Simple Strategies of the Happy Couple

This is a great article with some simple, down-to-earth tips about how to have a healthier relationship!

Smart Strategies

"Why do some couples seem so head-over-heels? It's not that their lives are any easier or more perfect than yours-- but they do know how to keep the daily grind from eroding their relationship. Get some of what they have by incorporating these happy-couple strategies into your love life.

1. Fall in love all over again. Make a conscious decision to be in love. The more you act as if you are in love, the more you will feel like you are.

2. Remember the good times. Treat your partner like you did at the beginning of your relationship. Make a list of all the things you used to enjoy doing together and add any new fantasies to the list. Plan for them and make them happen.

3. Help your partner feel more loved and secure in your love so that he or she can open up to you and express feelings and ideas without fear of being attacked or judged. Compliment, praise, give a hug. Small gestures make the grandest statements.

4. Don't make unilateral decisions. You're a team in many ways, so act like one. Check in and make decisions together about things large and small. Be willing to compromise.

5. Be present. Train your mind to stay in the moment -- not at work, thinking about the new color you want to paint your kitchen, or how it's time to take the dog to the vet.

6. Pay attention to your physical appearance. Take the time to stay in shape and look good for each other. It does matter.

7. Boost your compatibility. Couples in crisis focus on all the ways they are different, whereas those who are in love zero in on their similarities and think their differences are cute. Build compatibility by taking turns planning activities to do together. If you don't like your partner's choice, don't complain; it's your turn next.

8. Do not place blame. Replace blame and criticism with solutions and tenderness. Problem-solve together -- sit close, hold hands, touch each other's face or hair. Be playful. When was the last time you laughed together? Rent a comedy movie to tickle your funny bone.

9. Plan for sex. Spontaneity is great but smart couples know that good sex doesn't just happen. Like everything else, it takes time and planning.

10. Fact-find -- don't mind-read. You may think you know but you can't assume. You may believe he should know, but that's not fair, either. Always clear up misinterpretations and misunderstandings to make sure they don't throw you both off course.

11. Fight fair -- and by appointment only. Schedule a limited time to discuss a problem and confine your comments to that issue only. It's easier to relax and feel free to enjoy each other when you know you won't be ambushed by a litany of complaints and criticisms.

12. Prepare for checkouts. Even in the closest marriage, everyone needs time alone. Don't take it personally and don't make each other feel guilty if you need to spiritually and emotionally regroup. Just be sure to tell each other when you are checking out (max, one day) -- and when you're checking back in."

Article From :

http://www.lhj.com/relationships/marriage/basics/secrets-of-super-happy-couples/?page=2 

December 5, 2011

For information on our Relationship BootCamp go to www.MarriageHelpCenters.com 

Does Marriage Counselling Really Work?

Does Marriage Counseling Work?

At Marriage Help Centers, when it comes to registering for the Relationship BootCamp, we're often told "We've tried marriage counselling and it didn't work for us." We hear this all the time, and there may be some truth to this, but why? Below is an article from 'The Marriage Sherpa' with some interesting answers. As a company we believe in marriage counselling, however most of us are impatient beings, and counselling can take a long time before you start to see results. Think of going to the gym. It takes a while before you really start to see weight loss, muscle toning, and increased strength. This is why health clubs often offer "fitness bootcamps". They are so popular because they are intense, specifically designed, and give you a jumpstart into getting fit. But if you don't do anything after you go to a fitness bootcamp, you won't get into shape, you have to follow up and keep going to the gym to get RESULTS! This is like our relationship bootcamp, we give you a jumpstart into healing in yourself and your relationship, but for best LONG TERM RESULTS we recommend you follow up with one of our qualified coaches, join a support group or see a counsellor. 

"November 21st, 2011 http://www.marriagesherpa.com/blog/marriage/does_marriage_counseling_work/ 

Your marriage may be struggling, and you may have considered seeing a marriage counselor but wonder, “Does marriage counseling work?”

As with most things in life, there is not one clear answer.

In this blog, I’ll explain why many are skeptical about marriage counseling: statistics that aren’t too promising when it comes to answering “does marriage counseling work.”

However, you won’t leave this article without first taking two ideas with you for how to start down the road of saving your marriage. Keep reading…

Who does marriage counseling work for?

