Healthy relationships (friendships or marriages) encounter conflict at one time or another. Learning to deal with conflict in a healthy way is paramount to keeping the relationship strong. Sometimes one person makes the prize of victory the ultimate goal when difficulties arise. Winning at the expense of the relationship is … Read More
Having trouble speaking “teen”?
Many parents want a better relationship with their teens but navigating the “push-pull” of teen years can be challenging. The teen years are all about young adults figuring out who they want to be in this world. Parents often start to feel the “push” when teens are attempting to separate … Read More
Angry birds…er…people
Angry birds are one thing, but what about angry people? When you hear the word anger do you have a positive or negative image? Anger is such a powerful emotion that it tends to get mostly negative attention. (Usually from impulsive actions that take place when one is angry.) The … Read More
Yes…I mean No…
Within the realm of friendship, saying no can be difficult. Sometimes there are unspoken rules with friends and we find ourselves saying yes when we would really prefer to say no. Perhaps we are replicating dynamics of relationships with family members where the pattern of pleasing others carries itself over … Read More
Need help saying no?
**This is part 2 in our series on Boundaries…. Do you struggle with saying no? You are not alone. Clients often share how difficult it is saying no to family members. Sometimes the clash becomes cyclical as parents struggle with saying no to children and adult children struggle with … Read More
Interacting or Connecting?
We find ourselves constantly involved in people’s lives. Whether we’re working with them or whether they’re our family, we are continuously interacting with others. What makes the difference of merely interacting or truly connecting with someone? It begins with interest in them. So often, we encounter individuals in our associations … Read More
The Great Atlanta, iPhone Social Experiment!
Sometimes finding the first words to say when you see someone you might connect with is difficult. Perhaps a friend has to remind you to smile, uncross your arms, or even loosen your neck-tie a little or nudge you to utter the word “hello”; these things come naturally to some, … Read More
A great communicator…
What does it take to be an effective communicator? It takes the ability to listen. By listening, we learn to understand others. If we want them to know us and care about what we think and feel, it’s important to be willing to give the same courtesy. Do you ever … Read More
The Perfect Resume
Whenever a friend, client, or family member asks me to look at their resume, the phrase, “I want it to be perfect” always appears in their plea for help. The is just a little problem; there is no PERFECT resume. This troubling fact is what keeps at least 3 “evolving” … Read More
Communication in Relationship
What is communication in relationship? It’s the ability to discuss freely, without the fear of retribution or intimidation, one’s thoughts and feelings. By allowing each party to openly share and be vulnerable, dialogue can progress to a more intimate level. As this occurs, trust and safety are achieved which provide … Read More
