We can’t control other people and situations. But we can choose to set expectations aside and not put so much emphasis on how things are going to end up.

Go to the source: How Expectations Can Drive People Away and How to Let Go of Control

The day I chose to forgive was the day I became free…

Source: Why I Forgave My Father and How It Set Me Free – Tiny Buddha

I really dislike confrontation and will do pretty much anything in my power to avoid most arguments. Still, like anyone, I end up in a few every now and then. I’ve read a ton of different techniques for handling tense situations, but I heard some great advice this week: “Just ask what they want from the argument.” The speaker attributed it to Oprah, which while that might be true, there’s no record I can find of her ever saying it. It is good advice, though…

Source: How to Defuse an Argument With a Few Words

Ouch. Source: Study Shows Being Rejected For Someone Else Makes It Worse – mindbodygreen

This post is brought to you by fewer fights, more laughter, the letter m, and Modern Married.  Have you ever tried to find resources for making your relationship Really Great? As in not just “fine” or “good” but THRIVING? There are piles of books about how to deal with cheating or divorce. But not nearly… Read more » Source: What Nobody Tells You About Happy Relationships –

If you blame your partner and take no responsibility, you lose the opportunity to become a better person and a better partner. If you blame, chastise, and punish yourself, you are telling yourself that you don’t deserve to be loved, and loved well. But, again, if you hold firm to your commitment to see the lesson in every experience—if you can honor your investment in the relationship but recognize your own failings within it—the end of a relationship can teach you more about yourself than almost anything else. It can be a time of renewal—a time to take inventory, to decide what you liked and didn’t like, and to make changes to yourself. Then if you wish, you can choose again. And this time, you’ll choose better…

Source: Why The Failed Relationship Is A Myth (According To A Love Biologist) – mindbodygreen

We all are accustomed with the idea of soulmates. This idea originated from Plato’s Symposium where Aristophanes was of the belief that humans were eight-limbed creatures with two heads. The Gods split them in half to reduce their power and humans were reduced to weaker beings, constantly feeling incomplete, without their significant “other half”.

Read on: The Invisible Red Thread between Two People who are Meant to be Together

Most of us don’t even realize when we’re allowing our egos to run the show. Here’s how I’ve learned to minimize this kind of drama in my relationships.

Source: How Our Egos Create Drama in Our Relationships (And How to Avoid It)

Most of us don’t even realize when we’re allowing our egos to run the show. Here’s how I’ve learned to minimize this kind of drama in my relationships.

Source: How Our Egos Create Drama in Our Relationships (and How to Avoid It)

The next time you find yourself getting ready to join with someone in a relationship (or even a friendship) ask yourself these questions first.

Source: 3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Enter A Relationship