Last week we looked at the Gottman Institute study that demonstrated a connection between day to day partnering and increased levels of sexual intimacy. Over time, the study determined, that the sexual connection was sustained when the wife felt respected and understood. And these two components are communicated by accepting influence from one another and…
DetailsIn this final installment of discussing sex, I want to encourage you with a brief look at how to better crawl into connection with your spouse. While that may seem strangely phrased to you, I am wanting you to picture getting into a place of safety. Perhaps as a child you had a favorite tree…
DetailsOk – now that I have your attention, let me acknowledge that when many of you see or hear the topic of sex broached in a discussion, a plethora of feelings may wash over you. For some it may involve thoughts of connection and intimacy – for others, an ongoing battleground. While I doubt that…
DetailsWhat do you enjoy doing? It might be hiking, watching football, sipping tea, or flower gardening. We all have interests of some kind, with some being quite unique. One of my sons is a veterinary technician. When he first began school to pursue that career field, I think that he figured he would enjoy working…
DetailsMy thoughts today are going to be geared for the most part to those of you who are single? While you may be dating or even in a relationship, you have not yet decided to “settle down,” “tie the knot,” or “allow yourself to be caught.” Many in this situation figure that they should use…
DetailsI recently read a story about a couple in Oregon who were traveling back home from an out of town trip. They were using their GPS as they navigated an unfamiliar route. Nearing a small town, their GPS instructed them to turn off onto a little used forest road. This was a result of their…
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For many step-parents, the answer to this question would be a resounding “No!” I have heard comments such as, “I was such great friends with his kids before we got married. I don’t know what happened.” Or “My partner and I had discussed this issue prior to marriage and thought we had a handle on…
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Over recent months I have occasionally written about some of the dangers of too much technology use and its impact on everything from our brain to our relationships. Today I want to borrow and adapt some insightful suggestions from brain expert Dr. Daniel Amen regarding steps we can take to increase our healthiness in these…
DetailsI remember a story from a number of years ago, that a friend related regarding his parents. He said that when he was growing up, his “normal” was different from that of many of his school friends. He related that his parents kissed in the kitchen every morning, his dad brought his mom flowers once…
DetailsIn our last Relationships Tip Tuesday I discussed the seemingly epidemic growth of loneliness among individuals – both single and married. As promised, I want to take today to suggest a four strategies that we can use to fight back against loneliness. Talk to strangers. You may be in line at the grocery store or…
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