In a Northwestern University study, those who believed that their partners encouraged their “ideal achievements” reported higher marital satisfaction – and it wasn’t just about helping him become a rock star or her a top doctor. When a partner felt supported even in daily obligations, he or she was significantly happier in their relationship.
posted on 11-07-11 at 7:00 am in Mindfulness : Relationships
The word “compassion” comes from the Latin word compati, which means “to suffer with”. Probably the best-known definition is that of the Dalai Lama who defined compassion as “a sensitivity to the suffering of self and others, with a deep commitment to try to relieve it. In other words, sensitive attention-awareness plus motivation. In the [Read More...]
tags: compassion 
Post a Comment {0}
posted on 10-10-11 at 7:20 am in Relationships
Men who slept better at night were more likely to feel positive about their relationship the following day, according to a recent study. And couples who reported the highest quality and hours of sleep per night also had the happiest unions. Sometimes this requires creativity. Nose strips not working on your sweet snorer? Try wearing ear plugs. [Read More...]
tags: Relationships Post a Comment {0}
posted on 09-09-11 at 7:16 am in Relationships
In a study of more than 100 American couples, those who reported “being in a rut” during their seventh year of marriage also showed low satisfaction in year sixteen. Those who were not bored in year seven were still going strong nine years later. Researchers said the couples who pursued exciting activities together were more [Read More...]
tags: Relationships Post a Comment {0}
posted on 08-23-11 at 7:35 am in Relationships
Couples who celebrated holiday traditions together were happier in their unions, a 2001 study reported. Researchers found that the shared emotional investment in the ritual made the couples feel a closer bond.
tags: Relationships Post a Comment {0}
posted on 06-06-11 at 7:16 am in Health : Relationships
Instead of waiting (and waiting0 for flashes of inspiration, schedule a weekly date to exercise your own creativity, whether it’s a sewing class, a craft night with friends, or just an hour to pursue a hobby. The goal isn’t to produce a work of art, but to let your mind expand in new ways and continue [Read More...]
tags: play Post a Comment {0}
posted on 02-28-11 at 7:06 am in Relationships
Asking good questions - of yourself and your partner - helps you uncover causes beneath causes. In a strong disagreement, do you really believe your partner is entitled to their opinion? Under duress, do you have the courage and tenacity to seek your partner’s reality and the courage to express your reality when the stakes are high? [Read More...]
tags: communication Post a Comment {0}
posted on 01-17-11 at 7:30 am in Relationships
When it comes to healthy relationships, sometimes the simplist measure produces the greatest good. Remembering to thank your partner helps remind you (both) of the pleasant qualites he or she possesses. In a study of cohabitating couples, on days that one partner expressed more gratitude, the other felt more satisfied with the relationship. Gratitude has a way of injecting our [Read More...]
tags: gratitude Post a Comment {0}
posted on 12-07-10 at 7:00 am in Relationships
A common yet unproductive pattern in couples therapy is making the focus be whatever problem happens to be on someone’s mind at the moment. This a reactive (and mostly ineffective) approach to working things through. The second unproductive pattern is showing up with each person saying, “I don’t know what to talk about, do you?” [Read More...]
tags: couples therapy Post a Comment {0}
posted on 08-17-10 at 7:34 am in Relationships
You can’t create a flourishing relationship by only fixing what’s wrong, but it’s a start. The best place to begin is to focus on changing yourself rather than your partner. Couples therapy works best if you have more goals for yourself than for your partner. Problems occur when reality departs sharply from our expectations, hopes, desires and [Read More...]
tags: communication Post a Comment {0}