Relationships

How many times in your relationship have you and your partner both uttered the words “I didn’t mean that?” Chances are that you both have used that phrase quite a lot in the aftermath of arguments. However, some of the things said in the heat of the moment may be detrimental to fighting fairly.When arguing … Continue reading "4 Things Not to Say when Arguing"

Control can be a difficult subject to understand. In part, that’s because we use the word in so many ways. When we say that someone is controlling, the word has a negative connotation. But the same is true when we say that someone is out of control.So, what is control? Is there good control as … Continue reading "Control Issues"

You promised (or assumed) you would be together forever. But now your relationship is broken, your partner feels like your enemy and you’re on the path to breakup. You’re not alone: about half of marriages end in divorce and the numbers are even higher for couples who live together.But knowing that other relationships have failed … Continue reading "Breaking Up"

Sharing emotions means being able to use “I feel” statements – for example, “I feel angry,” “I feel sad,” “I feel confused.” It’s important not to add the word “that” to our “I feel” statements – “I feel that…” – which changes the statement from an expression of emotion to an intellectual explanation.To share emotions … Continue reading "Emotional Availability"

Emotions are a normal and essential part of the human condition. Our emotions can range over a wide spectrum, just a few of which are joy, sadness, empathy, depression, happiness, anxiety, stress, and the list is endless. Western medicine is coming to the realization that our emotions often play an integral role in the wellness … Continue reading "Emotions and Illness"

Successful communication within a relationship goes beyond just saying what’s on our mind. Implied within those very words – communication, relationship – is the notion of something that is shared between two individuals. The more we practice the skills of communication, the better we get, and the better our relationships get. Here are a few … Continue reading "Communicating for Change"