It is essential that we act in ways that are loving toward our partner. That’s a given. But, what happens when we try to be loving, and our efforts are rejected, or dismissed?
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Topics: Healthy Relationships, Happy Relationships, Appreciation and Gratitude, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Human Connection, Imago Relationships, Relationship Vision, Emotional Connection, couples workshop, Getting the Love you Want, Receiving Love
Nature is not the only place to notice rebirth and renewal. We associate the New Year with a fresh start and even a new birth. The new year is a time of expanding boundaries and openness, and since many people around us are equally excited so many things feel just right.
In nature, rebirth is most noticeable in spring. However, we can experience a rebirth in our relationships and a sense of personal identity at any time. We are ever-evolving in our approach to life and as we value changes (and especially as we increasingly value ourselves) our approach to existing and new relationships changes. A new identity and self-concept emerge and this is not static.
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Topics: Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Happy Relationships, Resolve Conflict, Marriage Issues, Healthy Communication, Imago Relationships, Relationship Vision, Emotional Connection
Do you and your partner have difficulties communicating? Do you have the same core fight over and over again? You know the one, it’s the dreaded topic that keeps coming back and never resolves!
Does it often feel as if you are each repeatedly working to ensure the other understands your point of view and your ‘way’ of doing things? Perhaps it appears that your partner is neither truly listening, nor appears to care?
If this pattern feels familiar, as it does for so many of us, it may be time to explore what keeps you in connection and what pulls you out of connection. While it seems overly simple to say better communication is vital in relationships, it’s true. And redefining communication as ‘going beneath the surface of what is being said’ can teach us how to change these dynamics in a lasting way.
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Topics: Healthy Relationships, Happy Relationships, Resolve Conflict, Appreciation and Gratitude, Eliminating Negativity, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Healthy Communication, Imago Relationships, Relationship Vision, Intentional Dialogue, Emotional Connection, Celebrate the Differences, Defense Mechanisms, couples workshop
Here's your Monthly Digest packed full of amazing Imago Relationship Blog posts and Relationship Tips.
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Topics: Managing Conflict, Family Culture, Healthy Relationships, Happy Relationships, Resolve Conflict, Marriage Issues, Emotional Safety, Appreciations, Appreciation and Gratitude, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Self Care, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Human Connection, Mental Health, Monthly Digest, Imago Relationships, Couples Quality Time, Relationship Vision, Emotional Connection, Empathy, Holiday Fun, Holiday Stress, couples workshop, Couples Retreat, Relationships in Recovery, Getting the Love you Want
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but let’s be honest: words hurt, too.
Even after years of a marriage where you and your partner are completely open and honest with each other, it’s still wise to set some boundaries and refrain from using words and phrases that may hurt your relationship.
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Topics: Healthy Relationships, Marriage Issues, Eliminating Negativity, Couples Therapy, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Imago Relationships, Relationship Vision, Intentional Dialogue, Emotional Connection, couples workshop
Here's your Monthly Digest packed full of amazing Imago Relationship Blog posts and Relationship Tips.
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Topics: Managing Conflict, Family Mission Statement, Family Culture, Healthy Relationships, Happy Relationships, Marriage Issues, Breaking Habits, Emotional Safety, Appreciations, Appreciation and Gratitude, Finding Love Again, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Self Care, Stress Relief, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Human Connection, Mental Health, Digital IQ, Monthly Digest, Imago Relationships, Couples Quality Time, Relationship Vision, Intentional Dialogue, Emotional Connection, Self Love, Defense Mechanisms, Divorce, Holiday Fun, Teenagers, couples workshop, family therapy
As an Imago Therapist, I often hear clients express their concerns about their partner's behaviors during moments of conflict. One partner might be fully bothered by the fact their partner seems to shut down, while another client might hate the fact their partner overreacts and takes things "the wrong way."
As one client recently summed it up, "The problem with my wife is, she’stoo defensive! I say one thing and she acts like I just about killed her." Interestingly, this man's wife saw the issue as her husband beginning to withdraw again. As she puts it, "He never wants to talk. If I tell him I want to have a conversation he gives me the "Am I in trouble?" look and seems to slink away."
What's truly bothering each person in this relationship, is the defense that their partner presents in a response to THEM!
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Topics: Managing Conflict, Happy Relationships, Marriage Issues, Emotional Safety, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Relationship Vision, Intentional Dialogue, Defense Mechanisms, couples workshop
Most of us get uncomfortable thinking about ending any long term partnership. It’s super scary to leave a comfortable relationship even if it’s not fulfilling, even if we become unhappy or close to miserable. We stay in what we know. We don’t want to hurt another person.
Plus, it’s hard to move furniture. And change your whole life.
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Topics: Sex Therapy, Managing Conflict, Marriage Issues, Decluttering Your Life, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Imago Relationships, Relationship Vision, Intentional Dialogue, couples workshop
Here's your Monthly Digest packed full of amazing Imago Relationship Blog posts and Relationship Tips.
Be sure to subscribe to both and share!
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Topics: Managing Conflict, Healthy Relationships, Happy Relationships, Marriage Issues, Breaking Habits, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Self Care, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Mental Health, Monthly Digest, Imago Relationships, Couples Quality Time, Relationship Vision, Emotional Connection, Self Love, Cheating, Divorce, Acts of Kindness, Gender Identity, Sexual Identity, Teen Sexuality, Breathing Techniques
Considering divorce? It’s understandable.
You've experienced relationship struggles, and it's become a frustrating place to live. Your partner is obviously capable of showing generous love to the dog or cat as you witness the affection you long for. You can't remember the last time your partner asked about you, your day or expressed any interest in any aspect of your life. It’s been years since you fell in love and now, at best you feel like you’re living with a roommate, and at worst, you’re “sleeping with the enemy”.
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Topics: Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Marriage Issues, Appreciation and Gratitude, Finding Love Again, Forgiveness, Relationship Therapy, Couples Therapy, Healthy Connection, Healthy Communication, Imago Relationships, Relationship Vision, Intentional Dialogue, Celebrate the Differences, Defense Mechanisms, Divorce, couples workshop, therapy