D is for Defensiveness Defensiveness is a wicked game. But it’s winnable.

1 year ago

The bride of my youth is delighted that I’m writing about defensiveness. She’s been chuckling under her breath at me…

Resolve to Forgive Yourself in 2025

1 year ago

We all know that forgiveness is good for the soul. It frees us from the bitterness and anger that accompany…

Don’t Hit the Wall This Holiday Season

1 year ago

It’s the holiday season and while that's often a happy thing, it's also a stressful time. There's so much to…

Types of Criticism: Expressing Concern or Complaint without Harm Learn how to identify the first of the four horsemen

1 year ago

The "Four Horsemen" of relationship communication, identified by psychologist John Gottman, are patterns that can lead to conflict and disconnection.…

Don’t Be Rude, Dude

1 year ago

So, you’re at the ballgame. You’re jostling popcorn and a couple of fully-loaded hot dogs that you’re passing to your…

How To Handle Holidays, Family and Communications

1 year ago

Holidays often bring joy and celebration, but they can also come with challenges, particularly around family dynamics and communication. Here…

Develop Your Emotional Intelligence Skills

1 year ago

I have a friend whose father, in a fit of disdain, said to her, “You’re so emotional.” It was not…

Be Your Own Advocate

1 year ago

Stand up for yourself. We all know people who do not need this advice. They are more than capable of…

The Criticism Defensiveness Cycle

1 year ago

One of the most common of the Four Horsemen is criticism. The Four Horsemen are what Dr. John Gottman calls the dynamics…

Why Turning Against Your Partner’s Bids Is So Harmful

1 year ago

When two people have been in a committed relationship for a long time, a certain sense of familiarity develops.  If…