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How to Encourage Your Spouse to Work on Your Marriage

Marriage is a partnership that requires ongoing effort from both parties. However, one spouse may sometimes be reluctant to put in the work needed to improve or maintain the relationship. Whether you’re a husband or wife facing this challenge, there are strategies you can employ to encourage your partner to invest in your marriage.

Understanding Resistance

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why a spouse might resist working on the marriage. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes that resistance often stems from:

  1. Fear of change
  2. Feeling overwhelmed
  3. Past failures in addressing issues
  4. Lack of hope for improvement

Recognizing these underlying factors can help you approach the situation with empathy and patience.

Strategies for Encouraging Participation

1. Lead by Example

Dr. Sue Johnson, developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy, emphasizes the power of modeling desired behavior. Start by working on yourself and demonstrating the positive changes you want to see in your relationship.

Example: Sarah noticed her husband Tom was distant and uninterested in date nights. Instead of pushing him, she focused on her personal growth and started planning enjoyable activities. Tom became curious about her positive attitude and began showing interest in joining her.

2. Improve Communication

Clear, non-confrontational communication is critical. Dr. Gary Chapman, author of “The 5 Love Languages,” suggests:

  • Using “I” statements to express your feelings
  • Avoiding blame and criticism
  • Actively listening to your partner’s concerns

Example: Instead of saying, “You never want to talk about our problems,” try, “I feel disconnected when we don’t discuss our relationship. Can we set aside some time to talk?”

3. Create a Safe Environment

Dr. Harriet Lerner, author of “The Dance of Connection,” stresses the importance of creating a safe space for vulnerability. This means:

  • Avoiding judgment
  • Showing appreciation for small efforts
  • Being patient with the process

Example: When Mike finally opened up about his insecurities in the marriage, his wife Lisa thanked him for his honesty and reassured him of her commitment to working things out together.

4. Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, an outside perspective can make a significant difference. Dr. John Gottman recommends couples therapy as a way to:

  • Gain new insights into your relationship
  • Learn effective communication tools
  • Address deep-seated issues

Example: After months of tension, Maria suggested couples counseling to her reluctant husband, Carlos. She framed it as a way to improve their communication skills rather than “fixing” their marriage, which helped Carlos feel more open to the idea.

5. Focus on Positive Reinforcement

Dr. Shelly Gable’s research on active-constructive responding shows the power of positive reinforcement. Celebrate small wins and improvements in your relationship.

Example: When David started helping more around the house, his wife Emma expressed her appreciation and enthusiastically encouraged him to continue his efforts.

Dealing with Continued Resistance

If your spouse remains resistant despite your efforts, it’s essential to:

  1. Set boundaries for yourself
  2. Continue self-improvement
  3. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist
  4. Consider your long-term options and personal well-being

Remember, you can’t force someone to change, but you can create an environment that encourages growth and connection.

Encouraging a reluctant spouse to work on your marriage requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. By focusing on your growth, improving communication, and creating a safe environment for vulnerability, you increase the chances of your partner joining you to strengthen your relationship. Remember that every marriage is unique; what works for one couple may not work for another. Be willing to adapt your approach and seek professional help when needed.

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Listen Up: Strengthening Your Relationship Without Words

In a world where communication often revolves around spoken words, many couples overlook the power of non-verbal communication. Listening without words can deepen emotional connections and enhance understanding between partners. Here’s how couples can practice this enriching skill.

The Power of Non-Verbal Communication

“Listening is an art. It requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, and others over self” states Dean Jackson, an expert on human communication. This quote encapsulates the essence of listening without words. By focusing on non-verbal cues, couples can convey empathy, compassion, and understanding without uttering a single word.

How to Practice Listening Without Words

1. Set the Scene

Choose a quiet time and place where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off the TV, put away your phones, and create a comfortable environment. This sets the stage for meaningful interaction.

2. Take Turns

Decide who will be the speaker and who will be the listener first. Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the speaker can talk about anything they wish, whether it’s their day, feelings, or thoughts.

3. Non-Verbal Engagement

While the speaker shares, the listener must focus on non-verbal communication. This includes nodding, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using gentle touches like holding hands. The goal is to show support and understanding without interrupting or responding verbally.

4. Reflect and Share

When the timer goes off, take a moment to reflect on the experience. How did it feel to communicate without words? What emotions arose? After discussing these feelings, switch roles and repeat the exercise.

