Category: Personal Growth

6 Tips To Expand The Love: & reduce conflict

In the 20+ years Carol and I have been working with couples, we’ve not yet had a couple come to us saying, “We have an incredible relationship, filled with love, joy, happiness, and contentment. We want to expand the love even more.”  We’ve not had that – yet.  Maybe you and your partner will be… Read more »

Celebrate The Great Things

Sh….. happens!!  It is too easy to focus on that, rather than to celebrate the great things.  Every couple we coach has, and is, doing simple daily things that allow them to exist and usually thrive.  By taking time to acknowledge and celebrate those things, the less-than stuff becomes less important, or falls away. Now,… Read more »

Vulnerability Is A Life Foundation

Until you have practiced with vulnerability, it can be dang uncomfortable.  Yet vulnerability is a life foundation – a key to experiencing long-term joy, happiness, and fulfillment in your relationship. Brene Brown describes the challenge and the rewards in this TED Talk.  It is 20 minutes well worth your time. What, specifically, are you going… Read more »

Heart of Relationships: The bigger impact

If you’re a subscriber (and if you actually read/listen to these newsletters), you might recall us talking about the the Heart of Relationships.  Recently, we’ve become consciously aware of the bigger impact this model can have, in your personal life, as a couple and family, in your workplace, community, society and in the bigger world…. Read more »

The Conflict Starts Within

Does this sound familiar?  Something happens and “Wham”, you are in conflict. It’s weird how quickly this occurs. However, if you and I look closer, we’ll find that the conflict starts within. We’ve shared about the Dreaded Drama Triangle before, yet this podcast takes a deeper inner look. If this conflict within is a regular… Read more »

The Choice To Receive

Many of us have been indoctrinated from a young age to believe it is better to give than to receive. Carol and I have learned that the choice to receive is actually a huge gift we offer others. They feel valued, accepted, and loved. Isn’t that part of what most of us strive to do?… Read more »

Is It Time for Self-Love For You?

OK, you’re saying, “Self Love? C’mon, Dan. What d’ya mean by time for self-love?” Maybe we could just call it self-care. The most important question is this, “What does self-love have to do with your intimate relationship?” It ties in really well with our ‘Heart of Relationships‘ model. But now, check out this quick video…. Read more »

No With Grace

The word, “No” with grace can be a powerful tool to have in your toolbox. It is a chance to check in with your true desires and values. Rather than giving yourself away to others’ needs or wants, it enhances the relationship with self, your partner, and others. You can say No with grace to… Read more »

Embracing Sexual Intimacy

Sure, you may tease, or flirt, or joke about sex – or a lack of. Yet, the conversations about sexual intimacy, which is much deeper and more meaningful, may be a taboo subject in your relationship. You may dance around it, yet not really focus on embracing your sexual intimacy. Regardless of the quality of… Read more »

3 Steps For Better Feelings

“How’s it going, Aly?” With a tender, loving smile, and a glint in his eyes he said, “It’s a tough climb – but damn good footin’.” Aly was a stocky, elderly cowboy, about five feet tall.  Gold, wire-rimmed glasses perched on his short, broad nose.  His face was tanned and weathered.  On his round, bald… Read more »