We moved into our brand new house in 2005. It was such an incredible experience to move into a clean, freshly painted, and newly landscaped space. At that time, every wall was free of blemishes, every door closed quickly, and there wasn't one stain on the carpet. However, as I look around today, I can't... Continue Reading →
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a day that is typically spent with a significant other. Oftentimes, it is a way to strengthen a relationship because you are ultimately showing that you love and care for them. Strengthening a relationship is important because it will allow for a happier and healthier relationship. If we celebrate the relationship on... Continue Reading →
Simple Connection
I heard Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman interviewed on the Unlocking Us podcast the other day. They talked about their new book, "The Love Prescription: 7 days to more intimacy, connection, and joy." It was a fascinating conversation about the small steps we can take in our relationships to make marked differences.... Continue Reading →
Gender Roles and Successful Marriages
Do you agree that expected gender roles have major impacts on the success of a marriage? In a widely cited classical book, Judson and Mary Landis (1953:) argue, “We emphasized also the necessity for looking upon the wedding as a commitment binding both partners to permanent cooperation, and offering no limiting escape clause. Important also... Continue Reading →
The Complexity and Paradox of Hypersexuality, Part 1
Over 20 years ago when Zahrain and I were receiving marriage guidance from Bishop Brown of Bronzeville, Chicago who officiated our wedding, he schooled us on three critical issues of focus for sustained happiness in our marriage. In this brief blog, I will focus on the second (sex), and may discuss the other two in... Continue Reading →
Benefits of Pre-Marriage Counseling
Many people seek counseling and therapy when they are walking through a tough situation, suffering a mental illness, or simply feel stuck. However, something doesn’t always have to be wrong in order to get help. Pre-marriage counseling can be so beneficial to help newly engaged couples enter into a whole new season of their lives.... Continue Reading →
Couples Communication During the Holiday Season
For couples, the holiday season can be stressful, to say the least. There can be arguments about money, whose parents' house we are going to first, where we will be spending the most time, what to bring, what gifts to get, etc. This year with COVID, all of these factors can be even more challenging. One thing couples will benefit from is... Continue Reading →
The Power of Two: Use Climate Controls
Welcome back to my review of The Power of Two by Susan Heitler. In our last post we covered the second basic of dialogue which is, use the four S’s We discussed a cooperative and collaborative way to communicate that focuses on interlacing the thoughts and perspectives of the individuals to create a new mutual understanding.... Continue Reading →
The Power of Two: Use The Four S’
Welcome back to my review of The Power of Two by Susan Heitler. In our last post we covered the first basic of dialogue, braid your dialogue. We discussed a cooperative and collaborative way to communicate that focuses on interlacing the thoughts and perspectives of the individuals to create a new mutual understanding. Today we will be... Continue Reading →