The phrase dismisses the other person’s experience, potentially invalidating their feelings and perceptions of what happened. In fact, this can be gaslighting, a manipulation tactic used to make someone doubt their own memories or perception of reality. If indeed you have a different perception of the event, you can be curious about why the other […]
Words to Avoid: “What are you talking about, that never happened.” Read More »
This phrase helps clarify your feelings by acknowledging that your upset is tied to an unmet expectation. It invites a conversation about what you expected, helping the other person understand your perspective. It also signals a willingness to discuss and reflect on whether those expectations were realistic or not. 💬 “I’m upset because I expected
Words to Use: “I’m upset because I expected…” Read More »
This phrase can shut down a conversation before it even starts. It dismisses the importance of the topic and can make your partner feel like their concerns are invalid or unimportant. It’s a quick way to make the other person feel unheard, and that can lead to frustration and emotional distance. Instead of blocking the
Words to Avoid: “Why are we even talking about this?” Read More »
Devora Krasnianski speaks with Lisa Twerski, LCSW, about her newly released book, Me & You – What I Wish I Knew: A Marriage Manual for the Frum Community.
This interview offers an insightful and practical conversation about building and deepening the marriage relationship, with guidance relevant to couples at any stage.
Marriage Skills for Successful Marriage Read More »
At the heart of every lasting relationship is the ability to grow — individually and together. And growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It often happens through feedback — offered with love, received with openness. Real growth is sparked by reflection, courage, and connection. It happens when we are willing to hold up a mirror
The Gift of Feedback Read More »
Every marriage brings together two unique individuals—which means there will be differences. No matter how similar you are, there will always be gaps in personality, preferences, values, and approaches. That’s not a flaw in your relationship; it’s a feature of it. The goal isn’t to erase the differences, but to understand and work with them.
How to Live (and Love) with Your Differences Read More »
Asking for help doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human. And more than that, it creates space for connection, partnership, and mutual trust. You don’t have to carry everything on your own. Letting your spouse in—whether it’s for practical help or emotional support—can deepen the relationship and remind both of you that you’re
Supporting Each Other Read More »
Appreciation is one of the quiet superpowers of a strong relationship. A kind word, a thoughtful thank you, a moment of genuine praise—it doesn’t take much, but it can mean everything. It helps us feel seen. Valued. Connected. Encouraged. The more we notice and express the good in each other, the more we reinforce the
Appreciation Shared, Connection Strengthened Read More »
Words matter. The way we say things can either open doors or build walls in our relationships. This edition shares practical tips on words to use—and avoid—that reduce tension, invite understanding, and help conversations flow more smoothly. It offers fresh alternatives and reminders to keep connection alive. Be sure to revisit Better Words #1 for
These five words can shift the whole tone of a conversation. They show self-awareness. Accountability. And a willingness to repair.They tell your partner: I see how my actions—or inactions—affected you, and I’m not going to brush it off. 💬 “That wasn’t fair of me. I can see how that landed.”💬 “You’re right—I didn’t handle that
Words to Use: “That wasn’t fair of me.” Read More »
