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Become a Better Listener

Listening is complex. In its simplest form its something my dog can do. Effectual listening, however, requires more than your physical presence. It requires you to engage your heart and mind to understand not only my words but the part of myself I am communicating to you. Being heard, with this type of care, is essential.  Are you a good communicator?...

I'm going to start with something really basic. Men want to be wanted. They don't want to be placated.  So when it comes to intimacy, we women need to step up to the plate a little bit more. You may think you're meeting his needs because you're making love a few times a week, but he won't feel loved unless you put some energy and enthusiasm into...

I can still remember where I was standing and the way my daughter Aubri looked at me that fateful December day.  She came to me and said, “Dad, Dan really wants to talk to you to ask if he can be allowed to date me.”  I knew this day would come. I answered honestly, “Do you know how difficult this is for your father?” To which Aubri...

The story is told of a couple that grew to find little to appreciate in one another. The daily tally of things one did that annoyed and aggravated the other was a growing list. More and more they did less and less together. In desperation the woman visited a counselor and took along her journal of all the attitudes and actions she was resentful of...

Kids. Sex. Money. According to therapists, these are the most common topics married couples argue about.  After recently talking with a number of counselors and clergy about common marriage problems they’re dealing with, Facebook should be added to that list.  In fact, Facebook is one of the most popular relationship conflicts for today’s married...

This past week I have been, quite literally, voiceless. A bad case of tonsillitis left me with little more than a whisper.  It’s been a very quiet week.  Today I still don’t have my voice back but I’m feeling just a bit better and I started to notice the changes in my behavior.  I realized  I’ve been stepping back. I did not attempt...

If sex is important in marriage, why does it slowly get put on the back burner? One excuse that I am sick of hearing is “I don’t have time.” I’m sure you are busy. I know I am busy. But think of all the things that you make time for. If you really wanted to have sex you would make the time. So what is stopping you? Take some time to...