Be OK with disagreements. Disagreements are essentially differences of opinions, perspectives or values. And they are inevitable; we all see things differently from others from time to time. When we encounter such differences, we can use them to get to know each other better. Good, healthy disagreement leads to eye-opening discussions, growth, and potentially more […]
How to disagree respectfully & productively. – Part 1/5 Read More »
When you are listening to someone, that’s all you should be doing. Listening. Focusing. Not multi-tasking. Listen with patience. Don’t interrupt or finish their sentences. While they are speaking, listen to understand, not planning how to respond. Show that you listened and are trying to understand. Paraphrase what the person has said, rather than offering
Listening is the most powerful tool in relationships – Part 5/5 Read More »
Sometimes we might think, “I can’t listen to this. I’m outta here.” Often, that is a time that we really should be listening and tuning in. It may be that whatever is being shared may be uncomfortable to hear, it may be that we might have to make a change. And we don’t want to
Listening is the most powerful tool in relationships – Part 4/5 Read More »
Sometimes they just want to vent, sometimes they want your insight and solutions. Listen in the way they want to be listened to. Don’t share possible solutions when all they want is a listening ear. If they don’t directly tell you what they want from the conversation, ask.💬“Do you want comfort or solutions?”💬“Do you want
Listening is the most powerful tool in relationships – Part 3/5 Read More »
People may say they want to be listened to, but it’s really that they want to be understood. But too often, they are not fully saying what is going on for them – especially when they are under duress. Their behavior and their words may be masking the real reason for their distress, what they
Listening is the most powerful tool in relationships – Part 2/5 Read More »
If we want to have a deep relationship with others, we have to listen to all the little things they want to share – even if they may seem trivial to us. How their day went, who they saw, something they heard. If they know that we listen to them about those things, when something
Listening is the most powerful tool in relationships – Part 1/5 Read More »
For some people, sharing positive emotions takes vulnerability and courage too. Sometimes, we are uncomfortable expressing gratitude, appreciation or compliments because we’re not sure how to go about doing so. We struggle for the right words to express our feelings. We are concerned about how our words or actions will be received. And then somehow
Vulnerability strengths your relationships – Part 5/5 Read More »
For some people, sharing positive emotions takes vulnerability and courage too. Sometimes, we are uncomfortable expressing gratitude, appreciation or compliments because we’re not sure how to go about doing so. We struggle for the right words to express our feelings. We are concerned about how our words or actions will be received. And then somehow
Vulnerability strengths your relationships – Part 4/5 Read More »
Give yourself permission to lean on your partner. Of course, we are perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves, but one of the nice things about being married is that we don’t have to shoulder life all on our own. We can let our spouse take care of us once in a while. We don’t
Vulnerability strengths your relationships – Part 3/5 Read More »
Vulnerability makes us human. A “Superman” or “Wonder Woman” persona can be alienating in relationships. It puts a wall between us and other people – making us seem untouchable and unrelatable. Vulnerability is crucial for intimacy. When we pull down our guard and allow our spouse in, we let them see our human and imperfect
Vulnerability strengths your relationships – Part 2/5 Read More »
