Tag: couples communication

6 Tips To Expand The Love: & reduce conflict

In the 20+ years Carol and I have been working with couples, we’ve not yet had a couple come to us saying, “We have an incredible relationship, filled with love, joy, happiness, and contentment. We want to expand the love even more.”  We’ve not had that – yet.  Maybe you and your partner will be… Read more »

Vulnerability Is A Life Foundation

Until you have practiced with vulnerability, it can be dang uncomfortable.  Yet vulnerability is a life foundation – a key to experiencing long-term joy, happiness, and fulfillment in your relationship. Brene Brown describes the challenge and the rewards in this TED Talk.  It is 20 minutes well worth your time. What, specifically, are you going… Read more »

Utilize Strengths In Your Relationship

I bet you are really good at some things, aren’t you? I also bet your partner is really good at some things. However, how often do you consciously and intentionally plan to utilize strengths in your relationship, so you create even more of the amazing experiences and results that you both want? We invite you… Read more »

The Choice To Receive

Many of us have been indoctrinated from a young age to believe it is better to give than to receive. Carol and I have learned that the choice to receive is actually a huge gift we offer others. They feel valued, accepted, and loved. Isn’t that part of what most of us strive to do?… Read more »

Is It Time for Self-Love For You?

OK, you’re saying, “Self Love? C’mon, Dan. What d’ya mean by time for self-love?” Maybe we could just call it self-care. The most important question is this, “What does self-love have to do with your intimate relationship?” It ties in really well with our ‘Heart of Relationships‘ model. But now, check out this quick video…. Read more »

No With Grace

The word, “No” with grace can be a powerful tool to have in your toolbox. It is a chance to check in with your true desires and values. Rather than giving yourself away to others’ needs or wants, it enhances the relationship with self, your partner, and others. You can say No with grace to… Read more »

Embracing Sexual Intimacy

Sure, you may tease, or flirt, or joke about sex – or a lack of. Yet, the conversations about sexual intimacy, which is much deeper and more meaningful, may be a taboo subject in your relationship. You may dance around it, yet not really focus on embracing your sexual intimacy. Regardless of the quality of… Read more »

Relationship Emergency Response Plan

Stuff happens in life – deaths, accidents, job loss, business failure, etc. It can put extra stress on your romantic relationship. Having a relationship emergency response plan established for what support looks like, sounds like, and feels like can minimize the stress and have both people feeling valued and cared for. It is not as… Read more »

Are You In The Ready Position?

Ready position? Yup. Here are the simple steps. Be present. Surrender to what is. Breathe. Be aware of your feelings. Be OK with whatever happens (without attachment). Awe heck, you’ll need to listen to this to understand what I mean. How can you apply the idea of having no expectations, yet being prepared for anything?… Read more »

What Is Happiness?

It seems most people strive for it, but what is happiness? We’re not meaning the fleeting happiness based on something or someone else. We’re meaning the deep, lasting, authentic, and real experience that is inside. What is happiness to you? More importantly, what specific things do you think, say, and do every day that allows… Read more »