Because trust is a cornerstone element, it’s important to evaluate and know where you stand with your partner with regard to trust and to intentionally work to strengthen trust.
Keeping It Honest
Have you ever felt the need to keep something from a partner to prevent them from feeling hurt or disappointed? There are times in many relationships when it seems like not hurting the other’s feelings is more important than being honest. However, as is often seen with couples, this isn’t really the best policy.
Goals for Relationships
Relationships so often go malnourished due to everyday stressors. Here are some relationship goals for you & your partner to consider.
Making Amends
How hard should one try to make up after an argument or disagreement? What might be helpful is allowing for time to heal the wound.
The Zebra
Do you ever find yourself with that sinking feeling when you have to address a topic for the 17th time with your partner?
Focus on the Home Team
Couples can actually learn a few valuable tricks from their favorite teams. According to marriage researcher, John Gottman, PhD., happy couples have a few things in common: They have friendship and admiration, they have each other’s back, they handle conflict well, and they have a sense of “we-ness”. With these characteristics, they form a pretty strong team that can handle life’s toughest challenges.
Fighting Fair
All healthy relationships encounter conflict. Learning to deal with conflict in a healthy way is paramount to keeping relationships strong.
For The Moments When Life Disappoints
Life is definitely not fair. This is a well-known fact. You probably heard an adult tell you this when you were a kid. Things very often do not turn out the way we planned or hoped. Often times, we must develop an alternate plan or goals for ourselves.
Do you want to be right or do you want to be married?
A common problem with married couples that become stuck in escalating conflicts is that they are unable to hear each other in the moment.
A Lesson In The Art Of Apologizing
Apologizing effectively in relationships is an art form. When we apologize poorly, it can create barriers that keep us from making repairs.