5. Discuss the Experience

After both partners have had a turn, engage in a discussion about what each person felt during the exercise. This reflection can lead to deeper insights about each other’s emotional states and needs.

Benefits of Listening Without Words

Engaging in this practice can yield numerous benefits:

  • Enhanced Emotional Connection: Non-verbal cues often express emotions more powerfully than words. By focusing on these cues, partners can foster a deeper emotional bond.
  • Improved Understanding: Listening without words encourages partners to pay closer attention to each other’s feelings and reactions, leading to better understanding and empathy.
  • Reduced Miscommunication: Non-verbal communication can help clarify intentions and feelings, reducing the chances of misunderstandings that often arise from verbal exchanges.

Quotes to Inspire

As you embark on this journey of non-verbal listening, keep in mind these inspiring words:

  • “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker
  • “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus

Listening without words is a powerful tool for couples looking to enhance their relationship. By practicing this skill, partners can create a safe space for emotional expression, deepen their connection, and foster a more profound understanding of each other. So, take a moment to listen without words – your relationship will thank you!

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Relationship Superpowers: Mastering Relational Skills for Couples”

Relational skills are essential tools that help couples navigate their relationship more effectively, fostering deeper understanding, improved communication, and stronger emotional bonds. Here’s an in-depth look at how couples can develop and utilize these skills to enhance their partnership:

Understanding Relational Skills

Relational skills encompass a range of abilities that allow partners to interact more positively and constructively. These skills include:

  • Active listening
  • Empathy and validation
  • Effective communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional regulation
  • Vulnerability and trust-building

Key Relational Skills for Couples

1. Active Listening

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what your partner is saying, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. It’s about being present and engaged during communication[1].

How to practice:

  • Maintain eye contact
  • Avoid interrupting
  • Provide verbal and non-verbal cues of attention
  • Summarize or paraphrase to ensure understanding

2. Empathy and Validation

Empathy involves understanding and sharing your partner’s feelings, while validation acknowledges the legitimacy of those feelings.

How to practice:

  • Put yourself in your partner’s shoes
  • Acknowledge their emotions without judgment
  • Use phrases like “I can understand why you feel that way”

3. Effective Communication

Clear, honest, and respectful communication is crucial for a healthy relationship.

How to practice:

  • Use “I” statements to express feelings
  • Be specific about needs and concerns
  • Choose the right time and place for important discussions
  • Practice non-violent communication techniques

4. Conflict Resolution

Healthy conflict resolution involves addressing issues constructively without damaging the relationship.

How to practice:

  • Focus on the issue, not the person
  • Look for win-win solutions
  • Take breaks if emotions run high
  • Use “time-outs” when necessary

5. Emotional Regulation

Managing one’s own emotions is crucial for maintaining a balanced relationship.

How to practice:

  • Recognize and name your emotions
  • Use calming techniques like deep breathing
  • Take responsibility for your feelings
  • Avoid blame and criticism

6. Vulnerability and Trust-Building

Opening up to your partner and building trust are fundamental for deepening intimacy.

How to practice:

  • Share fears and insecurities
  • Be reliable and consistent
  • Respect boundaries
  • Express gratitude and appreciation regularly

Implementing Relational Skills

  1. Practice regularly: Like any skill, relational abilities improve with consistent practice.
  2. Seek feedback: Ask your partner how you’re doing and where you can improve.
  3. Be patient: Change takes time, and both partners may progress at different rates.
  4. Attend workshops or therapy: Professional guidance can accelerate skill development[1].
  5. Create a safe space: Establish an environment where both partners feel comfortable being vulnerable.

Benefits of Strong Relational Skills

Couples who develop strong relational skills often experience:

  • Improved communication and understanding
  • Reduced conflict and faster resolution of issues
  • Increased emotional intimacy and connection
  • Greater relationship satisfaction
  • Enhanced problem-solving abilities
  • Stronger resilience in facing challenges together

Developing relational skills is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort from both partners. By consistently practicing these skills, couples can create a more fulfilling, resilient, and harmonious relationship. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection, and every small improvement can lead to significant positive changes in your partnership.

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12 Effective Strategies for Rebuilding Trust in Relationships

Trust is the bedrock of any healthy relationship but can be fragile and easily damaged. Couples may find their trust eroding for various reasons, ranging from major betrayals like infidelity to more subtle issues such as repeated broken promises, lack of emotional support, or poor communication. Financial dishonesty, addiction problems, constant criticism, and neglecting the relationship can also contribute to a breakdown of trust. Sometimes, unresolved past traumas or personal insecurities can manifest as jealousy or possessiveness, further straining the bond between partners.

