Couples’ Blog 2 - Couples Institute

Pete’s Interview – Stages of Relationships – Triggers

5 Comments

Thanks for your interest in my recent interview on NPR. I hope you get some valuable insights for your relationship regarding: The stages of a relationship or

The Cookie Jar Marriage

No Comments

The cookie jar is an interesting concept. It’s so much more than a storage container! It’s where kids head for an immediate snack when feeling down or

A grave digger’s perspective about one kind of marriage

4 Comments

I used to be a grave digger. College summer job. No heavy equipment. Just two good shovels, pick axe, tape measure, string, and a tarp. I wasn’t

Teamwork: From now on if someone calls me chicken . . .

2 Comments

From now on if someone calls me “chicken,” I’ll take that as a huge compliment. For any person – especially a male – being called chicken is

“I just want my partner to understand me.”

No Comments

In my practice, I hear many couples say, ” I just want my partner to understand me. Who wouldn’t want that? You tell your partner things, they

Heart stops dominoes from all falling down

Why couples therapy isn’t just for when things are going wrong

1 Comment

Most people tend to associate couples therapy with intractable problems that they and their partner are struggling with. Couples usually wait until their situation has reached the

Rituals for Mother’s Day

5 Comments

Contrary to the cynic’s belief, Mother’s Day is not an invention of Hallmark. The roots actually predate Hallmark, going back to ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Now’s

Reflections on Motherhood

1 Comment

Most couples have no idea about the stresses of parenthood before the first child arrives. Sleep deprivation, economic stress, cranky kids, too little time together and challenging