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…
Author: Ricki
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…
Boundaries Part One: The Emotional Affair
Who establishes what is acceptable and unacceptable when interacting with a person of the opposite sex that is not your partner? Are there unspoken boundaries that people follow or do you just walk as close to the line as you can without getting scolded? The reality is that boundaries get crossed and affairs happen, but…
Conflict Resolution: 7 Ways to Fight Above the Belt
Have you ever noticed that every professional fighting sport such as boxing or MMA has guidelines? These rules and regulations are put in place to keep the fight fair and safe. A few examples include not biting, kicking between the legs, gauging of eyes, etc. Obviously, conflict with your spouse is not physical but there…
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What it Means to Me
What is respect to you? What does it mean to have respect in a relationship? Can you gain it? Can you lose it? And if you do lose it, can it be regained? To respect a person means “to hold them in esteem or honor”. It also means “to show regard or consideration for and…