PHIL: We say that the essence of a successful relationship is having similar core values; recognizing that everyone is a unique individual, and joyfully accepting those differences; and a non-confrontational approach to handling differences. There are a number of other …
Three Ways That Help to Create a Peaceful Relationship Read more →
You can move towards the goal of creating peaceful relationships through a firm belief in the possibility and a clear intention to do so, especially with those with whom you share matching core values. You are also able, by working on yourself, to greatly affect the dynamic of any interaction.
MAUDE: As we write this first blog of the new year, we are posing the question of what goes into a growing fruitful relationship, one where the values of peace and harmony are primary for both parties within the relationship. …
Why It’s Important to Look Beyond Relationship Differences to Your Own Reactions Read more →
Your attitude, the position you come from in an exchange, can dramatically change the outcome. In all your relationships, the issue of whether you put your attention toward similarities or differences plays a big part in whether those relationships are …
How Looking at Similarities Rather Than Differences Improves Your Relationships Read more →
PHIL: In our book, individuality and acceptance have different chapters, but as we came to put together a course, we found that the two are so intertwined that we needed to put them together into a single session. So today …
How Can Relationship Differences Lead to Peace, not Anger or Resentment? Read more →
It’s likely you know someone who blames the world for everything. From the disintegration of their fourth marriage to a fender-bender to losing at bridge, nothing is ever their fault. If you want to remain the same, and want to …
How Can We Use the Differences in Our Relationships to Inspire Us? Read more →
PHIL: We’ve written before about how to accept the differences between people, especially in a partnership, but a whole other aspect of differences is the pleasure and richness that they offer. As someone we interviewed said, “It would be so …
How to Greet the Differences in Your Relationships as Blessings Read more →
A reader emailed us about last week’s blog: “It sounds simple but not easy. I certainly haven’t mastered it yet!” We maintain harmony in our relationship the same way a bike stays in balance when being ridden. It happens with …
Why Those Little Differences Needn’t Be a Problem in Your Relationship Read more →
PHIL: The obvious way that you compare things is by looking at how they differ. Which oven is self-cleaning? Does this bank charge overdraft fees? Less obvious is to look at the similarities, because they don’t help you make choices …
How Can You See Differences in Your Relationships as Welcome Additions? Read more →
PHIL: We live in two worlds. One is our life together. Each evening we retire early to watch Netflix, do the New York Times crossword, play word games and chill. We call this our sacred space. Each week we write …
How to Honor Both Closeness and Space in Your Relationship Read more →