This phrase often comes across as dismissive, passive, and reluctant. It can make the other person feel like their perspective isn’t worthy of real engagement or respect. It’s a way of brushing off their feelings or opinions without truly addressing them. Instead of shutting down the conversation with this phrase, try showing curiosity and a […]
Month: May 2025
Playful Together: Lightness. Laughter. Love. Lasting.
Playfulness isn’t just for kids—it’s a key ingredient in keeping a marriage lively, connected, and resilient. When couples laugh together, try new things, or share light, spontaneous moments, it strengthens their bond in quiet but powerful ways. Playfulness invites joy, eases tension, and helps partners feel seen and safe with one another. And the best […]
Ask for feedback. And actually listen.
Whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal growth, feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have. But only if we’re brave enough to ask for it—and open enough to hear it.Try this: Ask someone you trust:💬 “How am I doing?”💬 “Is there something I could be doing better?”💬 “Anything you wish I knew […]
Words to Use: “Help me understand your perspective.”
We’re two unique people—different upbringings, different wiring, different life experiences. So, of course, we’ll see things differently sometimes. You don’t need to bring the other person over to your side. First, seek to understand theirs. You might learn something new or expand your own thinking. At the very least, you’ll get to know them better. […]
How are you doing as a spouse?
🤔Do you really know how your spouse feels about how you show up in your marriage? Are you being an equal partner? Are you truly friends? Are you a real support? Do you talk openly about how you’re doing in the relationship — or do you avoid it because you’re afraid of hearing where you […]
Words to avoid: “It’s your issue. Not mine.”
It might technically be true — maybe what’s coming up isn’t really about you. Maybe it’s shaped by your partner’s past, a sensitive spot, or their current state of mind. But saying “That’s your issue, not mine” misses the point.It sends the message: “Whatever you’re feeling, it’s not my problem.” 🎯 Even if the origin […]
Self-Sabotage: The illusion of control
Self-sabotage doesn’t always look like dramatic failures or reckless choices. Sometimes, it’s more subtle—pulling away just when things are going well, procrastinating on something important, or convincing yourself that something won’t work out before it even has a chance. At its core, self-sabotage is often about one thing: control. Uncertainty can be uncomfortable, and when […]
Words to Use: “I can see how that came across wrong.”
So much of communication is about how our words are received, not just our intention.Even with the best intentions, our words don’t always land well or have the effect we hope. When our words don’t come across well, it’s important to own that, not shift the blame. It’s a way to stay present, stay open, […]
The importance of having hard conversations
Hard conversations are uncomfortable. But avoiding them only adds weight to unresolved issues. The more we push things under the rug, the heavier it gets and the harder it will be to clean up the mess. ✨ Why we avoid hard conversations:• Fear of conflict or judgment• Wanting to protect feelings (ours or theirs) But […]