Category Archives: Communication

The 7 Rules for Texting in Relationships

6. Don’t let a committee interpret your partner’s text. Source: Syda Productions/Shutterstock While waiting for a table at a busy restaurant the other day, I witnessed a man angrily banging away on his phone. This well-dressed man in a charming suit had a grimace on his face and would pause to look at his phoneContinue reading “The 7 Rules for Texting in Relationships”

5 Better Ways to Deal With Disappointment

…and why being hard on yourself isn’t part of the solution. When people marry, they are usually determined to make it through thick and thin, impervious to divorce and discontent, even though two out of five couples will separate and only 30 percent will enjoy a happy marriage. Nearly 80 percent of people have an optimism bias when itContinue reading “5 Better Ways to Deal With Disappointment”

The Power of “No”

How rejection can be a positive form of support. When we talk about our most valuable friends, we usually begin by listing those who are kind and caring, there when we need them, and supportive of our choices. While these qualities are certainly important, there is one other type of support from trusted friends, colleagues,Continue reading “The Power of “No””

4 Mistakes We All Make When Trying to Cheer Someone Up

We’ve all been there: A friend seeks us out to open up about an issue in their life that’s causing them distress. Maybe we think what they’re going through is trivial, so we spout off a quick reply in attempt to reassure them it’s nothing. Or maybe we think what they’re up against is soContinue reading “4 Mistakes We All Make When Trying to Cheer Someone Up”

How to Support a Partner Dealing With Depression

As a mental health counselor and someone who has battled depression for most of her life, I’m no stranger to the toll it can take on relationships. While it differs from person to person, at its core, the illness causes people to feel lonely, inadequate, and misunderstood—even isolated. Sometimes it’s because we don’t want toContinue reading “How to Support a Partner Dealing With Depression”

20 Rules to Live By

14. Be kind, not nice. 1. Bring your sense of humor with you at all times. Bring your friends with a sense of humor. If their friends have a sense of humor, invite them, too. Remember this when going to hospitals, weight-loss centers, and funerals, as well as when going to work, coming home, wakingContinue reading “20 Rules to Live By”

Confusing Non-Verbal Signals

Use nonverbal signals that match up with your words. Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it. If you say one thing, but your body language says something else, your listener will likely feel you’re being dishonest or the emotion is not very intense for you. For example, you saying “yes” whileContinue reading “Confusing Non-Verbal Signals”

Active Listening Skills

Focus fully on the speaker, his or her body language, and other nonverbal cues. If you’re daydreaming, checking text messages, or doodling, you’re almost certain to miss nonverbal cues in the conversation. If you find it hard to concentrate on some speakers, try repeating their words over in your head—it’ll reinforce their message and helpContinue reading “Active Listening Skills”

5 Ways to Help Young Kids Communicate Their Emotions

One of the most valuable lessons you can teach your child is to identify and manage their emotions. Doing so shows them that experiencing a range of emotions is normal. Kids who learn healthy ways to express and cope with their emotions show less behavioral problems. They feel more competent and capable. “Being able toContinue reading “5 Ways to Help Young Kids Communicate Their Emotions”