When trust is broken, rebuilding can seem daunting, but it’s far from impossible. Couples in this challenging situation can take heart in knowing there are effective strategies to repair their relationship and restore trust. By employing a combination of open communication, commitment to change, and willingness to forgive, partners can begin the journey of healing. The following twelve tools offer a comprehensive approach to relationship repair, addressing various aspects of trust-building and emotional reconnection. When applied consistently and with genuine effort from both parties, these strategies can help couples navigate the difficult terrain of rebuilding trust and emerge with a stronger, more resilient relationship.

Here are some key strategies that can help a couple rebuild trust after past trauma:

  1. Open and honest communication: Encourage the couple to express their feelings and concerns openly, practice active listening, and use “I” statements to avoid blame[1][5].
  2. Make a commitment: Both partners must fully commit to doing the work involved in healing and rebuilding trust[4].
  3. Take responsibility: The partner who broke trust must accept full responsibility for their actions without making excuses or blaming the other person[2][4].
  4. Provide transparency: The partner who broke trust should offer reassurance by being transparent about their whereabouts, activities, and communications[2].
  5. Set aside time to discuss the issue: Establish a specific time (15-20 minutes daily) to discuss the betrayal, allowing both partners to prepare for productive discussions[4].
  6. Practice forgiveness: The hurt partner should work on forgiving, understanding that forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning the behavior[5].
  7. Focus on rebuilding safety: Make rebuilding a sense of safety in the relationship the primary goal[4].
  8. Avoid dwelling on the past: Once the issue has been fully discussed, avoid bringing it up in future arguments[5].
  9. Seek professional help: Consider couples therapy or individual counseling to work through personal issues and learn effective communication skills[4].
  10. Develop attunement skills: Practice turning towards each other, sharing vulnerabilities, and fostering emotional closeness[3].
  11. Accept repair attempts: Be open to sincere apologies and efforts to make amends[4].
  12. Be patient: Understand that rebuilding trust takes time and requires consistent effort from both partners[1].

By implementing these strategies and committing to the process, couples can work towards rebuilding trust and creating a stronger, more resilient relationship after past trauma.

Citations:
[1] https://www.verywellmind.com/rebuild-trust-in-your-marriage-2300999
[2] https://www.gottman.com/blog/reviving-trust-after-an-affair/
[3] https://lanaisaacson.com/how-to-build-rebuild-trust-and-heal-from-betrayal/
[4] https://www.choosingtherapy.com/how-to-rebuild-trust/
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-rebuild-trust

Take a free course on rebuilding relationships at FamilyHealer.tv. Contact Ron today if you want to schedule an online session for one-on-one healing skills; go to RonHuxley.com to set up a time and day…

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When “THEY” Won’t Change! What do I do?

When dealing with people who refuse to change, it’s important to accept that you cannot force them to change, but you can control your own reactions and boundaries. Here are some suggestions based on the search results:

Focus on what you can control. You cannot change others, only yourself. Recognize that their resistance to change is not about you, but their own fears, habits or mindset. Ask yourself if this is truly your problem to solve or theirs.[3]

Communicate clearly and compassionately. Express how their behavior impacts you using “I” statements, without criticism or judgment.[1][4] Listen to understand their perspective. Brainstorm solutions together if they are open to it.[4]

Set boundaries. If their behavior is unacceptable, calmly explain your boundaries and the consequences if they continue, such as limiting contact.[1][4] Follow through consistently.

Give them space. Avoid nagging, passive aggression or controlling language.[1] Pressuring someone often backfires. Allow them time and space to consider change at their own pace.[4]

Focus on your relationship. Compliment positive traits, spend quality time together, and look for areas you both can grow.[1] A strong bond can sometimes motivate change more than criticism.

