Carrying resentments and holding grudges requires energy. These emotional burdens not only impact our psychological health, but research shows that holding grudges actually exerts a toll on our physical health as well. So how do we let go of our resentments and grudges? Why do we hold grudges in the first place? And why are […]
9 Steps to Forgiveness Read More »
The vision of having a special long-term partner or spouse in your life does not always live up to the reality that many experience. Unfortunately, being in a committed relationship does not guarantee that you’ll feel closely connected, satisfied, or fulfilled. Research shows that about 20% of the general population admits to being lonely, and
7 Steps to End Loneliness in a Relationship Read More »
When we first start dating someone, it’s easy to overlook traits that might seem like obvious red flags to outsiders. In the early stages of a new relationship, we are automatically drawn to the most appealing qualities of our partner. If we do notice anything disagreeable, it is often quickly dismissed as “something I can
Did You Overlook Any of These Relationship Warning Signs? Read More »
There are a wide variety of factors that are important in order to have a harmonious and happy relationship. Educational, religious, familial, and goal compatibilities are certainly important, among numerous others. However, recent research suggests that a high level of emotional intelligence (EI) is also a valuable component to deep personal connections and happier relationships.
Increasing Emotional Intelligence for Better Relationships Read More »
Imagine yourself at Starbucks, and someone passing by knocks over your double latte. The offender then flippantly responds with “Sorry, didn’t mean to do it”—and keeps on walking out of the store. While the above scene is certainly infuriating for the person with coffee in their lap, a slight from a stranger will likely pass
Why Saying “Sorry” Isn’t Enough Read More »
It doesn’t happen literally; that would be illegal in most states, I think. But, it can happen in spirit – and more often than many people think: actually being in a relationship with someone who has certain physical or personality traits similar to one of their parents. The qualities usually favor one parent over the
Did You Marry Your Parent? Read More »
Earlier this month Seth Adam Smith posted a thought-provoking article on his blog, which you can read here: http://sethadamsmith.com/2013/11/02/marriage-isnt-for-you/. The premise of his article, titled “Marriage Isn’t For You” is that you don’t get married to make yourself happy, but to make your partner happy. Love and marriage is all about the other person and
Are You Relying On Your Partner to Make you Happy? Read More »
Late last winter I met with one couple who were very distant from one another. Interestingly, they weren’t fighting very often (but did from time to time)! They were however, so disconnected from one another that it was as if they lived in separate homes. They had two young children and yet had been married
Do You Know How to Bridge that Great Divide? Read More »
Earlier this year I was working with one couple who were struggling mightily in their relationship. They had been married more than a few years, yet both were left feeling somewhat unstable in their relationship. They both felt “on edge” and it was only partially related to the frequent conflict they endured. The “D” Word
Does Your Relationship Need Ground Rules? Read More »
What is financial infidelity? The level or nature of financial infidelity varies from couple to couple and is partly relative to the couple’s financial situation. Generally, it involves spending, borrowing, or stashing away a significant sum of money without your partner’s knowledge. This is often done through credit cards, especially when the account information is
The Five “W”s of Financial Infidelity Read More »