Does marriage counseling work for anyone?

I recently saw a statistic that said marriage counseling had a failure rate of 75%. How scientifically accurate this percentage is, well, that’s a matter for debate.

If this statistic is in the ballpark of being accurate, then if half of all marriages end in divorce, it sounds like marriage counseling may be helping people… on their way out.

But that means, again using this statistic, that marriage counseling does potentially work 25% of the time.

Whether marriage counseling works or not is affected by many different factors:

•    Each spouse’s willingness to consider going to marriage counseling.

•    The couple’s ability to stick with counseling.

•    Each spouse’s ability to make changes in their response to their partner.

•    How far gone the marriage is when the couple enters counseling.

Marriage Counseling Methodology May Be an Issue

In addition, there are some methods that just do not work. That doesn’t mean those methods aren’t still in use, though. There are therapists who are well-meaning, but continue to use methods that they were initially trained in.

This means they aren’t taken advantage of the newest research findings in relational science – which has recognized that some of those traditional methods simply will not work.

Why?

Because you are probably going to marriage counseling for about an hour a week, and that’s all the time and effort going into it. You may try some strategies, but there’s no real program to follow, so you don’t know where you’re headed other than hoping you’ll be “happier” together – an often vague, undefined concept.

If you’re in a relationship that has gone sour, you need to understand why you and your spouse respond to each other the way that you do. Telling you to “not yell at your spouse” does not help you clearly understand why you yell at your spouse. You may continue to think, “It’s because he/she makes me mad.”

You may do fine in the marriage counselor’s office. But then there is the rest of the week ahead that you still need to get through—with no mediator to sit between you.

A New Alternative to Counseling that Can Save Your Marriage

Also, many people don’t stick with it long enough. “We went a few times, things got better, so we stopped going.” And usually, that’s well before any new, positive habits could become implanted.

Here are two tips to help you save your marriage: they involve knowing what you are getting into in order to really save the relationship.

Tip 1: Commit to change in yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in finger-pointing: “He does this” or “She did that” and not take any ownership for your part in the marriage. The relationship is between you and your spouse, and the problems are situated right there in the middle.

If you want to save your marriage, it’s going to take changes on the part of both spouses. If you continue to point your finger at the other for all the problems in the marriage, you will both stay locked in your respective corners, going round after round until the final knockout occurs: becoming another divorce statistic.

The truth is, you will both need to make some changes in order for this to work. You both have bad habits you’ve brought into the relationship, or fell into as a couple. And, if your spouse feels stuck in the idea that they do not need to change, you may need to take the leadership role and do what you can to create new ways of communicating with your spouse.

Tip 2: Self-assessment

Commit to keeping an open mind about the part you play in your marriage. This means you will need to assess how you behave toward your spouse—something that is easier said than done. When it comes to your spouse, are you:

•    Speaking disrespectfully to him or her?

•    Taking your spouse for granted?

•    Tuning out/not listening?

•    Displaying irritability/anger?

•    Needing to be in the right all the time?

•    Practicing passive-aggressiveness?

This is just a small sampling of characteristics. Another way of looking at it is, “Would I talk to or treat my best friend the way I do my spouse?” Most of us can’t say that we would. So, analyze what’s different in how you treat your spouse from how you treat others—including perfect strangers.

My best to you as you and your work to save your marriage, whether on your own or if you decide to try marriage counseling.

Have you considered marriage counseling?

What is your opinion on how well marriage counseling works?

Have you gone to marriage counseling? What was your experience?

Please share your ideas and personal experiences on this topic with other members of the community.

Wishing you hope and healing for your marriage,

Stephanie Anderson

Editor-in-Chief

Marriage Sherpa"

To speak with one of our coaches or sign up for the Relationship BootCamp go to www.marriagehelpcenters.com 

Bring the "FUN" Back in Your Relationship!

Fun Activities for Couples to Do: Indoor Activities That Bring Couples Closer Together

By Kathryn Vercillo

Couples who live together often fall into a rut because of the familiarity of their routine. The only way that they know to shake themselves out of that rut is to get outdoors and do something fun together. Unfortunately there are a lot of times during life when you just don't want to be outdoors - whether that's because of inclement weather or just that neither of you feels like leaving the house. So how can you avoid just settling into a boring old routine indoors? Take a look at these indoor couples activities that are designed to bring couples together instead of making them feel trapped with one another.

