Category Archives: Communications

Annoying ‘Little Things’ — Discuss Them Sooner Than Later.

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Couples (Flaws)(WSJ 7.30.14)

What do you do when something your partner does that used to be funny now drives you crazy? This article discusses how partners grow apart and often change their perception of each other, especially their ‘little things.’ The solution — Discuss these perceptions and communicate how you feel about them. Sooner the better. With good will you can overcome the friction. Sounds like sound advice.

 

“Couples, Beware: Adorable Traits Become Unbearable Flaws.” Wall Street Journal (July 30, 2014).

Equality within Marriages but Inequality Among Couples — Tough Economic Times and the New Instability.

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couples

This is a good article discussing the evolving relationship of couples in today’s socioeconomic times. The author argues there is a dual characteristic. On the one hand, there is growing equality within marriages. Yet, there is a growing inequality among families. This is creating on balance a new instability. Unfortunately, this seems accurate given the last seven or eight years of economic stagnation for most but soaring wealth for a few. “The New Instability.” Sunday New York Times (July 27, 2014).

Five Rules for a Happy Marriage …. You’re a Team !

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Happy Marriage (Parade 7.26.14)

Good article on maintaining a good marriage. Five rules. But the most important one is that you are a TEAM. A partnership as you go through life. Good advice. “Happily Ever After.” Parade (July 26, 2014).

 

Paranoia at Work …. Build Relationships …. Most Important

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Cyberespionage

Good article on the workplace. The conclusion is that hard work is important but relationships in the workplace are most beneficial. But you need a balance in the workplace — a good degree of suspicion and vigilance. “Paranoia at the Work is Out to Get You.” Financial Times ((July 18, 2014).

Don’t Apologize So Fast — Take a Timeout & Then Talk.

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Couples in Business

     Good article offering five steps to take after an argument with your partner. The best advice: Take a timeout and then discuss the underlying issues honestly.
 
“Don’t Apologize So Fast.” Wall Street Journal (July 15, 2014)

 

Mental Illness is Our Most Urgent Problem — Anxiety & Depression — Action Needed.

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Mental Health
    A great commentary by Martin Wolfe of the Financial Times arguing that mental health is our most urgent health problem. He states “Depression and anxiety cause more misery than physical illness ….” We need to take needed action, says Martin Wolfe. Yes, this is long overdue. “Mental Illness.” Financial Times (July 17, 2014).

“Ban the Silent Treatment’ — Need a More Positive Approach for Better Communications.

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                                                  Depression
     Really interesting article about the dangers of utilizing “the silent treatment” in marital communications. This is a poor communication technique. It often leads to greater escalation of issues. The solution is both simple and hard. There needs to be more active engagement and communication. This takes work on behalf of both parties. But it’s worth it.

 

 

     ……………. “Ban the Silent Treatment.” Wall Street Journal (July 17, 2014).

 

E-Mail:  SandyMalawer@Counseling-Connection.net
Website: www.Counseling-Connection.net
Phone: 703.893.9063

Mental Health Reform in Virginia — It’s a Start.

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Mental Health

     The governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe signed new legislation reforming Virginia’s mental health system. This is a good beginning in providing mental health care to all Virginians.

….. “A First Step to Mental Health Reform.” Washington Post (April 29, 2014).

Personality and Relationships — Personaility Improves Over Time.

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Personality
Personality Improves Over Time. You can speed this up and its good for you, good for personal communications, and enhances your relationships. Interesting article in today’s Wall Street Journal.

 

….. “We Actually Get Nicer with Age.” Wall Street Journal (April 22, 2014).

Demonstrating Appreciation — Many Benefits in Your Relationship.

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Relationship (WSJ 4.8.14)

     Demonstrating appreciation for your partner every day makes you and your partner feel better. It has many benefits through good times and hard times. This is a simple observation but often not practiced by many. Too bad.

 

 

…..  “To Do: Celebrate Your Relationship Every Day.” Wall Street Journal (April 8, 2014).