Clock Watching – The First Three Minutes

In his book, The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, John Gottman writes about predicting the outcome of a conversation between a couple based on the first three minutes of the interaction.  If the discussion begins with a harsh tone, inevitably it will have a negative ending.  Maybe it isn’t … Read More

Men – Get your feeling words ready!

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

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

Are online relationships really affairs?

This is a question that has been increasing debated as technology has become a big part of day-to-day life. We have seen couples in the public eye crumble and others stay together after an online relationship comes out. If this issue hits closer to home and happens in your relationship … Read More

Taxing Relationships

Taxes.  A controversial topic to be sure.  Some of us pay a much higher rate than we would like. Everyone pays.  Recently, as I was working on my return (and complaining) I was struck with the thought of how I implement a form of taxes in relationships.   Maybe you … 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

Post Valentine’s Day Month

So, here it is a month after he bought you flowers and you gave him a new BluRay. It was a very romantic and fulfilling evening. Then the month passed and things just sort of went “back to normal.” Why is that? Where is the fire and passion that ended … Read More

Preparing for Married Life….the finale…

Plan for conflict and how you will handle it as a couple: Conflict WILL happen around the wedding or in married life and for many couples it happens in both. A great way to prepare for married life is coming up with a game plan to handle the conflict when … Read More

Preparing for Married Life….part 3…

Talk about it…: Ask your partner questions…you won’t know unless you ask. Talk about sex; what did they learn about sex growing up, what do they find sexy now, and how do they feel about their own body? Talk about their parents relationship and other relationships they observed growing up, … Read More