Two Parts of a Whole

two puzzle pieces in green background

Fostering Emotional Independence in Marriage Independence is a celebrated trait in today’s society. We’re encouraged to be independent– to look after ourselves, make our own decisions, and take charge of our lives. Yet in marriage, dependence is necessary and sets the stage for a strong, healthy relationship. So where is the balance? What role should […]

How Do They Do It?

Danna Vaughn and her husband on balancing work and relationships in chattanooga

Balancing full-time, professional careers with the romance and responsibilities of marriage can be challenging. These four locals share their favorite tips for prioritizing their relationship and offer insight into the arduous but worthwhile journey of love and success. “We are very intentional with our marriage. We plan regular date nights, attend marriage enrichment sessions, and […]

Communicating in Relationships

man kissing his girlfriend's forehead

How to Communicate More Effectively Lorrie Slater, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, NCC, speaks with us about the important role of communication in relationships. It’s no secret that effective communication leads to a higher level of satisfaction and happiness in relationships. But just like any other skill, truly effective communication often requires patience and practice to develop. Do […]

Jealousy in Relationships

jealous woman looking into her boyfriend's phone

Is it ever OK to be on the jealous side? Dr. Carol Burns Stoney, LPC-MHSP, shared her take on jealousy in relationships. HS: A lot of relationships involve jealousy, from either one partner or both. But is it ever a healthy part of the relationship? CBS: I don’t know if it’s healthy, but it can be […]

Setting the Bar

man and woman enjoying their time in a restaurant

Healthy Dating Expectations When it comes to dating and relationships, here are a few tips for setting healthy expectations and avoiding disappointment. #1. Take your time. Sure, you might want to settle down as soon as you can, but if the person you’re dating wants to take things slow, don’t write them off just yet. […]

Fight Right

spouses in a conflict

Arguing Well With Your Spouse Wondering about how much is too much when it comes to arguing with your spouse? It’s possible you could be asking the wrong question. It’s always interesting to hear what couples say when asked about how much they argue.  Some say “never,” believing that arguing would be a sign their […]

Falling for the Wrong Person

woman looking away from her significant other

How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk Finding yourself in the same relationship rut again and again leads to confusion, frustration, and discouragement. But you don’t have to stay there. Recently, I asked two large groups of college students to write one word to describe their future marriage. I then asked them to […]

Work Spouses

graphic illustration of two people crossing with each other

What are they? From knowing your favorite sandwich at the corner deli to reminding you about your kid’s afternoon soccer game, the line between co-workers and family members continues to blur as Americans put in long hours at the office. But what happens when a co-worker becomes more like a spouse and less like a […]

Setting Boundaries

graphic illustration of two people crossing with each other

Full PDF here. By Candice Graham Do you feel your work spouse relationship may be veering off course? Lorrie Slater, a licensed professional counselor with Henegar CBI Counseling Center, suggests setting boundaries in the workplace. According to Slater, having a work spouse is a slippery slope, and one that you should be open with your real […]

What is an Apology? Understanding the 5 Languages of Apology

Man apologizing with flowers

The Importance of Understanding the Languages of Apology Most everybody can think of a time when their spouse did something hurtful.  When the offense was brought up, maybe your spouse flippantly said, “I’m sorry” and moved on.  Maybe he or she felt like an apology had been given – but you felt disrespected and more […]

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