It can be super tough to hear your partner out during a difficult conversation without cutting in, but it’s worth it. Let your partner get their points across without interrupting. You might have to bite your tongue, but just listening instead of arguing can help you both get on the same page. When your spouse […]
Listen well to your partner’s point of view. Read More »
Chaos happens. Spills happen. And once they have happened, they have already happened. Yes, there’s a mess and maybe even broken glass. But there’s no use crying or screaming about the spilled popcorn or crushed hamantashen. You can just clean it up and move on. Or even laugh. When we make mistakes, adding insult or
Mess? Chaos? Laugh first, then deal. Read More »
It’s important to resist the urge to jump straight into solving the issue until you fully understand the problem at hand. Take the time to listen to your partner until they have stated the whole problem. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to find a solution that truly addresses the issue and meets both
Are you solving the real problem? Read More »
“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” – Ronald Reagan In a healthy marriage, each focuses on doing good things for the other and the relationship without worrying about getting credit for it. Don’t keep score of who does more or who
Focus on connection, not competition. Read More »
When we take our spouse into account, we are being mindful of their needs and desires. When we make an effort to understand our partner’s perspectives and work to meet their needs, we create a relationship where they feel valued, heard, and appreciated. On the other hand, when we don’t take our spouse into account,
The ripple effect of considering your spouse. Read More »
In challenging conversations, it can be difficult for someone to articulate their thoughts and feelings clearly. Therefore, it’s helpful to give your spouse some leeway to express themselves, even if they may not do so perfectly at first. Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that when we are feeling upset or defensive, we may not be
Avoid jumping to conclusions, seek clarity. Read More »
Most people need some personal space or ‘me-time’ sometimes. Some people need that space more than others. It doesn’t necessarily reflect on the relationship. They need the space and time to reflect, recharge, to refuel. Respect your partner’s need for privacy and don’t take it personally if they want to be alone for a while.
Allow your spouse some ‘me time’. Read More »
If we have a problem with our spouse’s behavior, it’s our problem. Even if what they are doing (or not doing) leads to unfavorable outcomes, it is still our problem. It is when we recognize that the problems we have with others are, in fact, our problems, that we stop trying to change them and
Don’t like your spouse’s behavior? It’s your problem. Read More »
There are those decisions we made, the choices we took, and things we did or didn’t do that got us to where we are today. Sometimes, there are some regrets. Regret is different from disappointment. With disappointment, there is no agency, you feel that you can’t do anything. On the other hand, regret can propel
Regret makes us feel worse, but it makes us do better. Read More »
We live the lives we’re willing to tolerate. (NOTE: this is not at all saying that we are responsible for everything that happens to us, such as abuse.) If we are willing to tolerate negative or unsatisfying circumstances, we may find ourselves living a life that is less fulfilling or enjoyable. So many of us
We live the lives we are willing to tolerate. Read More »
