The Secret of Relationship Success

Have you ever noticed when a couple is celebrating a milestone anniversary like their 50th, they get asked what is the secret to a long, successful relationship?  We all want to know what is the silver bullet to being happy in our relationships.  I’m here to break the news that there is no “secret.”  The key to a successful, long…

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is a time of renewal, regrowth and hope.  After a long winter of cold, gray days, we look forward to the warmer temperatures and signs of spring on tress and in flowers.  Often it is a time to clean and de-clutter our houses.  It can also be a time to clean and de-clutter ourselves and our relationships. Relationships are…

We-ness or Me-ness

When it comes to relationships, it is important to think of yourself as being on a team.  The word relationship means “the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected” (Oxford Languages).  So being on a team means there is another person we need to figure into our world.  When…

Being Thankful

During the Thanksgiving season, there is a lot of talk about being thankful and grateful for what we have.  I agree this is a good thing to do.  I would add that it is important to have an attitude of gratitude all year long.  What we tend to give in relationships, we tend to get back. One of the 7…

Couple Friends: What Are They and Why We Should Have Them

Friendships start from our earliest ages and we are constantly meeting and making new friends throughout life.  It is good for both you and your partner to have individual friends.  But, what about couple friends?  Yes, it is important to also have this third set of friends who are also a couple.  Having this peer support can make navigating your…

What Are Friends For?

Friendship is important in intimacy because friendship, if you think about it, is the building block of our lives. We get to know people and become good friends with someone, whether it’s in a romantic relationship or even a platonic friendship, by establishing a sense of intimacy. You might wonder how do we build that emotional intimacy? When you meet…

Happy New Year Resolution

As the new year begins, people traditionally set new year’s resolutions for themselves.  Sadly, most of us give up on our resolutions within the first month or two.  Don’t be one of the statistics!  Be smart! Set a goal that is small and attainable Have a buddy hold you accountable If you fall short, restart from where you are Often…

Chicken Little vs. Dr. Spock

Imagine Chicken Little and Dr. Spock running into one another while walking down the street.  Chicken Little would be running circles around Spock crying “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”  Spock would look at Chicken Little puzzled and reply in his Vulcan manner, “Chicken Little, it is not scientifically possible for the sky to fall.”  He would then…

dealing with stress and anxiety

Managing Anxiety

With the Coronavirus has come a lot of fear and worry.  The news is full of stories in the US and throughout the world about the havoc it is causing.  In Ohio, like other states, we have been ordered to stay at home, at least until the beginning of April.  No school, no work outside the home, no play dates…

I Believe

I believe I am a good person.  I believe I am a bad person. I believe I am smart.  I believe I am dumb.  I believe I am pretty.  I believe I am ugly.  What do you believe about yourself, and why it matters.   Have you ever slowed yourself down long enough to really pay attention to how you…