Indoor Activities at Home

Do you find that the only thing that you and your significant other really ever do together at home is watch TV? If so, you're probably going to get really bored really fast. Here are some other indoor couples activities that you can do at home to keep life a little more interesting with one another:

• Play board games. Couples that have fun together are couples that are happy together. Board games and card games keep you interacting with one another but give you something to do so you're not just "hanging out". Find a variety of different games from trivia to strategy to the childhood games of your past to enjoy together when you're hanging out indoors.
• Cook together. Go online together and find recipes for new things that you've never tried to make at home before. Get the groceries and get together in the kitchen without a lot of distractions. The act of cooking and dining together is intimate and offers a fun activity that will bring you both closer together.
• Video games. One or both people in a couple may play video games on their own but it's a lot more enjoyable if you play them together. Choose games where you can team up against others or find ones where you can battle each other. Again, it's all about having fun.
• Indoor exercise. Find exercises that you can do together - such as passing the medicine ball back and forth. You'll get your heart rate going and feel the endorphins start coursing through you, something that's a lot more fun with apartner than it is alone.
• Make couples art or make music. Being creative together is a great way to really enhance the relationship. Find something that you both like to do whether it's picking at a guitar or making collages out of old magazine images.
• Home improvements. Couples that live together can come together by finding ways to improve the home they share. Create a list of projects that you would like to work on and start checking things off of the list one by one. Working together to create a home is a great way to spend time with someone else.
• Throw brunches, dinner parties and movie nights. If you want to be social together as a couple but don't want to leave the house then make your house the setting of all of the fun. Do these weekly or monthly to get a routine going that's all about fun instead of boring habits.
• Make life lists. A life list is when you sit down and brainstorm all of the things that you've never done which you'd like to do before you die. Things on the list can be as mundane as "make a cake from scratch" or as wild as "visit every national park in the country". Make your life lists separately and then share them; you'll be amazed how much you find out about each other.
• Surf the web. The Internet doesn't have to be something in your home that alienates you from one another. Sit down in front of the computer together and watch funny videos, read interesting articles and share ideas about what you read. It's far more interactive than just watching TV and keeps both of you from being bored together.
• Picnic indoors. If you're both feeling like just laying down and watching a movie together, do it with some romance. Put together a wine and cheese picnic basket, spread a blanket out on the floor together and get ready to have a better-than-normal evening of watching the tube. This is one of the top couples activities for romance!

Indoor Activities Away from Home

Of course, sometimes the only reason that you don't want to be outdoors is because the weather is gross. During these times, you can go to other indoor locations with your partner. A couples retreat can be the perfect way to spend some romantic time together. Here are some ideas:

• Dress up and go to a movie. Dressing up is important because it makes it more of a real date than when you normally just head out to a movie together.
• Go gaming. If there's a casino in your local area then you can have some indoor fun together there.
• Go to a spa or local hot tubs. Get away together into relaxation and get that chill of the icky weather out of your bones. A couples spa is a great couples retreat.
• Check out a local museum or art gallery. You can learn something together and share an experience that you don't take the time to enjoy nearly often enough. This is a great local couples retreat.
• Visit friends or family. Sometimes hanging out with others is the best way to be together. Ask someone in the family to host a spontaneous potluck on a rainy afternoon.
• Take a class together. An art class, an improv comedy class or a cooking class can bring the two of you closer together even as you meet others and learn something new.
• Go to an event that you've never been to before. Seeing something new together can brighten up even the dreariest of days. If you've never been to a poetry slam, the local ballet or a Broadway musical then get some tickets and go.

Of course, none of this means that you need to cancel your Netflix subscriptions and Sky TV packages. It just means you need to find additional ways to have fun at home together too. The real goal to keep in mind when trying to find things to do with your significant other is that you have to always aim to be creative and different. Comfortable is great but it can get boring if you're not careful. Don't let yourselves fall into a rut that you won't be able to get out of.

