We’ve all been there. Your partner loads the dishwasher in a way that makes your eye twitch. Your coworker submits a report riddled with errors. Your friend shows up late to your lunch date again. Minor annoyances, but they grate on you. You know you need to say something, but you dread it. So you… Read More »The compliment sandwhich for better feedback in relationships
Want a stronger, closer relationship with your partner? The secret lies in how you respond to their bids for emotional connection. What is a bid? Bids are the small ways we reach out to our partner throughout the day, seeking attention, affection, or acknowledgement. It’s any small expression that says, “I want to connect with… Read More »Responding to your partner’s bids
Sharing a bed, fighting over covers, waking up to snoring – it’s long been seen as an unavoidable part of committed relationships. But more couples are realizing that a good night’s sleep and a good partnership don’t have to be at odds. Sleeping separately doesn’t signal the end of intimacy, it marks the beginning of… Read More »Sleep divorce: How sleeping separately could save your marriage
We all want relationships that can go the distance. But when bills, kids, and busy schedules conspire against us, how do we stop our connection from crumbling under the pressure? Enter the 2-2-2 rule – a beautifully simple way for couples to put each other first. No, it’s not about rigid date night quotas or… Read More »The 2-2-2 rule: Your secret to a thriving long-term relationship
Creating love that lasts While communication, shared values and commitment play important roles in creating enduring love in a romantic relationship, research reveals a surprising key to long-lasting romance. In a meta-survey (2005) analyzing 470 studies on compatibility, Marcel Zentner, PhD, from the University of Geneva, found that there are no common character qualities that… Read More »Practice Positive Partner Perception
Truly listening to others has become a rare and valuable skill. Many of us fall into the trap of letting our minds wander during conversations, missing out on important information and failing to make genuine connections. By learning to listen actively and intentionally, we can transform our relationships and become more effective communicators. The key… Read More »The Assist-to-Steal ratio in conversations
Emotional intelligence is the secret sauce that allows us to navigate complex emotions, build meaningful connections, and thrive personally and professionally. While some might believe that emotional intelligence is an innate gift, the truth is that it can be cultivated and strengthened through the power of language. When used consistently and authentically, certain phrases can… Read More »8 phrases to show empathy and strengthen your relationships
A simple yet powerful framework can help us navigate conversations with greater skill and care. By applying the 4-Way Test to our interactions, we can cultivate more meaningful connections, build trust, and achieve better outcomes in both personal and professional spheres. The 4-Way Test, originally developed by Herbert J. Taylor to guide ethical decision-making in… Read More »The 4-way test for better communication
One simple technique in public speaking can significantly impact your ability to captivate and engage your audience: the purposeful pause. By strategically incorporating well-timed moments of silence into your speech, you can eliminate the overuse of filler words like “um,” “ah,” and “you know,” which often creep into our language when we’re feeling nervous or… Read More »How to get rid of your um’s and ah’s
It’s all too easy for family memories to fade into the background. But what if I told you that by simply sharing stories during mealtimes, you could help safeguard your children’s mental health for years to come? Research indicates that teens from families who frequently reminisce about their shared experiences are less likely to face… Read More »Share your family memories
