Communication Skills
According to H. Norman Wright, the 20 most important words in a marriage are:
I am sorry
I forgive you
Please forgive me
You were right
I was wrong
I love you
Thank you
Are these words in your relationship vocabulary? If they are not ask yourself "what is it like to be in a relationship with me?" In using temperament assessments with the Arno Profile System (APS), we find that there are those who have a hard time with these 20 words because of hurt, bitterness or negative thinking. To break the negative barrier, listening skills as well as learning how to communicate one's thoughts and emotions in a safe and healthy way needs to be taught. Criticism inhibits growth and harmony in an individual as well as in their relationships. If you would like to be able to learn how to use these words to build a stronger relationship, call 908.864.0573 or email [email protected] to make an appointment to have your assessment made. |
Financial Freedom
Financial freedom begins with a plan. Maybe you didn't need a plan because you had no money problems. There's a good chance you had no money problems because you had no money. If you are considering marriage, consider that there is no longer "his" and "hers" when it somes to debt. Now it becomes "our" debt. So what do you do? Do you have a plan?
According to Gary Chapman in his book "Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Go Married" suggests:
- Look at how you spend your money.
- Begin to do individually what you plan to do as a couple.
- Agree on a percentage of income that you will save, give away, and spend.
- Decide who will keep the books so that the bills will get paid and there will be a record of where the money is going.
These are the first steps of a gaining freedom from the pressures of finances in marriage. Because of the emotions that are involved and a society that says "buy now and pay later", debt is breaking down relationships with shame, anger and frustration. We are reminded in Matt. 19:26 when Jesus said "With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible". With a trained counselor you can begin your journey to your financial freedom with a phone call or email to Heart to Heart Counseling Center. |