BY SOME ESTIMATES, 30% OF MARRIED HOUSEHOLDS CONTAIN A MISMATCH IN PARTISAN POLITICAL VIEWS. As a marriage and relationship therapist I pride myself on having a wonderful relationship with my girlfriend. We communicate very well and easily resolve our conflicts by dealing with issues directly and...
For young couples, the thrill of engagement and wedding preparations can overshadow an important fact: on the other side of the honeymoon, life as usual awaits. What will married life look like? Marriage education not only prepares partners for the challenges and opportunities of married life,...
All of us have witnessed the effects of anger - one harsh word can wipe out a lifetime of loving moments. Here's how you and your partner can end relationship negativity. An accurate measurement of how you're doing as a couple is how much negativity...
One of the reasons it is so difficult for people to be fully present in their relationships with their partner is that they have not cultivated a relationship habit or practice. If you went to a gym and saw someone lifting a 50 pound weight, you’d...
In a healthy marriage, roles and responsibilities are discussed because they directly affect each partner's behaviors and responsibilities in everyday life. Whether it's household chores, childcare or decisions that need to be made, partners need to discuss how these roles should be defined and implemented....
Three Relationship Magic Words Most people think of the phrase "I love you" when they think of three relationship magic words. I think there are many magic words to use in relationships. However, in my opinion, the three most extraordinary words to assist with the...
In a conscious relationship, one notices the importance of eye contact. There is an exercise that you can practice with your partner called Eye Gazing. I was once in a Zen monastery called Tassajara, a retreat center in Northern California. While I was ...
Understanding Perspective in Relationships When I'm counseling a couple, often times they both have the same exact experience but have completely different perspectives of what actually happened. Usually one of the partners is trying to impose their perspective on the other, which is what's creating...
As I have said, healthy happy relationships do not just happen, we need healthy habits and habits require effort. One of the habits every relationship needs is the habit of having fun. Your relationship should only be serious 25% of the time while the rest...
A recent article reported a team of scientists has found that people are, more often than not, attracted to others who share the similar values and views. What's more, they say, is that these similar views may lead to a more successful relationship. On the...