From: 

http://kathrynvercillo.hubpages.com/hub/Indoor-Activities-That-Bring-Couples-Closer-Together

November 21, 2011

Ways You're Screwing Up Your Relationship

Alright ladies, this one's for you! We often like to look at our man when trying to figure out what's going wrong in our relationships. "He never listens." "He spends more time with his friends than with me." "He doesn't care about my opinion." But what about YOUR role in the relationship? Here are a few pointers to look at to help you take accountability for how you may be screwing up your relationship: 

Ways You’re Screwing Up Your Relationship

You expect him to read your mind

You want something (think: a romantic weekend away) and are peeved that your dude hasn’t guessed what thatsomething is. The rub: Unless he stares into a crystal ball for a living, you might want to get real and give him a clue. There’s no shame in being honest about what you want. What’s more, asking for something dramatically ups the odds that you’ll get it.

You talk all business -- no pleasure

With two busy lives, it’s easy for couples to fall into a conversation vortex. Between “What’s for dinner?” and “Did you pay the cable bill?” you can go days without just…shooting the breeze. Think about the chats you had when you were first dating (that is, dreams and goals, not groceries and dog walks) and strike up one of those.

                                                                                                                           

You fight dirty

Let’s be real. Everyone argues. Okay, fights. But some couples know how to do it sans damage. If you’re guilty of hitting below the belt (think: name calling or plate throwing), it’s time to cut it out. Starting to see red? Take a time-out. Go for a long walk, clear your head, and come back when you’re calm. Still can’t tame your temper? Loop in a pro -- a marriage and relationship counselor can teach you to fight right.

You keep score

If you mentally tally each of your partner’s infractions (texting through dinner -- check balled-up socks on floor -- check), it’s time to ask yourself why. The truth? You’re actually planning your next fight…in advance! Drop the scorecard. You and your man are on the same team, remember? So huddle up.

You drown him in advice

In an informal poll (cough, we asked our husbands, cough), guys unanimously said they wish we’d just listen more. Turns out, men need to vent their probs, just like we do. Which isn’t to say they want to hear solutions the second they pause for breath. In fact, sometimes (aka usually) they’d prefer a friendly “wow, that sucks, babe” over your three-pronged fix-it plan.

You put your relationship last

You have awesome intentions; no, really, you do. You’d love more one-on-one with your honey. You think about romantic dinners or weekend getaways -- but life always intervenes. Time to stop hoping and start doing. Pick up the phone and snag a res for his favorite steak house -- or take a sick day to spend between the sheets. Do something that shows where your priorities really lie.

You talk smack about his family

Does it help to hear you’re not alone? In-laws bug. The end. That said, even if they are daytime-talk-show material, it’s time to zip that lip. Complain to your besty, complain to your shrink, but don’t complain to your man. Even if he agrees with every word you say, it’s bound to cause stress and strife.

You think you’re too cool for date night

Think a preplanned date night is a shortcut to loserville? Riddle me this, hipster, when’s the last time you and your honey had a truly great date? M-kay…we get it, you crave spontaneity and think planning isn’t sexy. But here’s a thought, once you’re actually on one, all you’ll notice is how much fun you are having being out (or in). We doubt you’ll care if it was booked a month in advance.

You keep financial secrets

Relax; he may not need to know the price of every pair of shoes. But if you have secret credit card debt or a rotten FICO score, it’s time to tell on yourself. A recent poll said that nearly one in three American couples with combined finances admitted to so-called financial infidelity (that is, lying about money). Yikes! By being an open book now, it will be easier to stay honest down the road.

(Portions taken from TheNest.com, "13 Ways You're Screwing Up Your Relationship" by Hallie Goodman, July 26, 2011, http://ideas.thenest.com/love-and-sex-advice/dealing-with-relationship-issues/slideshows/ways-youre-screwing-up-your-relationship.aspx?page=2)

How to Tighten the Knot

This is a great article to remind us that we need to be accountable in our marriages, and that it takes CONTINUOUS work. Some great tips from a divorce lawyer who has seen what contributes to our rising divorce rate! 

25 Secrets To A Great Marriage

Submitted by Laurie Israel on April 10, 2008 - 11:45am.

As a practicing divorce attorney and divorce mediator, I’ve met a number of couples that, if they had been given some good advice (and had remembered that advice) a few years or even months earlier, they would not be divorcing. The following advice is based on my observations as a divorce attorney, a mediator/conflict resolver, and as an experienced, mature married person.

