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We often hear that you should never discuss money or religion in conversation. It is too personal and feelings can easily become hurt. When you and your partner are planning to get married, however, these are just a few of the difficult conversations you absolutely must have. Couples often dismiss or avoid discussing important topics, only to have them appear within their marriage in ways that can erode positivity and invite conflict, anger, and resentment. The conversations…
Read MoreAre you being smart in your relationship? A successful romantic relationship does not just happen by chance, and happy couples are not just lucky people. A successful relationship is built when a couple approaches their partnership in an intelligent way. Below are 14 things that smart couples do. How does your relationship measure up? 1. They communicate well. Smart couples talk openly and with respect and listen actively and with real interest. 2. They are intentional. Smart…
Read MoreOriginally published, by request, for the membership dating website razzou.com. Dr. Anne Malec is a contributing writer for Razzou, her articles focus on romantic relationships, dating guidance and resolving conflict between couples. This submission was requested to focus on the dynamic of a female/male dating relationship, however the context holds true for various types of romantic relationships. How do you know that you want to be exclusive with the guy you have been dating? Is it just…
Read MoreDeciding to go to couples therapy can feel like a big decision. Oftentimes, what keeps people from entering couples therapy are their preconceived notions of what it will be like. You may fear that you will be told you are the cause of your relationship problems. Perhaps you worry that you will have to commit to years of therapy for it to work. Of course, therapy is different for everyone, and there are many kinds of couples…
Read MoreWhat comes to mind when you hear the word “rich”? Do you picture stacks of money, sparkling jewelry, and fast cars? Are you envisioning lavish vacations and expensive meals? Of course, being financially wealthy is one way that someone can be rich, but there is also the richness that exists in our every day life and in the joy of a meaningful relationship. In couples therapy, you and your partner can begin to build skills and explore…
Read MoreOriginally Posted on Divorcing Dad Council on July 25th, 2013. Contributed by Dr. Anne Malec as a guest writer. If you are a separated or divorced dad trying to regain your balance after an emotionally painful legal process, you likely have not even considered the new opportunities for growth that lie ahead of you. What I am referring to is the potential you have to build upon and strengthen the relationship you have with your kids. As…
Read MoreWhat does a strong, healthy relationship look like? For many of us, the fantasy is that a strong relationship means that there is absolutely no conflict; that the partners agree with and are satisfied about every part of the other person. In reality, of course, conflict between partners is a normal and inevitable component of a healthy relationship. Never discussing the issues in your relationship can actually serve to intensify your problems rather than make them go…
Read MoreDo you ever experience troubling thoughts? Ever feel a sense of panic or anxiety? Do you ever have a feeling of worthlessness or other depressive thoughts? Do these thoughts feel as though they are the absolute truth? Do those thoughts lead to self-destructive behaviors? With the help of a therapist using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) you can challenge those beliefs. While working with a therapist utilizing CBT you will examine the relationships between your thoughts, feelings, and…
Read MoreAre you listening? A frequent common denominator among my clients is partners being surprised by the depth of the other’s unhappiness. I often here the following exchange from clients: “Why didn’t you tell me how unhappy you were”? “I did, I told you repeatedly, and also suggested that we go to couples counseling”. A partner’s request to go to couples counseling should be seen and heard as a warning sign, an emergency about the health of the…
Read MoreDo you feel sad, unhappy, and unusually irritated or frustrated? Are you having difficulty sleeping or feel fatigued during the day? Are you having trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions? Have you lost interest in aspects of your life that typically excite you and bring you pleasure? We all have bad days, but when these kinds of problems persist for weeks on end and interfere with daily life, they may be signs of depression. For some,…
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