One of the most important skills you can learn to better manage conflict is how to make a repair AFTER you’ve had a fight, big or little. I’ll tell you right now, just saying you’re sorry is not going to cut it. In fact, even if you do get off the hook by simply apologizing, […]
When Strong Emotions Derail You: How to manage
How do emotions get us into trouble? Some strong emotions are enjoyable, but some can knock us off balance. Becoming overwhelmed with emotions may lead to unhealthy reactions and misunderstandings, with the potential to get us into trouble at work, at home, or in social settings. Common expressions like ”he was blinded by emotion” or […]
The Very Real Grief of Miscarriage
Early in a wanted pregnancy, we become attached to the growing baby—imagining who this little creature will be, how we’ll nurture and protect it, and how life will change with our new family. So when we lose that baby, many of us feel unspeakable despair that’s comparable with many other types of trauma, including post-traumatic […]
What is ‘Micro-Cheating’? And Is It Really Cheating?
In a committed relationship, cheating comes in many forms. It can be as big as a long-term affair with one’s best friend. It can be as small as texting a co-worker. “Micro-cheating,” as it’s called, can include: Keeping an active dating profile Poring over an ex’s social media Dressing up for someone, not your partner […]
Using Softened Startup in Conflict Discussions
Dirty Dishes in the Sink, Smelly Socks on the Floor Sometimes the things that drive us most crazy in a marriage are the most mundane and trivial: dishes piled up in the sink, socks dropped on the floor. We may complain, criticize, and yell, but the end effect is that the dishes don’t get done, […]
