There is a common dynamic between couples in conflict. One person feels disconnected or forgotten and the other feels like they need a break or want to escape. What is not obvious when we are in this dynamic with our partner, is that our actions and emotions (or lack of emotions) affect our partner and cause [...]
Photo credit Gabrielle Bremer of Daily Dot When we first start dating someone we really like, we will do anything to keep them close to us. We even reveal vulnerable parts of our inner selves. This kind of emotional engagement along with the prolonged eye gazing and gentle caresses of new relationships, makes us [...]
I did it. I had my first personal therapy session this week. I've done marriage counseling. I've done group therapy with my writing friends. But prior to this, I've never done therapy just for me. I thought I could heal myself or get support from friends, family or a partner. Yes, the personal and relationship coach, [...]
So much of parenting is giving — time, attention, patience, food, guidance, love — incoming emotional sustenance is indispensable for balance. ...Parents need each other for support and replenishment. — Thomas Lewis, MD, Fari Amini, MD, Richard Lannon, MD, A General Theory of Love So much of our emotional well-being depends on the amount of reassurance and [...]
Last week I wrote about gaining the trust of our children. This week I'm focusing on earning the trust of our partner. There are similarities between the two but as adults we have had more relationships shape us over the years, thus our brains are chock full of ingrained patterns and expectations. We also view our [...]
My children are all teenagers now. It's safe to say, our relationships with each other greatly affect the way we live and feel from day-to-day. There are challenges within our relationships. There are days when security and harmony are absent in our home. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to improve our interactions [...]
