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 »
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 »
Hope is the belief that there will be a brighter future. Hope makes things possible. Good things are always possible. Why choose to believe that the worst will happen when a good result is also possible? Choose hope. The opposite of hope is despair:Despair is the belief that things cannot and will not get better,
With hope, anything is possible. Read More »
Developing common interests and hobbies strengthens the idea that you and your spouse are a team. When you share a passion for the same interests, it can bond you together. When you both enjoy doing something, and you do it together – you end up spending time together. And it is pleasant and happy time
Common interests strengthen your bond. Read More »
Naysaying is devaluing or rejecting a suggestion without evaluating it fairly. “Nice try, nice idea but it’s never going to work.” “No way.” “Here we go again.” Sometimes it is more subtle and can be innocent questions, reminders of unforeseen impediments, and doubts. Naysaying holds back positive changes. And, it negatively impacts relationships. Nobody likes
Is naysaying slowing you down? Read More »
Of course, you are perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, but one of the nice things about being married is that you don’t have to shoulder life all on your own. Let your spouse take care of you once in a while. You don’t have to do it alone. Your spouse wants what is
Give yourself permission to lean on your partner. Read More »
You don’t have to do it all to have it all. Get the support and help you need. Even if it means you have to ask for it directly. It may feel like strength to be able to do everything ourselves. We may even get a momentary high feeling like we’ve proven something or shown
If you need help, just ask. Read More »
