“Can't we all just get along?” You've heard that phrase numerous times in the movies, in the news—maybe in your own home. This month we're talking about the “C-word”, and I don't mean commitment. Some regard Communication the most important dynamic in marriage. Good communication can enhance intimacy and perpetuate good will and positive feelings. It can minimize conflict, bring [...]
Have you ever wondered why some couples just seem to get along better than others? There are a variety of reasons why this happens and no two couples are exactly alike, but Dr. Gottman has found that Healthy Couples have a few things in common—Healthy Habits—that keep their relationship on-track. Its been said that when you get married you should [...]
Last month we looked at some myths about marriage and what really makes a marriage work. This month we continue our series on Dr. John Gottman's classic book about marriage relationships, "The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work" and examine six signs that you may be having trouble in your marriage. When predicting if a couple will divorce, or stay [...]
Last month we looked at 6 signs that you may have trouble in your marriage. This month we continue our series on Dr. John Gottman's classic book about marriage relationships, "The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work" and look at his first principle for making marriage work. How well do you know your spouse? Whether you've meen married 6 months [...]
Just in case anyone noticed, we skipped our August newsletter last month. It's been a little crazy in our house lately. We had one daughter get married and another have her first baby—which makes us first-time grandparents! With all the craziness that goes with those events, we decided to take a month off and relax. Now that we're rested and [...]
Back in September we looked at how fueling your fondness and admiration for each other was one of the most cricial elements in a rewarding and long-lasting romance. This month, we will examine Dr. Gottman's 3rd Principle for making your marriage work. If you view Hollywood's formula for romance as the standard and have consistently fallen far short, I have [...]
How important do you think it is to allow yourself to be influenced by your spouse? Men, is being a strong spiritual leader to your family mean that you have all the answers and that you don't need any help from your wife? Women, are you receptive to your husbands suggestions, or do you think he is as inept as [...]
This month's post is part two of a three part series discussing how to cope with typical problems. [divider] Last month we looked at the typical problems of Stress and In-Laws. Maybe these aren't problems for you. Maybe you were saying to yourself, "I don't really have any issues with these things". If that was true for you, then maybe [...]
Marriages only thrive as each spouse accepts responsibility for the impact of their own disappointments, fears and priorities on the relationship. by Dr. Harold L. Arnold, Jr. Jim and Irene sat at opposite ends of my couch, as far apart as possible. The tension between them so charged the room that I knew we were in for a rough ride [...]
Recently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held its annual awards ceremony, The Academy Awards, to honor achievements in the movie industry. Invariably, the performances that are most respected and awarded are dramatic roles—the more dramatic, the better. This year was no exception. While drama may be rewarded in the movie industry, it doesn't yield the same results [...]
