he bottom line of relationships comes down to ensuring that your partner knows that they matter to you.  In the beginning of a relationship, this is almost automatic as the newness and heightened joy exist and you want to keep that going.  You initiate spending time together, talking, holding hands or cuddling, buying gifts, telling them how wonderful they are, and doing things for them. 

You often hear that communication in any relationship is key.  There are many resources out there on how to communicate along with some topics to help get you started.  There are even apps for your tablets and smartphones that are solely geared to conversation starters. 

I often hear phrases like that from clients. I hear this from people who have been in short-term relationships as well as long-term ones. The reasons are as varied as the personalities of the individuals in the relationships. However, there is one common thread that runs through them all: One person starts to like something new, and their partner does share that same joy.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Marriage is not easy. Sometimes new ideas can enhance our life. Here are a few tips on how to create a peaceful marriage. Feel free to add to this list because every marriage is unique!

We often have trouble communicating in relationships regardless of the type of relationship.  This is more so in a couple’s environment as there are always competing priorities or values.  One of the major enhancements to a relationship, especially in marriage, is to have emotional dialogues with each other.

“Conflict in relationships is normal, so how do I know if marriage counseling might help us?”  You may feel like marriage counseling seems too drastic for the need you’re currently managing.  Maybe you’ve only known people to pursue marriage counseling when they’re “really in trouble” and that’s not you!  You guys are doing okay, but […]

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Difficulty owning your own reality is a crucial symptom to address in the pursuit to overcome codependent-linked thoughts, beliefs, and actions. “Codependents often report that they don’t know who they are.” – Pia Mellody Author and speaker, Pia Mellody, maps out several eye-opening insights in her book Facing Codependence: What it is, Where it comes […]