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10 Signs You Are Ready To Date Him Exclusively

August 20, 2013

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…

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9 Things That Will Not Happen in Couples Counseling

August 15, 2013

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…

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11 Ways Couples Therapy Can Make You Rich

August 12, 2013

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…

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Don't Let Conflict Get the Best of You: 11 Steps to Increasing Positivity and Reducing Conflict

August 6, 2013

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…

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10 Signs You May Not Be Listening To Your Partner

July 29, 2013

Are 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…

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The True Cost of Love

July 12, 2013

As the demand for large extravagant weddings rise so does their cost. In 2012 TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com Real Wedding Study concluded that the average wedding budget is $28,427. Having a dream wedding may be every girl’s fantasy but what about having a stable and fulfilling marriage? People are willing to spend their entire savings and months or years planning for the perfect wedding but what are they willing to do for a solid marriage? Premarital counseling has been shown to reduce…

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Are you connecting with your partner?

July 8, 2013

If your partner….. Mentions that they never see you anymore Tries to engage you in conversation more frequently than normal Suggests a weekend getaway Tells you they feel like you never talk anymore Plans new and adventurous activities for the two of you Complains that you are “always” working, reading, or on your computer …..They may be feeling emotionally disconnected. Don’t miss the signals. Most relationships have their inherent challenges.  We all bring different expectations, values, perspectives,…

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Chicago Divorce Mediation

May 16, 2013

The process of divorce is emotionally and financially draining, often taking years to reach resolution. There is a better way: mediation allows the formers partners to control the process and the outcome.

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How To Benefit The Most From Couples Counseling.

May 14, 2013

For many couples, the decision to seek couples counseling is a tough one. Too often one spouse is resistant to bring their problems to a professional. Sometimes, if the marriage is highly strained and conflict-ridden a sense of hopelessness and resentment can run deep, causing partners to feel as though nothing or no one will be able to help them. If a couple is experiencing any of these thoughts or feelings, the time is right to seek…

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10 Ways To Stay Connected When A Partner Travels For Business

May 7, 2013

Traveling for business can be stressful for both members of a relationship, but with all of the technology available now, staying connected has never been easier. Here are some suggestions on how you can stay connected with your partner when they are traveling for business. 1. Know where your partner is. Create a shared calendar via Microsoft outlook or Google and keep your travel plans up to date. It’s reassuring to know where in the world your…

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