ConnectEd Pairs

”When conflict begins with hostility, defensive, sequences, result”
John Gottman

As I’m sitting at a cross country meet, waiting for my grandson to run, I am reminded of relationships. Why? Because these kids are willing to run the distance on a 91 degree day. They are dedicated to their sport. In relationships, we need to remain dedicated to making our relationships work. We need to put forth the effort if we want to run the distance too.

“ The most functional way to regulate difficult emotions in love relationships is to share them”
Sue Johnson

Maybe your same old fight is what Dr. John Gottman refers to as a perpetual problem and you can "agree to disagree agreeably."

The Same Old Fight - Prepare/Enrich It’s common for couples to fight about the same thing throughout their marriage. Will it strain your relationship or bring you closer?

This is an uplifting story of one man reaching out to another man and learning he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and now on his road to recovery.

Watch Sunday Morning: A former football star's backpack becomes a lifeline - Full show on CBS In Austin, Texas, recent Indiana University graduate Jasper Steinmetz approached a man sporting something familiar: an IU backpack. The man turned out to be Sampson James, a former Indiana University football star who had fallen on hard times, following a knee injury and a diagnosis of bipolar disor...

“Our partners don’t always have to think like we do. That’s what makes life interesting- it would be boring to be married to yourself. In fact, that’s called being single”
John Gottman

What is the most important trait in a partner for you? Is it complete honesty? Is it compassion? Is it a good communicator? Is it a good parent or potential parent? These are all important to a healthy relationship. When you begin a relationship, make sure that person meets your expectations in a partner. Don’t settle for someone who might hurt you down the line. You deserve to have that healthy relationship you desire!

“Your job is to know what matters to your partner and how to make him or her feel safe and secure”
Stan Tatkin

Are you in the habit of being distracted while your partner is talking?

How Half-Listening Undermines Your Marriage - Prepare/Enrich Half-listening if often not intentional, but over time it can take a toll on your communication - and your marriage a whole.

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