Know when to disengage. If they remain unwilling to change hurtful patterns after you’ve communicated needs and boundaries, you may need to accept them as they are or re-evaluate the relationship.[3][5]

Prioritize your wellbeing. Don’t sacrifice your own mental health trying to change someone unwilling. Seek support, set firm boundaries, and detach with love if needed.[5][1]

The key is balancing compassion for their journey with prioritizing your own peace of mind. Change is an inside job – you can inspire but not force it upon others.[3][5]

Citations:
[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Loved-Ones-Who-Refuse-to-Change
[2] https://hbr.org/2001/11/the-real-reason-people-wont-change
[3] https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2018/04/stop-trying-to-change-people-who-dont-want-to-change
[4] https://www.verywellmind.com/when-your-spouse-doesnt-want-change-2302197
[5] https://tinybuddha.com/blog/what-to-do-when-people-dont-want-to-change/

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Reconciliation in Families: Why It Is Important, What It Is, and What It Is Not!

Family, the cornerstone of our lives, is a haven where love, support, and understanding ideally flourish. However, just like any relationship, familial bonds can encounter strife, conflicts, and misunderstandings that can strain these connections. In these moments, the concept of reconciliation emerges as a powerful force, offering a path toward healing and restoring harmony within family dynamics. Let’s delve into what reconciliation truly means in the context of family relationships, what it doesn’t entail, and why its presence is profoundly important.

What Reconciliation Is:

1. Healing and Understanding: Reconciliation within families involves acknowledging past hurts and grievances, fostering empathy, and striving to comprehend each other’s perspectives. It’s a process that opens the door to healing wounds and rebuilding trust.

2. Communication and Empathy: It’s about engaging in open, honest conversations, actively listening, and empathizing with each other’s feelings, creating space for understanding and empathy to flourish.

3. Forgiveness and Moving Forward: Reconciliation isn’t just about saying sorry; it’s about genuinely understanding the impact of actions, seeking forgiveness, and committing to positive change, allowing for growth and progress within relationships.

4. Building Stronger Bonds: Through reconciliation, families have an opportunity to emerge stronger. It’s an avenue to deepen connections, reinforce values, and fortify the foundation upon which family unity rests.

5. Respecting Differences: It’s about acknowledging and respecting each member’s individuality and differences, fostering an environment where diverse opinions are valued and accepted.

What Reconciliation Isn’t:

1. Ignoring Issues: It’s not about sweeping problems under the rug. Reconciliation involves addressing underlying issues rather than ignoring or avoiding them, even if uncomfortable.

2. Assigning Blame: It’s not a blame game. Rather than focusing on who’s at fault, reconciliation aims to find solutions and mend relationships, shifting the focus towards resolution and growth.

3. Instantaneous Fix: Reconciliation isn’t a quick-fix solution. It’s a gradual process that requires patience, commitment, and continuous effort from all involved parties.

4. Erasing the Past: It doesn’t erase the history of conflicts. Instead, it acknowledges past grievances while working towards a future that is not dictated by them.

5. One-Sided Effort: Successful reconciliation requires mutual effort and willingness from all family members. It cannot be solely the responsibility of one party.

The Importance of Reconciliation in Family Relationships:

1. Nurturing Emotional Well-being: Reconciliation contributes significantly to the emotional health of family members. It creates an environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and supported.

2. Strengthening Family Bonds: It reinforces the sense of belonging and togetherness within the family unit, fostering stronger connections that withstand challenges.

3. Teaching Valuable Lessons: Through the process of reconciliation, family members learn empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of communication, serving as crucial life lessons.

4. Promoting Growth and Understanding: It encourages personal growth and understanding of differing perspectives, promoting a more tolerant and compassionate family dynamic.

5. Securing a Positive Future: Reconciliation paves the way for a future where conflicts are addressed promptly, fostering a more harmonious and loving environment for generations to come.

In essence, reconciliation in family relationships is a transformative journey. It’s a commitment to understanding, empathy, and growth, enriching the fabric of familial connections. Its significance lies not just in resolving conflicts but in nurturing enduring bonds that withstand the tests of time, adversity, and change. Embracing reconciliation within families fosters an environment where love, understanding, and support prevail, creating a haven where every member finds solace, acceptance, and belonging.

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Deepening Connection and Understanding: 10 Questions for Couples

Building a robust, lasting relationship requires effort, understanding, and effective communication. As a couple, one way to enhance your connection and gain a deeper understanding of each other is by asking meaningful questions. These questions can help you explore your relationship dynamics, identify areas of improvement, and strengthen your emotional bond. So, let’s dive into 10 questions that can bring you closer together.

Communication Styles: How would you describe our communication style? Are there any areas where you feel we could improve? By understanding how we communicate, we can work towards enhancing our connection.

Needs and Expectations: What are some of your needs and expectations in our relationship? How can I better meet those needs? Exploring each other’s needs helps us create a supportive and fulfilling partnership.

