Difficult conversations can lead to anxiety, among many other things. We’ve all been there, though. Loud voices. Accusing words. Cold shoulders. Heated discussions. These are just a few signs of relationships and conversations that are on the verge of explosion. How we deal with these tough moments, in our actions and our language, is important ...
Whether you are married or single, listening may be the greatest contribution you can bring to your relationships. Listening strengthens relationships and demonstrates attentiveness, caring and respect. Listening is more than just hearing, however. To truly listen, you must give your undivided attention and put your own agenda and needs aside. For many women, being ...
It’s gotten to be common knowledge that marriage ends in divorce almost half the time in this country. While marriage is good for a couples’ mental and physical health, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Because guess what? Every marriage is a work in progress. Wise couples realize that occasional relationship remodeling is necessary to ...
What are the essential qualities of a great relationship? Communication and conflict resolution skills are certainly at the top of the list. But there are other skills and simple secrets to keep your relationship healthy and thriving. Below are six to consider: Share secrets The best relationships involve friends who are open and honest with ...
All couples face hardships. In fact, most relationships don't work out. Don't be another statistic. Try these relationship tools instead. ...
Centerstone will hold the first Centerstone Spotlight Series event of 2019 on Jan. 29 at its second floor Great Room at 2615 Edwards St., Alton, from 5-7:00 p.m. The topic of the event will be “Working Through Your Grief.” ...
As Valentine’s Day nears, the internet buzzes with playfully captioned pictures (or “memes”) inspiring us toward “Relationship Goals.” But beyond those fun photos of mature couples who still push each other in shopping carts or wear matching Star Wars t-shirts, there must lie deeper efforts to uphold long term commitments. Marriage and family therapists at ...
You can tell if a relationship is toxic when spending time with someone drags you down, belittles you or makes you feel hurt, angry, and miserable. Some people think of a “toxic relationship” as the most dangerous kind of relationship – one that only involves abuse or addictions. These are, in fact, harmful characteristics of ...
Jealousy is a powerful and painful emotion. It is one of the most negative emotions and can end almost any relationship. If left untreated it can create a permanent wedge between you and your partner, while negatively affecting future relationships. Jealousy basically arises from insecurity within oneself and not trusting your partner. Envy and jealousy ...
Are your moods unpredictable, uncontrollable or consistently disproportionate to a situation? You may be experiencing excessive emotional distress due to unmanaged moods. The many challenges of today’s society seem to provoke mood swings for many people, which can debilitate relationships, careers and even physical health. Mood swings are characterized by a drastic change in emotion ...
Athletes. Politicians. Actors. Many celebrities are making headlines these days, but not necessarily for their professional achievements. Instead, it seems like the rich and famous are becoming infamous for their marital mishaps. We read the headlines, hear the television reports and even gush about it with our girlfriends. “I can’t believe he cheated on his ...
It’s back to school time for the kids, but what about a task for the adults? How about a back to basics relationship check up? If you are ready to put your marriage or relationship to the test, then you are ready for the Four Questions Relationship Challenge. The instructions are simple. There are four ...
From how to load the dishwasher to what to do on vacation, many couples are in constant conflict about how to handle their differences. Some couples put far too much energy into holding on to preconceived expectations of how the relationship “should” be, and less effort and energy into productive negotiations to resolve differences. Learning ...
What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. The abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, or include threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, ...
Life can be difficult and uncertain, especially when faced with the prospect of change. Although change is often the key that will positively alter the path of our lives, we shy away from it for fear of leaving behind our comfort zones and entering into the unknown. This fear robs us of our freedom to ...
Is it possible to have a satisfying relationship that promotes the esteem and delight of both partners? Relationships that thrive and endure hard times are not successful simply because there is love between the couple. Some relationships can provide great fun, yet be very dysfunctional. Some relationships seem to work like thriving businesses, yet are ...
Money and marriage can be a dicey combination. Research shows that money is the most common source of conflict between couples. So, it is no surprise that financial pressure can disable dreams, wreck relationships and cripple communication between couples. However, good communication can improve relationships and increase intimacy, trust and support. The converse is also ...
Many people have relationships that have dissolved due to past differences. Perhaps you had a misunderstanding with your sister or feuded with your parents. Maybe you simply let a friendship slip away. Sometimes a bitter dispute from the past can keep loved ones from reconciling. However, with some effort, you can begin to resolve conflicts ...
Based on the national bestseller and the extraordinary final lecture by Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch, given after he discovered he had pancreatic cancer, the book The Last Lecture is an inspiration to anyone who wants to live each day with purpose and joy. Here are five life lessons that will help you view ...
Roses. Kisses. Candlelight dinners. Valentine’s Day is here, and romance is in the air. But is Valentine’s Day only about giving flowers, candy and cards? Definitely not! Romance does not have to be complicated (or expensive). Simply doing special things for the one you care about most can add sparkle and spice. The way you ...
Relationships that thrive are not void of conflict, change and numerous challenges. Relationship success is a daily and conscious effort. Relationships require work! But the rewards are an abundance of joy, happiness, enhanced personal growth and even improved health. It takes more than just love or even commitment to successfully navigate any relationship. Partners that ...