1. Think before you speak. People in marriages tend have very “hot” buttons causing frequent arguments. One reason for this is that the boundaries that exist at the workplace or with friends and relatives do not exist in a marriage. Much of marital bickering can be lessened or mitigated if you wait before you respond to something that has made you angry. If you think for even five seconds before you respond, the amount of martial bickering will be greatly reduced. It may be better to discuss the difficult issue on another day when the emotions are not so high. You can broach the topic (at that later time) by saying, “Dear, I have some unfinished business to discuss with you. May we discuss it now?”

2. Don’t give up. If you ask any married person, he or she will tell you that marriages wax and wane. There are good times, bad times, and even middle times. A marriage is viable if the good outweighs the bad, even by a little bit. Appreciate the good and try to let the bad roll off of you like water from a duck. The more you stick to it, the easier it will get and the more fondness and connection you will feel towards your spouse. You will also feel good about yourself, because you worked very hard to achieve something of value.

3. Give your marriage as much (if not more) focused attention than you give your hobbies. People spend huge amounts of time, money and effort on their off-work interests. But when a marriage is making them feel bad, everybody seems to “throw up their arms” and decide that it’s useless to try anymore. Actually, reading books on marriage, conflict resolution, and communication techniques will help your marriage. Getting your spouse to read them is even better, but not necessary, to being able to make huge positive changes in your marriage.

4. Treat your spouse better than you treat anyone else. Did you ever hear the expression “familiarity breeds contempt”? This seems to apply in marriages. As a result, the unfortunate truth is that people tend to treat their spouses worse than strangers. An example of this is the all-too-common behavior of treating the spouse (sometimes ever so subtly) with contempt. Who is this person you are married to now? And who was that wonderful, beautiful perfect person you married so many years ago? Believe it or not, it’s the same person. Remember those times and retrain yourself to view your spouse with the utmost respect and treat your spouse accordingly.

5. Have Separate Interests. Make sure you have some private space and give your spouse some too. Marriage entails a lot of togetherness, but just because you’re married, you don’t need to be joined at the hip. Make sure each of you has time away from the other with friends, family, or alone. Enjoy your separate interests. Having separate time and interests will help vitalize the marriage.

6. Foster and encourage your spouse’s dreams and goals. In a successful marriage, one spouse is happy for the other spouse’s successes. Good spouses foster the other in achieving their goals. Sometimes goals are scary and need to be carefully evaluated, such as a career change. Do the work together, so that each of you can become satisfied with your own life. Good spouses help each other make the most out of his or her life.

7. Find things you enjoy doing together. A marriage is a partnership. If you both have totally separate interests, you will eventually grow apart. Make time to pursue interests together. These leisure activities and interests will probably change over time. Find shared interests, pursue, and enjoyment. But remember, you don’t need to share all interests.

8. Don’t think its greener on the other side. Most people who leave their marriages for someone else almost always find the same problems on the other side. Many realize where their first marriage went wrong, and how they (and their spouse) could have worked to fix it. With hindsight, many people regret not having worked things out in their first marriage. Remember, when you get divorced, you now have two problems – the problems in your marriage (that you did not solve) and the divorce.

9. Give each other a break. Don’t be overcritical of your spouse. Don’t carp all the time. The stark realization that comes after the wedding is that you are not the same person. But that’s not a bad thing. Try to appreciate your differences. Admittedly, this is hard to do, but try. It’s worth it.

10. Don’t sweat the little things. As in the world of work, it is important to have priorities. Spouses get angry when criticized over every little thing. Try to prioritize the important things that you want. Carefully pick your battles. Let the other stuff slide. Don’t be a nag and complain about every little thing. If you don’t like something hold your tongue. Try to roll with the punches.

11. If your spouse loves something (like his/her mother, or football), try find out why, and you’ll find you’ll love it too. Give your spouse credence and respect for your spouse’s judgment, interests, affinities, and opinions. If your spouse is drawn to certain people or things, there is probably a good reason. Ask your spouse to explain. It might open up a new world to you.

12. Compliment your spouse every day, at least once. This leads towards a healthy relationship, and it is the right thing to do, because unless your spouse is a total slouch, he or she is doing many good things every day. Thank your spouse for all the wonderful things your spouse does for you and your family. Make sure your spouse knows that you appreciate his or her efforts.

