Talk about your spouse’s wonderful character or good work to others. Tell them how much you appreciate your spouse. Firstly, your spouse will look good in front of those other people. And, it keeps you in a positive frame of mind about your spouse and your relationship. This strengthens your experience of your relationship. Your […]
Say nice things about your spouse behind their back. Read More »
When you say words of affirmation in your relationship, you are strengthening communication and intimacy between you and your partner. You are showing them that you notice and appreciate them. When your partner feels appreciated, they are likely to experience a deeper satisfaction with themselves and with the relationship. Everyone appreciates words of affirmation – even if
Words of affirmation deepen your relationship. Read More »
“If only [something was different in life], I’d be happy.” That is a defeatist, negative attitude. In reality, our circumstances and even genes are less consequential than our attitude. And that is good news. Because unlike our circumstances or our genes—over which we have little or no control—we can control our attitude. Attitude is a
Words to Avoid: “If only…” Read More »
Dr. Binyamin Tepfer talks about how pornography addiction can impact a marriage. Covering: “Should I get married or begin dating with an addiction?” “Should I get into a relationship with someone who has or had an addiction?” How to talk about a porn or sex addiction during dating. What type of help is appropriate.
‘Internet Use’ & Marriage Read More »
A double standard is a rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people. In a marriage, double standards may show up as one expecting their needs to be met without meeting the needs of the spouse. Sometimes this is done without even realizing it (albeit, sometimes it is intentional). Do you expect
Are there double standards in your marriage? Read More »
Saying “no” to certain things will allow you to say “yes” to those things you know are worth your time. And when you have been consistently kind to yourself, you are better able to be kind to others. There will be times when you will need to say “no” to someone out of kindness to
You can say no and still be nice. Read More »
Some people are just nicer and more generous than others. Where do you fit on that spectrum? Did you ever think about why you are the way you are?—Compassionate people treat others with gentleness and respect. Even when the other person may not seem to deserve that. Compassionate people give generously and graciously, with no
It’s nicer to be nice. Read More »
All of us want to be seen, heard and understood. We especially want this from our spouses. We want our partners to be interested in and to care about what’s happening inside our hearts. This is a basic human need. With real curiosity and humility, seek to really understand your spouse. “I want to understand
Words to Use: “I want to understand you.” Read More »
Live life. Experience the joy that life is. Celebrate the small moments in life. Celebrate achievements.Join in the celebration of others.Get involved in the community.Or a hobby.Or a great conversation over coffee.Go on a date with your spouse.Try new things.Do things that are interesting and important to you. Often.—Pull yourself out of the daily grind.
Don’t only do life, live life. Read More »
There is a real distinction between merely hearing the words and really listening for the message. Unlike ‘hearing’ what the speaker is saying, listening requires our full concentration which involves using all of our senses on what exactly is being said. The words they are saying are not telling the whole story. When you tune
Listen beyond the words. Listen for emotion. Read More »
