PHIL: I want to jam on the idea that all people are different. No one is exactly like anyone else. So in your relationships, especially the close ones, you’re going to run into differences. They’re inevitable. The fact that the …

How to Embrace Differences, Not Trip Over Them Read more »

For the last few weeks, we have been writing about subtle aspects of peaceful relationships. It is now time to describe the five principles for creating peaceful relationships, of which these subtle aspects are a part. These are: Knowing and …

The Five Fundamentals of Peaceful Relationships Read more »

A central part of experiencing harmony and peace in relationships is understanding core values, knowing what yours are, and seeing that there are matches within your intimate relationships. It is also important to understand the connection between wants, needs and …

Why it is Important to Realize the Difference Between Wants, Needs and Values Read more »

PHIL: The tensions in a relationship can arise from different wants, needs or values. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a good starting point for thinking about needs. At the lowest level, there is no compromise: food, air and water are …

Why Looking at Wants, Needs and Values is so Important for Your Relationship Read more »

PHIL: Nearly every night Maude and I retire early, do the New York Times crossword, read out loud, watch Netflix and generally hang out together. We’ve come to call this time our Sacred Space – a time we spend away …

Why You Should Take the Time and Attention to Honor Your Relationships Read more »

Critical to having a peaceful conflict-free relationship is an attitude we refer to as total acceptance. Understanding that the other person is a full and separate individual, with different ways of expressing themselves and unique preferences, is a necessary foundation …

What Makes Up a Conflict-free Relationship? Read more »

The common wisdom about relationships is that there will be times of conflict. You will find writer after writer advising you to handle this by talking, being kind, communicating, compromising, making lists, having date nights and accepting the inevitable. But …

How to Reframe Your Relationship for the Better Read more »

Last week we gave a workshop on transforming your relationship. Our work involves creating and re-framing relationships as peaceful conflict-free ones. In order to do that a change in perception is critical – a change in how you see relationships. …

How to Transform Your Relationship and Make it Conflict-free Read more »