13. Work hard with your spouse to create financial security. One of the beneficial effects of marriage is the creation of a strong economic joint venture. As your financial security builds up, it will be one of the things that allows you feel good about each other and the world. It will also be a measure of the good work you’ve both done during your marriage. Financial security is a good thing and provides the foundation of a happy life.

14. Be your spouse’s partner. Keep each other informed as to activities you are engaged in, including your work days and what you do at home. The time you spend separately outside in the world every day is very significant. Always talk to each other at the end of the day about how your respective days have been. Respect and show awareness of and curiosity about your spouse’s separate interests.

15. Always assume the best of your spouse. People have misunderstandings and miscommunications. This is true even of people who know each other very well, such as spouses. If you spouse’s actions displease you, wait a bit, and then try to find out the motivation. You might well find that the motivation was meant to be constructive and not negative, and that you may have made the wrong interpretation or assumptions about what had been said or done.

16. Give your spouse a treat occasionally. Spouses have different things that make them feel good. If you know something that your spouse likes, give it to them sometimes even if you don’t care for it. It can be a small thing: a trip to the movies, a ride to a place your spouse likes to go, or maybe a favorite food bought from the grocery store. Be generous to your spouse, even if it is not in your nature.

17. Don’t fight with your spouse about the kids. Disagreements about children can be very corrosive to a marriage. Have your discussions off-line so that your children do not know you disagree. Get professional help if needed as to how to coordinate and respect your different views. Don’t let your disagreements about your children destroy your marriage.

18. Don’t complain about your spouse to your friends and family. One complaint at a low time in your marriage will resonate with the listener long after the problem or the short-lived spat was resolved. Your family and friends will always see your spouse in the same bad light in which you saw your spouse during this period of conflict. If you need to talk with someone about your marriage, choose an independent professional.

19. Be faithful and do not have an affair. A couple that is unattractive (physically or otherwise) is actually really lucky in a marriage because outside forces will not be as strong. However, if you or your spouse is unlucky enough to be attractive, don’t take the bait. It never works out. If you can’t resist having an affair, end your marriage first. When you actually think about it, you’ll probably find that you can’t end your marriage and things will have gotten better.

20. Find ways to enrich your lives. Learn and do new things together. In good marriages the spouses are always changing, growing, and developing new interests. Make sure that some of these changes and new interests are shared jointly, so that you can spend good time together developing as people.

21. Spend time together with mutual friends. Outside friendships pursued by the couple jointly are very good for marital health. The outside friends can be single people, or other couples. It does not matter. The important part is that you and your spouse share these friendships together.

22. Forgive each other. If you hold grudges, you’ll never get anywhere in marriage. Every spouse (even you!) makes mistakes and treats the other poorly at time. You must be able to forgive your spouse for the wrongs done to you and move on. Remember that the next time it may be you who needs to be forgiven. Marriage is very long. There are bound of many bad things to happen between you. Do not hold onto these things. Forgive and move on.

23. Appreciate each other’s contributions to the marital venture. Marriages often fail because of perceived differences in the level of contribution of each party. Try to appreciate the other person’s contributions, whether financial or keeping the household together. Try not to impose your standards of how things should be accomplished on your spouse. Be appreciative of your spouse’s efforts at all times.

24. Be secure in the fact that marriage is forever. Marriage is a safe container for people to work out all their personal issues. Because it does not end (except by death), a person can have the security that any mistakes, personality flaws, misspoken words, can be forgiven. There is something about the alchemy of two people with a “forever” commitment that helps people find peace and satisfaction in life.

25. Don’t think that marriage is easy. One of the little-known but most important paradoxes about marriage is that it is an incubator for self-growth and self-awareness. This is a surprise to many, because marriage is supposed to be about the other person, or about the couple, or about “love”. Take advantage of your chance to perfect your awareness and ability to enjoy life and relate well to other people. A good marriage will have this effect, and redound to your ability to function well in the world and live at your highest practical and spiritual level. Marriage is not easy. But it’s worth it.

If you do all these things, and if, before you break up, you wait at least as long as you have been already married for roughs spots to work themselves out, you will have a long, happy marriage.

Laurie Israel
January 19, 200