Stronger at the Broken Places

How challenges can strengthen your relationship

Beware the 3 Relationship Poisons

In the Buddhist tradition, there is an image known as the "wheel of samsara"—a symbol of the cycle of conditions that go round and round and round.

Don’t Wave the Big Guns Around

Sometimes in an argument, when one partner feels they are losing, in desperation they get out the big guns and start waiving them in the air.

All the Best Lovers Are Gracious Receivers

When we are conscious of how we give and receive, then everything that is shared feels like a gift.

A Giver and a Taker

She was a kind-hearted, optimistic, caring, and sensitive person...

Is Faster Really Better?

Many people live out their lives as though more is good, and faster is better. If they ever recover from being a rush-a-holic, life becomes much sweeter.

The Hidden Cost of People Pleasing

The danger in being excessively nice is that you run the risk of being inauthentic, dishonest, and covert, as well as feeling resentful.

Authenticity and More Ways To Grow It Part 2

We all have beliefs that keep us from knowing who we really are. To live a life of authenticity requires knowing ourselves well and the courage to make choices...

Radical Authenticity

It’s in the nature of every human being to be self-trusting.

Misplaced Tolerance and Respecting Differences

We are attracted to another who is quite different from us. Some deep, wise natural knowing draws us to someone who is strong and developed in ways we are not.

The Cost of a Lie

The cost of a lie is far greater than any advantage you gain from speaking it...

When She Makes a Lot More Money

When Arielle was home with their two young daughters and Jerry was the sole provider for the family, he felt secure in his position as husband.

Fear of Intimacy

Intimacy involves a high degree of vulnerability. Any time that we are challenged to drop our defenses, we are likely to feel some degree of apprehension.

In Service to Each Other

Consider this story of devotion about a couple that takes time and effort to show how much they cherish each other...

We Are All Members of the Scar Clan

We are all members of the scar clan. Mature love is hard won, because in every close relationship, there is inevitably some pain and loss.

Are You Settling for the Consolation Prize?

“Don't settle! Go after what you really want..."

Having the Courage to Desire

The foundation of vision is desire.

From Fear to Fearlessness

Fearlessness is not an absence of fear; it is being committed to something bigger than the fear...

Guidelines for a Productive Conversation about Sex

Most couples do not talk enough about their sexual relationship and when they do, their conversations can feel uncomfortable or threatening.

Foreplay, Play, Orgasm, and Post-Orgasm

The act of lovemaking can be a great way to shift from a focus on the destination to one on the journey.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Vows

Vows are the cornerstones of the foundation of a committed partnership and taking vows is a practice that defines the context, expectations, and values of that relationship.

Intentional Intimacy

Intimacy requires a conscious intention to make space in our busy lives for the experience...

Transparency of Feelings

Part of the process of being authentic with our partner is to feel the feelings and to be transparent, allowing them to see our inner experience.

Moving Beyond Either/Or Thinking

Most of us have been brought up to think in either/or terms.

Self-Talk

Researchers claim that our happiness is made up of 50% genetics, 10% the circumstances of our lives, and 40% our beliefs and attitudes.

The Gift of Service

When the love that a couple enjoys is robust and full, it demands a wider arena for expression...

From Protection to Connection

Belle was an appreciative wife, praising Dutch’s work on their house, but she experienced a growing sense of frustration because they weren’t connecting.