What do you mean, “How do you show your love?” Weird question, isn’t it? This may seem like a total exaggeration, but I invite you to ponder this. Many people (me included) get wrapped up in life – busy with work schedules, kids’ sports, family get-togethers, volunteer activities, TV, computer, and a variety of other… Read more »
Category: Personal Relationships
Chronic Complaints: After 3 times, lay that sucker out
You might know the routine. Out of genuine care and concern for your partner you ask, “How was your day?” The response goes something like this, “Oh, you can’t believe what a crappy day it was……… (on and on and on, gag, gag, adnosium).” Too often, replaying these stories, and telling them over and over only… Read more »
What You Were Told As A Kid Doesn’t Work: The Art & Science of Word Use
Remember the ditty, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me”? Totally ridiculous, wasn’t it? The phrase would supposedly protect us from verbal attacks on the playground at school. If you think about the flip-side of the phrase, it means it’s OK for the bully to use verbal attacks. After… Read more »
Your Relationship With Your Partner: It’s the small things that count
Your relationship with your partner is likely the most important relationship you will ever have. It is wise to review and revise your “attention strategy” to ensure long-term success. Otherwise, its too easy to take each other for granted and … ah, just read on and watch the video. When we coach with couples, there… Read more »
Just Because I Don’t Know The Plan, Doesn’t Mean There Isn’t One
I just finished re-reading ‘The Power of TED’ by David Emerald and am pondering where I consistently jump into the Dreaded Drama Triangle. If you’re not familiar with the Drama Triangle, I invite you to get the book and read it. The Triangle consists of 3 positions we play in our self-created dramas: Victim, Persecutor,… Read more »
Your Relationship: Is It Functional, Adaptable, or Sustainable?
Life, as we experience it now, is functional, adaptable, or sustainable. In other words, our society produces what we need to function – food, shelter, clothing, and all the things we need to survive. At an unconscious level, we only want peace and happiness, yet these basics just don’t cut it. That’s a problem. So,… Read more »
Retreat in Nature: Healing power and honest conversation
Our world is a busy place. Yet if you take the time to get out in nature, there is healing power in being unplugged from technology and away from distractions. As a couple, it stimulates honest, open communication and strengthens your relationship, if you are willing to be a bit vulnerable. It is worth the… Read more »
A Single Word Can Muck Up Your Relationship: a need for awareness and honesty
When coaching with couples, we usually ask if they know their partner’s hot buttons – words, a look, an expression that sends the partner into defensiveness, anger, withholding, or running. The answer is always “yes.” A really simple way to improve your relationship is to stop pushing those buttons. Easier said than done. As well… Read more »
Garage Sale Unwanted Stuff & Behaviour
Ever had a garage sale? Yes, we know there are some things that are tough to get rid of. Eventually, you just breath and let it go. It works the same way with behaviour you have that doesn’t serve a purpose anymore. Eventually, you just breath and let it go. Check out this great video,… Read more »
Marriage? Honesty Ensures Longevity
Regularly we have a dialogue with one of the partners in a relationship, and the words go like this: “I just found out that he/she is ready to leave. I had no idea it was so bad.” How does this happen? There are always many stories, yet the fact is: honest communication has not occurred…. Read more »