Future Vision: How do you envision our future together? What are your hopes and dreams for our relationship? Sharing our dreams and aspirations helps us align our goals and strengthen our bond.

Addressing Conflicts: Are there any unresolved conflicts or issues between us that you would like to address? Openly discussing conflicts fosters understanding and allows us to work toward resolution.

Love and Appreciation: What makes you feel loved and appreciated in our relationship? Expressing and recognizing acts of love and appreciation nourishes our emotional connection.

Handling Stress and Conflict: How do you typically handle stress or conflict? Is there anything I can do to support you during those times? Understanding each other’s coping mechanisms helps us provide the necessary support.

Balance and Compromise: Are there any areas where you feel our relationship could use more balance or compromise? Striving for balance and compromise ensures that both partners feel heard and valued.

Strengths and Positivity: What are some of our relationship’s strengths and positive aspects that you value? Acknowledging and appreciating the strengths in our relationship can foster a sense of gratitude and happiness.

Intimacy and Emotional Connection: How do you feel about our intimacy and emotional connection? Are there any changes or improvements you would like to see? Discussing intimacy and emotional needs helps us nurture a fulfilling and intimate bond.

Bond Strengthening: What activities or experiences would you like us to explore together to strengthen our bond? Sharing new experiences and engaging in activities deepens our connection and creates lasting memories.

To further enrich your understanding of building a healthy and thriving relationship, here are a couple of quotes from experts:

John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, said, “The quality of your relationship determines the quality of your life together.”

A psychotherapist and author, Esther Perel, emphasizes, “The quality of your relationship is directly related to the quality of the questions you ask.”

If you’re interested in exploring more on this topic, here are a few recommended books:

“The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman and Nan Silver.
“Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence” by Esther Perel and “Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love” by Dr. Sue Johnson.

Remember, these questions are meant to facilitate open and honest communication. Approach them with curiosity, empathy, and a genuine willingness to listen and understand each other’s perspectives. You can create a stronger, more fulfilling relationship by asking these questions and actively engaging in the process. Enjoy the journey of discovering each other on a deeper level and creating a love that grows and flourishes.

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How to Learn From a Narcissist Without Becoming One!

According to a study published in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin”, individuals who score higher on the narcissism scale also tend to have higher self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness levels. These traits can be beneficial in certain situations, such as job interviews or negotiations, where self-assurance can help individuals secure better opportunities and outcomes.

Furthermore, the same study suggests that individuals with high levels of narcissism also tend to possess greater creativity and charisma. These qualities can help individuals become successful leaders and innovators in their fields.

However, it’s important to note that excessive levels of narcissism can also lead to negative consequences, such as strained relationships, conflicts, and isolation. It’s essential to find a balance between healthy self-assessment and self-aggrandizement.

By understanding and harnessing the positive aspects of narcissism, we can become more confident and effective individuals without sacrificing our empathy and authenticity.

  1. Cultivate Confidence, Not Arrogance:
    Having confidence is an incredible trait that can drive us towards success. It’s important to acknowledge our capabilities and achievements while respecting others and not diminishing their worth. When we nurture authentic confidence, it motivates us and uplifts those who surround us, leading to a constructive atmosphere for personal development.
  2. Seek Self-Validation through Personal Growth:
    Focus on your own self-improvement instead of seeking validation from others. Set achievable goals, learn new skills, and broaden your knowledge. By tracking your progress and finding satisfaction in it, you will be inspired to consistently develop and achieve greatness.
  3. Practice Empathy and Understanding:
    It’s true that narcissistic individuals may struggle with empathy, but we have the power to cultivate it within ourselves. One way to do this is by actively listening to those around us, seeking to understand their viewpoints, and forging genuine connections. By prioritizing empathy, we can build stronger and healthier relationships, fostering an environment of compassion and support.
  4. Gratitude: The Key to Humility:
    One way to combat narcissism is by practicing gratitude, which helps cultivate humility. Take a few moments each day to reflect on and appreciate the people, opportunities, and experiences that bring richness to your life. By doing so, you can foster a genuine connection with the world and cultivate a sense of humility.
  5. Have Ambition with Purpose:
    It’s perfectly okay to have high aspirations. Aim for the stars, establish purposeful goals, and put in the effort to accomplish them. By doing so, you will motivate those around you and direct your ambition toward making a favorable impact while unlocking your full potential.
  6. Embrace Accountability and Growth:
    It’s important for us to take responsibility for our actions in order to grow personally. We should recognize our mistakes, gain knowledge from them, and take ownership of them. This allows us to create an environment where we can develop and nurture integrity within ourselves.
  7. Balancing Self-Care and Consideration:
    It’s important to prioritize self-care, but finding balance is crucial. Take care of yourself while also considering the needs of those around you. Build healthy relationships by being attentive, supportive, and dependable. This balance will help you take care of yourself while maintaining positive connections with others.
  8. Building Resilience:
    As we go through life, we face various challenges, but with resilience, we can bounce back and overcome them. It’s essential to develop emotional strength, learn from setbacks, and maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. Constructive feedback can be a valuable tool for growth, allowing us to adapt, overcome obstacles, and stay on track toward achieving personal fulfillment.


