Michelle Puster Counseling

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Sliding Door Moments #1

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Marriage Counseling

Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis Flickr

On the therapy couch a couple sits, referred to lovingly by one client as the principal’s office. Each person is nervous, uneasy, and would probably rather be just about any place but there. As they shared about a recent conflict they faced both beginning to tense up, the husband made a gentle inside joke that brought a smile to both their faces. The wife’s shoulders dropped with ease accepting her husband’s bid for affection. He gently touched her leg. They were in this therapy thing together and ready to face whatever might come up.

If your partner reaches out to you today to ease your stress consider accepting that small bid because it may bring big comfort.

Learn more about John Gottman’s sliding door moments, in the article What Makes Love Last: Sliding Door Moments.

Michelle Puster M.Ed. | Licensed Professional Counselor
Helping disconnected couples grow closer
Couples & Marriage Counseling Katy, TX

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How to Stop a Fight Before it Starts

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Sean Molin

Photo by Sean Molin Flickr

Have you ever wanted to bring something up to your partner but feared it would turn into a huge fight? Or maybe you have experienced so many bad fights you have given up on the possibility of bringing a concern and it going any other way than bad. It is possible to create the best possible scenario for a positive outcome when bringing up concerns with your partner.

I regularly want to bring stuff up with my husband at the worst possible times, with the worst attitude, tone etc. because I want to bring it up when it is bothering me. I feel a sense of urgency. I repeatedly fell into the trap of “It is not what you say, it’s how you say it.” I have learned over time why this was happening and how to adjust the how and when I say it.

4 Tips to Stop a Fight Before It Starts

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How to Prioritize Your Relationship

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It’s not about HAVING time

It’s about MAKING time

Keeping your marriage or relationship strong requires keeping your partner and your relationship at the top of your priorities. Sometimes, I feel I do better at this than others. Often my children or my work are at the forefront of my mind and to do list leaving my marriage…somewhere down the line.

This ebb and flow is normal in relationships, your spouse is not always going to come first. This is why it is so important to continuously make a concerted effort to evaluate your priorities and ensure your marriage remains a top priority, not just in words but in action. Below are three actions to evaluate your priorities and ensure your actions match your words.…read more

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