I am one of those people who dislikes conflict. Not to the point of avoiding it to all extremes, but it's not fun. It makes my stomach churn. Yes, conflict can enhance creativity and problem solving, and strengthen relationships as we work through disagreement. But that requires resolution to the conflict - in fact, … Continue reading My top 5 steps in resolving conflict
Apologies for the quasi-rhyme. But this is a real question that we often take for granted. Whether it’s a middle-school soccer team, a work group that is required to act like a team, or right here at iHope with our “counseling team” – what does this even mean? Here at iHope, we often refer to ourselves as a … Continue reading What does it mean to be part of a team?
Intimacy is much bigger than simply physical touch. We want to be emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and yes also physically intimate with our spouse. With so much going on in our daily lives, how can we strengthen intimacy with our beloved? How do we have a deep and meaningful relationship with the chaos of toddlers, starting … Continue reading Strengthening Intimacy with Your Spouse in 15 Minutes a Day
I guarantee that there is someone in your life who is important to you. In fact, there are probably multiple someones who fit that description. And today I’m going to give you the key to making those relationships happier, more successful, more satisfying, and more honoring to God. Ready? Tell them five positive things for … Continue reading The Key to Happy Relationships
You’ve heard the cliché before – “love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Well, I’m sorry, but that is flat-out wrong. If you never say “I’m sorry” in your relationship, it is likely not a very strong, honest, or long-lasting relationship. Confession and apology are central. Not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. … Continue reading Top Ten Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day (Every Day)… #5
Talking about problems in relationships is hard – whether it’s a work relationship, romantic relationship, friend relationship, or family relationship. But if you are feeling angry or frustrated and the relationship “give and take” feels unbalanced, talking it through will be even more difficult. Here are some tips for talking it over well: Prepare Identify … Continue reading Give and Take (Part 3)
“Okay, counselor, so, what if I’m in a relationship where I’m the only one giving anything? I give all the time. They need to give sometimes too!” Did you read Part 1 and find yourself thinking this way? Most of us have felt this way at least once in our lives! It is true that … Continue reading Give and Take (Part 2)
Have you ever felt like you were putting more into a relationship than you were getting out of it? If you’re human… you probably have felt this way! It can be tempting to hold back and wait to invest in someone else until they’re already done something for you. But if we all waited, we … Continue reading Give and Take (Part 1)
It is hard to admit when we’re wrong. Many of us struggle even to admit it to ourselves, let alone out loud to another person. And to admit you are wrong, and then go the next step to apologize and ask for forgiveness? This is a hard – but very necessary – part of life. … Continue reading The Need for Apologies
When we mess up, fail, or struggle, it is very tempting to make excuses. “The dog ate my homework” may be an old cliché, but our more “grown up” excuses aren’t any better. How can we handle this temptation ourselves, and handle other people giving us excuses? Take the high road We are most tempted … Continue reading Excuses, Excuses