Articles » Communication
Relationship Tip-Create Closeness with Small Repairs
We all know what it feels like when you have something you need to talk about with your partner. You can’t help chewing on it while you’re driving or trying to fall asleep. You try to tell yourself it’s no big deal, but the hurt lingers and makes you feel annoyed or distant.
But it’s not …
Posted on November 30, 2010 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
What If Your Marriage Problem Isn’t Stubbornness After All?
“We’re stubborn. We butt heads,” said Jan. “We’re both used to doing things our way, and the more the other pushes, the more we dig in our heels.”
A lot of couples bring me this problem in their first marriage counseling appointment. Maybe you can relate.
Bill was sitting on my couch, one puzzled man. Jan was …
Posted on September 22, 2010 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
Can Great Listening Save a Marriage?
The first thing most people say when they sit down in my marriage counseling office is: “My husband (or wife) doesn’t listen to me!” Many a relationship problem starts here. After all, if you don’t feel listened to, then it’s …
Posted on August 21, 2010 Filed Under Communication | 2 Comments
Relationship Communication Secret — No Ghost Stories Allowed
Did you know half your relationship communication problems are products of your imagination? It’s true! Under stress, your brain actually invents stories about how your partner’s up to no good. In our family, we call them “ghost stories.” You can end arguments with your partner …
Posted on August 8, 2010 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
No Time For Love?
As the counseling session wrapped up, Sandy asked if we could schedule our next appointment for two weeks out instead of one. That way they would have more time to do their ‘homework’ and practice the communication skills they were learning.
“Yeah,” said …
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
The High Price of Keeping Quiet
Karen and Jim came to me for marriage counseling because Karen had mentioned the word “divorce.”
“I don’t understand how we got to this point,” said Jim. “We were always the golden couple. Everyone envied our relationship. Our friends came to us with their …
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
Time for a Dream Update?
“My wife and I need to learn to communicate,” said Tom. That’s what most people say when they call to schedule a marriage counseling appointment. And usually they’re right.
Three weeks later, I told Tom and Karla: “Communication is a problem, but it’s …
Posted on August 3, 2009 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
Got a Minute? Improve Your Relationship.
Janet and Nate were on the verge of divorce when they first came to see me. Four months later, they were feeling closer to each other than they ever had before. What turned their marriage around? According to Janet and Nate, the most …
Posted on August 2, 2009 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
Unpack Your Emotional Baggage
Last week at a party, a woman I was chatting with said that she thought people give up on marriage too easily. Even if the marriage can’t be saved, people need to dig deeper to understand their problems, she said. Otherwise, we …
Posted on August 2, 2009 Filed Under Communication | 2 Comments
Are You Listening?
You’ve probably heard it said that listening is the most difficult of all communication skills. There must be something to this, because not being listened to is the number one relationship problem people complain about.
I think one reason listening can be tough is …
Posted on August 2, 2009 Filed Under Communication | Leave a Comment
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