‘Friendship’ and Happy Couples.

     Love.Beach
     A new study concludes that the disadvantages of remaining single have broad implications. It also concludes that ‘friendship’ within marriages is a key determinant if a couple is happy. It further concludes that being happy allows couples to successfully meet the stresses of life. Very interesting study. However, I wonder how accurate this is when talking about the role of friendship within marriage in countries other than the United States. Nevertheless, this is an interesting study and adds to the discussion about marriages and communications by couples. To me ‘friendship’ between a couple is certainly something to strive for .

 

Study Finds More Reasons to Get and Stay Married.” New York Times (January 8th, 2015).

Does Your Therapist Really Listen to You? — This is Essential.

Doctor Listen (1.5.15)

     One of the most important aspects in health care is for the doctor or therapist  to carefully listen to the patient or client. This is essential in providing proper diagnosis and treatment. This is true across the board in the health professions.  Good news that some professional programs now emphasize this training.

Doctors and Listening.” New York Times (Jan. 5, 2015).

Good Relationship with Therapist Essential to Good & Effective Therapy.

Couple (MSN 2013)
    One of the most important aspects of ensuring good therapy is establishing a good relationship with your therapist. This article describes how really important that is.

 

Me  and My Therapist..” New York Times (January 4, 2015).

Two Difficult Conversations: Constant Use of Mobile Devices; Having Better Sex.

Counseling and Husbands (WSJ 8.12.14)

    This article discusses two difficult conversations: constant use of mobile devices; having better sex. Conclusion — don’t blame your partner, just describe the problem. This is good advice on how to start the conversation. Also picking a good time is very helpful. Couples counseling can be very helpful in these situations.

The Year in Relationship Troubles, and How Talk Can Help.” Wall Street Journal (December 30, 2014).

Google Search Findings & Holidays — Depression, Families and Diet ….. Some Surprises.

Xmas Party

 

    Good article discussing Google analytics, search terms and couples during holidays. Major findings: searches for “depression,” “divorce,”  and “diet” are lowest on Xmas and the days afterwards. “Hate family” is highest during Xmas. Sounds about right. Especially the diet part.

 

“What We’re Searching For.” New York Times (12.21.14).

 

Strategies for the Holidays — “Cognitive Reframe.”

Xmas Party

     Getting through the holidays is tough for many people. This article suggests that “cognitive reframe” is a strategy to get through the holidays. At its essence it is doing things that  remind yourself of times you projected a happy image. Seems common sense to me. But it’s very effective.
Strategies for the Holidays — To Get Through Them.” Wall Street Journal (December 16, 2014).

Happy Marriage (Parade 7.26.14)

     Economic inequality seems to relate to marriage inequality as to why richer couples marry more than less economically secure ones. Young couples that can pool two incomes and provide a solid financial foundation for marriage tend to marry at a greater rate. Data seems to establish this. But it isn’t always necessarily the case. Many other societal reasons come into play.
The Real Reason Richer People Marry.” New York Times (December 7, 2014).

Couples & Tweeting ….. Can Too Much Tweeting Cause a Couple Disconnect?

Couple (Angry)

     This article argues that relationships are under attack from technology. For example, unequal use of technology at home can lead to unhappy consequences. Engaging in too much technology (tweeting, among others) while in presence of a spouse encourages disconnection. This sounds about right. Most important, you want to limit separate use of technology while at home during quiet time and evening hours, so says this article.
Tweeting Together, Staying Together.” New York Times (12.4.14).

Holidays and Family Feuding — Expect Unfortunate Responses and Plan …………….

  Family Holiday  
     The holiday season often brings feuding during family gatherings. This article gives you strategies in avoiding family confrontations. Very worthwhile. Especially the suggestion on communicating and expecting unfortunate responses.

 

A Nuclear Family Meltdown.” Wall Street Journal (December 2, 2014)

Is the Divorce Surge Really Over?

Couple (Angry)
     Good article about the ending of the divorce surge. However, if you read it carefully you are not convinced. Still over 50% all new marriages end in divorce. To me this indicates the couples counseling is more important now than ever before.

 

The Divorce Surge is Over — But the Myth Lives On.” New York Times (December 2, 2014).