Divide the responsibilities and mental load for a happier marriage Are you tired of feeling like the sole manager of your household, carrying the weight of endless to-do lists and mental checklists? You’re not alone. Many couples struggle with an imbalance in the “mental load” – the invisible work of planning, organizing, and executing family… Read More »The family project manager spreadsheet
It’s all too easy to lose sight of the qualities that drew you to your partner in the first place. The little quirks that once charmed you may now grate on your nerves, and the gestures of love and support you once treasured may fade into familiarity. Shifting your focus back to appreciation, you can… Read More »Make a “What I love about my partner” list
A simple exercise to strengthen your relationship bond Relationships are complex shared experiences, mutual understanding and inevitable conflicts. While disagreements are a natural part of any intimate partnership, how couples navigate these choppy waters can make all the difference in the strength and longevity of their connection. Recent research published in the journal Personal Relationships… Read More »Reflect on your relationship conflicts
Conversational receptiveness is a communication approach that involves using specific words, phrases, and techniques to demonstrate engagement with and understanding of the other person’s perspective during a conversation, particularly in situations of disagreement or conflict. It aims to create a more open, respectful, and productive dialogue by focusing on listening, acknowledging the other person’s viewpoint,… Read More »The HEAR technique for better communication and solving conflicts
When someone shares their problems or struggles with you, offering advice or solutions is tempting. However, sometimes, they need simple affirmation—a recognition and validation of their experiences and emotions. Using the affirmation hack, you can create a supportive environment that allows the person to feel heard and understood. Imagine your friend confides in you about… Read More »Affirmation: Validating Experiences and Strengthening Connections
When conversing with others, especially when discussing problems or differing opinions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to prove your point. However, this approach can lead to a breakdown in communication and understanding. Instead, try using the pleasing, not proving hack, which focuses on discovering and appreciating the other person’s perspective. Imagine… Read More »Pleasing, Not Proving: Fostering Understanding and Connection
When someone shares a personal problem or concern with you, you must show that you’re actively engaged in the conversation. One effective way to do this is through gentle inquiry, which involves asking open-ended questions that encourage the speaker to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply. Imagine your friend confides in you about a… Read More »The Gentle Inquiry: Encouraging Deeper Communication and Understanding
When someone comes to you with a problem, it’s natural to want to jump in and offer solutions. After all, we want to help those we care about. However, sometimes, the best way to support someone is by simply listening and empathizing with their situation rather than trying to solve their problems for them. Imagine… Read More »Supportive listening: Empower others to find their own solution
Imagine a simple trick to keep your marriage strong and happy. This isn’t a fantasy, but a reality discovered by Dr. Gottman and Robert Levenson in the 1970s. It’s called the 5:1 relationship hack, a simple yet powerful ratio that can transform your relationship. Dr. John Gottman and Robert Levenson discovered a fascinating pattern in… Read More »The 5:1 relationship hack by Dr. Gottman
Listening is the most important communication skill, and yet the most neglected. We all think we’re good listeners, but we’re not. We’re too busy, distracted, self-absorbed, or bored to pay attention to what others are saying. And that’s a big problem because listening is the key to connecting with other people. Ralph G. Nichols famously… Read More »Tell me more
