Experience You Can Trust
When trust has been broken or damaged, it can certainly be restored, but it takes time, patience, and trustworthy behaviors from both of you. Even if you are the wronged party, you can begin by cre...
Neither of you can fix what has already happened, regardless of how much it hurt. When you bring up that old "stuff," your partner will either shut down or get defensive. As Dr. Phil would say, "Ho...
Follow it up with an appreciative or approving comment. According to Dr. John Gottman, in the healthiest marriages, there are five positive interactions for every negative one. When you feel dista...
When you can let go of the need to be right, you can open the door to love and understanding. Someone has to let go of the rope and end the power struggle. Are you open to making that move? Offer a...
This is actually an advanced relationship skill. It takes practice, patience, and staying open to your partner. Here's how: stop, look, and listen! Specifically, stop multitask...
If your partner does these things, then it’s important to manage your reaction to keep a conflict from erupting. You can take a deep breath, you can give yourself a mini time-out to calm down...
Are you tired of the same old arguments? In many long-term relationships, certain phrases can jump-start a fight: these include, "you always," "you never," and "you should....
Schedule a date and agree in advance that your hot-button issues are left behind during the date. Go somewhere you used to enjoy, or try a new activity that you both might like. It's time to put a ...
In the popular video, The Secret, the narrator points out that an affirmative thought is hundreds of times more powerful than a negative thought. When you apply this idea to your relationship, it m...
If you spend all your energy at work, on your toddlers, dealing with three kids and seven different sports, family or community requests, surfing the web, watching or playing on your favorite teams...
This is a variation of the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Ask yourself, "What is it like to come home to me?" Are you warm, welcoming, inviting, kind, caring...