Christmas and new years are a time when families get together. It is seen as a time of joy and giving. People connect and spend time with their loved ones and have an expectationof what the holidays should look like for them. It may come as a surprise that Christmas is one of the most depressing…
Three is a Crowd
This week we are continuing with the theme of communication. If past attempts at solving conflict have failed, couples often turn to a third party rather then their spouse when new conflicts arise. When we are really hurt, offended or irritated we often go to our best friend, parent, etc. to vent, but in fact…
Communication Breakdown: The Negative Cycles of Passivity
When you are unable to communicate effectively in your relationship, things will continually get swept under the rug. That is until a massive divide forms between you and your partner. When people do not have the skills to communicate their needs, wants and desires they start to use other means to get the outcome that…
The Three Styles of Communication
Last week I touched very briefly on the three different styles of communication. It is imperative that you know and understand how you communicate in order to communicate effectively with your partner. Therefore, I am going to give you a more in-depth breakdown of the three different styles as we start on a new theme…
Must Haves for Dating: 4 Points for Comparison
So you’ve been getting to know someone for quite some time now and you’re looking for signs that they are interested in you. They frequently text you throughout the day just to see how you are doing. You constantly check your phone anticipating the next conversation or time you might get together. It’s becoming obvious…
To Date or Not to Date?
Last week we discussed the five stages a friendship moves through as it progresses into a relationship. This week I would like to take that knowledge and apply it to the decision to date or remain as friends. When determining whether to enter into a relationship, there are several things to consider. I will highlight…
The Five Stages of Friendship
I work a lot with adolescents and young adults and often encounter the topic of dating. Many people begin dating someone shortly after the initial meeting or being introduced to them. They blindly follow their emotions and their desire to be loved instead of giving it some thought. One very simple but practical exercise I…
Two is Better Than One
Is there such a thing as loving someone too much? We have all seen movies that depict a crazy obsessive girlfriend that latches on to a relationship for dear life or where the nerd stalks the most attractive and popular girl in school, just wishing he could have a chance with her. There are some…
7 Ways to Make Love Intentional
We have previously discussed that every relationship hits a stage where you have to CHOOSE to love your partner. That the effortless “in love” feeling tends to dwindle away and that we are left with a choice—to love! or not to love. My hope is that you would see the value of putting forth effort…
Boundaries Part Two: The Physical Affair
Last week we discussed the emotional affair and what boundaries to maintain in order to prevent one from happening. This week we are going to discuss the more infamous type of affair – the physical affair. This type of affair can completely destroy trust and even tear apart marriage. It consists of any type of…