When Life (and Relationships) Aren’t What You Hoped (Part 3)

When Life (and Relationships) Aren’t What You Hoped (Part 3)

This is Part 3 of a three-part series on what to do when life or relationships aren’t what you wanted them to be. In part 1 and part 2 we outlined three important steps that can help us move from frustration and anguish to acceptance and appreciation. This week, we’ll apply those steps specifically to…

What a Unicorn Whale Can Teach Us About Marriage

What a Unicorn Whale Can Teach Us About Marriage

Simple Superpowers Series, Part 2: What “little things” make the biggest difference in our relationships? Researchers have identified actions that have an outsized impact for human flourishing. We call these the simple superpowers. Last week we looked at gratitude. Today’s Part 2 focuses on curiosity.  Conversation around my kitchen table can range from family life, to…

Solutions for Sarcasm? Yeah, Right. (Nix the Negativity Series, Part 3)

Solutions for Sarcasm? Yeah, Right. (Nix the Negativity Series, Part 3)

This is Part 3 of a three-part series to help us nix the negative patterns that may be damaging our relationships. Part 1 tackled suspicion, Part 2 examined grumbling, and Part 3 takes aim at solutions for sarcasm. One of my friends has a sign in her laundry room that says – in a very…

7 Steps to Keep Defensiveness from Ruining Our Relationships (Part 2)

7 Steps to Keep Defensiveness from Ruining Our Relationships (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of a two-part series on how to reduce defensiveness and have better mental health as well as more peace and productivity in your personal and professional relationships. As we explained last time, defensiveness is dangerous in marriage and relationships (friends, family, workplace, and so on). How do we interrupt the cycle…