What Can I Do On My Own to Improve My Relationship?

Group of couples attending a relationship summit for stronger connections.

Love

  1. Verbally narrate your emotions, not just irritation, so your partner has insight into your feelings.
  2. Eye contact is love. Curiosity without judgement is love.
  3. Remind each other of past happy memories and adventures. Take a break from the daily grind.
  4. Try to see yourself positively through your partner’s eyes. Avoid projecting on them if you are feeling bad about yourself.
  5. Be generous with loving. If you feel stingy, investigate why, don’t just dismiss or put yourself down.

Conflict

  1. Banish sarcastic, passive aggressive comments. Say what you mean.(If you can’t imagine this being feasible, a thorough relationship evaluation is in order).
  2. Use direct “I statements” with a generous interpretation: “I am sure you didn’t mean anything, but I got my feelings hurt about xyz. I just wanted you to know so it’s not swept under the rug. I don’t want to be passive aggressive.”
  3. Wrap it up with love and affection: “Thank you for listening. I really appreciate your time and respect.”
  4. Memorize Steps:
    • Identify feelings directly.
    • Interpret and discuss feelings with partner with generosity + respect.
    • Make up and move forward. Seal the deal.
    • Evaluate if either person still feels resentment, restart steps.
  5. Resolving conflict well increases sex-love-trust, so embrace the opportunity when confusions arise!

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Why Doesn’t My Partner Want To Go To Marriage Counseling?

As a marriage counselor, I have learned that one main reason that many people, particularly stoic types– male or female–are not a fan of therapy IS NOT because he/she doesn’t care about the relationship or their partner, IS NOT because he/she think they know everything, IS NOT because of money, rather, it’s because they fear it will lead to the end of the relationship.

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How & when can I convince someone I love (or myself) to go to therapy?

I am interested not just in what we talk about in the consulting room, but also getting people in there in the first place. I have seen the look of frustrated pain and concern on the face of many partners who “just wish their significant other would come to therapy.” It is really a simple remedy that can save people from a great deal of suffering.