Eye contact is particularly important when communicating with our partner. We all know that nonverbal communication is always happening. We communicate nonverbally with our tone of voice, facial expressions, touch, eye contact, etc. Often times, the message we are communicating nonverbally contradicts what we are verbally expressing....
When working with engaged couples, we discuss the importance of open communication regarding money matters. Often, couples don’t know the questions or topics they should be discussing before walking down the aisle. Below, our friends at the San Diego Family Mediation Center tackle six important questions each...
How to work towards taking responsibility, and reduce placing blame. There are three cardinal sins in relationships and blaming is one of them. When you blame someone, you take no responsibility for your part in it. That’s because when something goes wrong, there is usually so...
It’s our judging mind that separates us from feelings.Empathy is listening with your heart and feeling the emotions involved in communicating with your partner. It is imagining – and on some level, experiencing – the emotions that your partner is sending. It is the ability...
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...
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 of...
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...