Blog Archives
It is not always easy to communicate well with your partner, and it is more complicated than simply an exchange of words. Communicating with your partner is about relating to him or her; it is about two people openly sharing who they are with one another in ways that are not critical or judgmental. It can be difficult, however, to say what you mean or share what you are feeling, especially when you know that what you…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a growing issue for children and adolescents in recent years, but many do not realize that ADHD can also linger into adulthood and have similarly distressing effects. Adult ADHD can have a particularly profound impact on romantic relationships, especially when the symptoms of adult ADHD get mistaken as intentional carelessness or recklessness. One partner may not realize that the other is struggling with a disorder that makes it very difficult…
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…
Are 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…
Originally 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…
Deciding 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…
What 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…
Originally 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…
What 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…
Do 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…