While it is not “your” problem, if it negatively impacts you, then it is a relationship problem. This means that while you might not be able to fix it, there are actions you can take to improve the situation. Our workshops are specifically designed to be interactive and experiential for couples only. It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual. Of course, studies such as this one cannot prove cause and effect.

There’s no reason you can’t keep having good sex after 70 and beyond. Men and women in their 70s can and do have sex. Many people in their 80s and even 90s stay sexually active. John and Julie Gottman only present The Art and Science of Love in Seattle, we offer a video online workshop and live virtual couples workshops. Our staff will provide hotel information for each venue.

Show empathy and understanding, even if you disagree. Active listening Valentime strengthens trust and encourages teens to open up. Impact of urinary incontinence on female sexual health in women during midlife.

John and Julie Gottman and see for yourself why millions of couples worldwide have benefited from the Gottman Method. Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Certainly, major depression or a severe anxiety disorder benefits most from professional help.

Ways To Improve Your Relationships (and Build Deeper Connections)

• When each person feels understood and valued, communication flourishes, contributing to the overall health and satisfaction of the relationship.
• It’s grounded on what actually works in relationships that are happy and stable, not idealistic notions or anecdotal evidence of what a relationship should be.
• They can adjust treatments, prescriptions, and help you find solutions.
• Here are 12 science-backed ways to create deep connections with others, whether it’s a family member, friend, partner, colleague, or even just a random person at the bus stop.
• These exercises are not just simple practices, but thoughtful tools facilitating better understanding and empathy between partners.

Simply repeat a few words the person said in question form. They will naturally elaborate a bit more on them. Picture two strangers striking up a conversation on a plane or a couple on a blind date. From the very first moments of awkward banter, how similar the two people are is immediately and powerfully playing a role in future interactions.

Effective Listening Skills

Addressing this behavior early on is crucial to prevent further emotional damage and to work towards a healthier, more respectful way of communicating. Couples of all ages, incomes, races, nationalities, professions, religions, abilities, and orientations attend our workshops. Couples attend who already have a strong, healthy relationship, and couples attend to repair relationship damage and get back on track. We welcome all couples who want to work on making their relationship stronger.

Workshop Reviews

Fear of leaking urine during sexual intercourse can decrease desire and create anxiety around sexual activity. After menopause, hormone changes can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal lining. This can cause sex to be painful and even impact your desire.

Encourage solo hobbies, quiet time, or nights apart when needed. Closeness thrives when both people feel free. Needing space doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. Alone time helps you reset and come back to the relationship with fresh eyes (and hopefully better moods).

If you’re ready for deeper support, we’re here to help. Whether you’re working through a rough patch, navigating a big transition, or just want to reconnect in a deeper way, therapy can give you tools, perspective, and support that lasts. Relationships aren’t fixed in a single conversation or saved by one romantic weekend. They’re built (daily) through the choices you make, the grace you give, and the effort you’re willing to put in (even when you’re tired or annoyed or over it).

These results suggest that even things like watching a movie or listening to music together can make you form a deeper connection with someone. So what happens if you find yourself having to help someone you don’t like? Your actions will suddenly be in conflict with your feelings. To balance out this dissonance, you will subconsciously increase your liking of the person. Another researcher notes that shared laughter is especially good for keeping a relationship strong before having difficult or conflict-prone conversations. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should change who you are or lie about your beliefs to make more friends.

Well, if you share something with a person, it implies you like them. This makes them trust you, like you more, and as a result more likely to share things with you in the future. But even if they don’t, the fact that you shared something with them will at least make them like you more. But of course, there is such a thing as “TMI”. Sharing too much too early can bring a developing relationship to a sudden halt.

Incorporating these exercises into your relationship is a vital step towards deeper understanding and connection. Remember, it’s normal to face challenges, but with dedication and openness to growth, you can build stronger bonds. Embrace each opportunity to listen, share, and thrive together. The essence of a safe space lies in fostering an environment where partners feel seen, heard, and validated without fear of judgment.

What’s more, if you and a stranger find out you both don’t like someone, you’ll feel much closer to the stranger than if you found out you shared a positive opinion. Wanting to be liked by others is pretty hard-wired into us. Our lives revolve around having strong bonds with people in our communities. In fact, science shows it not only improves our health, happiness, and wellbeing but is even necessary for our survival! So these are all pretty compelling reasons to develop close relationships with people around us.