By exploring the positive qualities within narcissism, we unlock valuable lessons that can enhance our lives. By cultivating confidence, empathy, gratitude, ambition, and accountability, we foster personal growth and positively impact the world around us. So, let’s embrace these lessons, learn from narcissism, and become the best versions of ourselves while nurturing genuine connections with others.

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Rebuilding Relationships with Reconciliation Questions

Reconciliation is a frequently misunderstood term, and its process for healing relationships is even more mysterious. Its knowledge and application are vital to our inner and outer worlds.

The word describes making one belief compatible with another. Although used in the financial world to see bank accounts balance, businesses thrive, humans need reconciliation to ensure that relationships stay connected through struggles and tragedies. Commonly, friendships get betrayed, marriages dissolve, a parent power struggles with children, or families hurt one another.

Conciliation means to “bring together, unite, or make friends.” Reconciliation is needed when this bond breaks. Of course, this process is not easy but worth the journey.

Let Ron Huxley guide you through the challenges of reconciliation with your partner, family member, and friendships by scheduling an appointment. Click here!

Let’s take action. Try this Preventing Resentment Question:

Take time to sit down every week to ask the following question. Is there any unconfessed sin, unresolved hurt, or conflict from the last week that we need to seek reconciliation?

Work through conflicts by asking a Rebuilding Relationship Question:

What am I/you feeling? What do I/you need? How can I/we collaborate so I/we healthily meet that need?

When needing to ask forgiveness for past wrongs, try this Reconciliation Requesting Question:

1) Offer a genuine apology.

2) Verbalize what you can take responsibility for.

3) Share how hurting someone you care about feels to you.

4) Ask your partner what they need from you to heal and move forward.

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6 Tips for Better Relationships Today!

There are some things we can do in all our relationships to build and maintain strong bonds. This is true because underneath all our differences, likes, dislikes, and biases, we are all human beings who desire social connections. The tips below should be used in all your relationships to form bonds that will stand the test of time.

  1. Be appreciative

This might mean different things in different relationships, but the overarching sentiment is the same. When they do something kind for you or take the time to support you when you need it, be appreciative – acknowledge their care and concern.

2. Spend time together

It can be hard to find time to get together when we are all so busy, but it’s important for all relationships. If necessary, set up a standing appointment so that it just automatically happens. This makes sure it happens because you will get used to scheduling other things around it. 

3. Communicate honestly

Sometimes you may be tempted to bend the truth to avoid conflict, but your relationships will be much healthier overall if honesty is held in high regard. It’s possible, to be honest without being brutal. Choose your words carefully and be as diplomatic as possible, while still sharing your feelings openly and honestly.

4. Forgive faults

Forgive them for their eccentricities and annoying habits, and also forgive yourself for any mistakes you make. We all have faults and shortcomings that we bring with us into any relationship. Sometimes to keep the relationship strong, we need to just come to the conclusion that their presence in our lives is more important than the little habits that drive us crazy.

5. Support them

Intermingled between all the good times, there will surely be times when the other person could use a helping hand. Whether it’s helping them move, taking them dinner when a loved one has passed or being a sounding board for a difficult decision, any relationship worth having requires some TLC. And the other person deserves it, just as you do when you need it from them.

6. Do unto others

It’s just a good idea to always live by the Golden Rule, but it’s especially true in relationships that are important to us. If you wonder if something you might do is likely to upset them, chances are it’s better to talk to them about it first. Wouldn’t you want them to do the same for you? It’s better to err on the side of caution.

Get deeper relational repair with Ron Huxley. Schedule an online appointment today: Click here now!