The Early Stage of Most Relationships
Many relationships begin with lots of laughter, romantic dinners, unexpected gifts, and a great deal of passion. If the relationship deepens, the couple may notice that their feeling of affection and sexuality become more intense as they become focused on each other. They may cherish the idea that their lover adores them all of the…
Read MoreValentine’s Gift: Replace Criticisms with Requests
In addition to expressing your love and appreciation to your special Valentine, a great gift all year long is to kindly communicate your disappointments by requesting what you want from your partner rather than by being harshly critical and demanding. Rather than saying “I can’t stand it when you don’t let me know you’re going…
Read MoreMaking and Achieving Resolutions for 2019
Did you make a New Year’s resolution? If so, how are you doing? Although about 50% of Americans make resolutions, many of these resolutions are not completed. The beginning of each year is a great time to make resolutions. These goals can help focus attention and provide direction to help you achieve what you want. …
Read MoreEnriching your Marriage through the Holidays
Unfortunately, Holidays can be stressful for individuals as well as couples. The added tension may lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration rather than joy and happiness. In a marriage, either of you may have unattainable expectations. You may dread the extra tasks and/or the financial burden that comes with the season. One of…
Read MoreGratitude
The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to express appreciation to those we care about. But feeling appreciative doesn’t have to end on November 23rd. It can become a daily practice. William Arthur Ward wrote: “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” Researchers have…
Read MoreFive Warning Signs That You Need Marriage Counseling
Have you thought that you may need marriage counseling? On their wedding day, most couples expect to “Live Happily Ever After” simply because they love each other. However, within a short time after the Honeymoon is over, most couples notice that their love has dwindled. They are confused about what has happened. They feel disillusioned…
Read MoreBalancing Independence and Connection in Relationships
Healthy committed relationships have a balance between being appropriately autonomous at times and having significant connections at other times. In one extreme, some people may be so extremely independent and self-sufficient that they barely interact with each other. This often happens when individuals significantly focus on their careers, their children, a hobby, and/or maintaining their…
Read MoreVenture Out of Your Comfort Zone
Many people choose to live most of their lives only in their “Comfort Zone.” Their lives are dictated by routine and familiar activities. Some folks rarely take any risks. Others may not go exploring because they fear they may not like the adventure and/or that they will get lost. Other people may avoid learning a…
Read MoreLimit Your Intake of Caffeine
Caffeine effects how you feel mentally and emotionally – both positively and negatively. Most people drink it to feel more alert (because it is a stimulant). However, caffeine might also cause you to feel jittery and anxious. If you suffer from chronic pain, the caffeine may increase your experience of pain. Although caffeine might lessen…
Read MoreStop “Trying”
Sam asked Alice, “Would you please get your medical receipts together so I can finish the taxes?” Alice said, “I’ll try to get to it this weekend.” By the next week, Sam noticed Alice hadn’t gotten the receipts to him. When he asked her about it, Alice said, “But I did try. I just didn’t…
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