that rate!
Challenge Your Pattern: Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behavior is a style of expressing one’s feelings and needs in a way that violates the rights of others. This pattern of behavior will often generate fear in others and alienate them from the aggressor. An individual with a pattern of aggressive behavior will blame others instead of taking accountability for their actions.