Relationship Resources

Relationship Resources Couples deserve to succeed Conflicts in a marriage are rarely about the issues, but instead how couples talk about the issues.

In our couples counseling sessions, partners communicate face-to-face, openly and honestly about their issues. Throughout the conversation we will identify and prevent flashpoints that create conflict escalation. We will give feedback and provide direction toward the most effective way of communicating in a given situation. Our feedback encourages respectful and mutually compassionate interactions, and helps dispel miscommunications that cause marital tensions. Small steps soon become major strides as couples progress from confrontation and impasse toward an understanding of their differences. The underlying goal of our sessions is to: increase the pleasure of spending time with your partner, heighten or reestablish emotional intimacy, and help rediscover happiness in your relationship. Over the years, Relationship Resources has helped hundreds of married and unmarried couples undo rigid and negative patterns of behavior and transform their relationships to newfound levels of happiness and enjoyment.

The holiday season whirls by in a blur of shopping lists, family obligations, and endless events. Do you and your partne...
12/23/2025

The holiday season whirls by in a blur of shopping lists, family obligations, and endless events.

Do you and your partner feel like ships passing in the night?

Reconnecting can be simpler than you think. Look for tiny moments between the holiday chaos:
😂Share a quick laugh over tangled strands of lights.
🤝Give a gentle squeeze of their hand between store visits.
🎄Share one highlight from your day while putting up decorations.

These small moments remind your partner they’re seen and appreciated, even during the busiest days.

You can start right now, in the middle of your holiday to-do list. No pressure. No planning needed.

What’s one small way you could make your partner smile today?

Your stomach tightens as another holiday argument brews. Sound familiar? You're not alone.Dr. John Gottman's research re...
12/17/2025

Your stomach tightens as another holiday argument brews. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Dr. John Gottman's research reveals a powerful truth: couples who express needs clearly, without criticism, are 96% more likely to reach understanding.

When your partner suggests spending Christmas at their parents' again, try: "My issue is wanting to create holiday traditions that honor both our families."

Dr. Richard Rein reminds us that successful couples transform complaints into requests.

Instead of: "You always choose your family."
Say: "My concern is finding balance in our holiday commitments."

Why does this work? This language creates space for both partners to feel heard, shifts the focus from blame to collaboration, and creates space for open dialogue and connection.

What helps you feel heard when holiday tensions arise?

Does the holiday season make your relationship feel more strained? You’re not alone. Family gatherings, gift decisions, ...
12/10/2025

Does the holiday season make your relationship feel more strained? You’re not alone. Family gatherings, gift decisions, packed calendars—suddenly every small disagreement feels bigger.

Here's something that can help right now: Notice what's underneath the rising tension. Try this:
✨ Pause
✨ Take three deep breaths
✨ Ask yourself: “What am I really feeling right now?”

Often, it’s not about the burnt cookies or budget disagreements—it’s about feeling unheard or alone in the stress.

Understanding what's beneath your reactions can be your first step toward reconnecting, even during this challenging season. That small step can set the tone for calmer, clearer communication during the holidays.

12/02/2025

Dr. John Gottman's research shows there’s a "magic ratio" in relationships.

What is it? Happy couples share 5 positive moments for every negative one.

What do positive moments look like?
👂Be Interested: Put away all distractions and really listen to your partner’s day
🥰 Express Affection: Give your partner a warm hug at the end of a long day
☕Show They Matters: Make your partner morning coffee
📱Intentional Appreciation: Send your partner a random "thinking of you" text
🥳Offer Support: Be your partner’s biggest cheerleader in small victories

These positive interactions create a strong foundation and resilience for navigating difficult moments.

Today's challenge:
Notice your exchanges with your partner. Where could you create more positive moments?

Want to experience more relationship satisfaction? It starts with just 10 minutes tonight.Research from The Gottman Inst...
11/25/2025

Want to experience more relationship satisfaction? It starts with just 10 minutes tonight.

Research from The Gottman Institute shows that couples who practice shared gratitude rituals experience 2x more relationship satisfaction than those who don’t.

Here’s a simple evening practice to try with your partner:
• Set aside 10 minutes before bed - no phones, no TV, just the two of you.
• Take turns sharing three specific things you appreciated about each other today.
• Focus on the small moments: a gentle touch, a knowing smile, or how they remembered your favorite tea.

The key is being specific and present. Instead of "thanks for being nice," try "I loved how you listened without judgment when I was stressed about work."

This ritual creates what Dr. Gottman calls "emotional deposits”; small moments that build lasting connection and trust.

Over time, you’ll find yourself noticing the positive more often throughout your day. Try this each evening for a week and see the difference it makes in your relationship.

A simple 10 minutes, a lasting impact on your connection and trust.

Ever catch yourself thinking "They're doing that just to annoy me?" That's what relationship experts call negative overr...
11/20/2025

Ever catch yourself thinking "They're doing that just to annoy me?"

That's what relationship experts call negative override, where we start assuming the worst.

But here's the good news: acts of gratitude can retrain your brain to stop seeing only the worst.

When we pause to say "thank you" for the small things like remembering how we like our pizza, making us coffee, or grabbing a needed item on the way home, something powerful happens.

Our brain starts looking for the good stuff. And those old relationship wounds? They start healing when we notice what's working instead of what's broken. ❤️

When they're running late, instead of thinking "they don't respect my time," remember all the times they've shown up for you. When you look for ways to express gratitude, it changes the lens through which you see your partner and your relationship as a whole.

What's one thing your partner did today that you're grateful for? That simple shift could be the start of something beautiful.

11/12/2025

You come home and dinner is made. And you almost don't notice anymore.

Or, maybe it's the way they always fill your car with gas, remember to grab the milk, or handle that one recurring bill without being asked. These moments used to feel special. Now they just... happen.

That's what time does in relationships. The little things your partner does daily start to fade into the background. Not because you don't care, but because life gets busy and routines become invisible.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it's worth pausing to notice what's been there all along. When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we start to see how much love we already have.

Try this: List five things your partner does that make your life easier or better. Share one each day for the next five days. This lets them know you see what they do and that it matters.

Sometimes the simplest way to reconnect is to say: I notice. I'm grateful. Thank you.

What’s the first thing you’ll thank them for this week?

11/04/2025

When was the last time you felt truly grateful in your relationship?

Amid relationship challenges, gratitude might be the last thing on your mind. You might be focused on:
• What's missing
• What's hurting
• What needs to change

And that's completely normal.

But here's what we've learned from years of couples counseling: Gratitude isn't just about saying "thank you", it's about shifting how we see our relationship, even during the tough times.

Research shows that grateful couples experience:
• Greater emotional intimacy
• More constructive conflict resolution
• Deeper commitment to each other
• Increased empathy and understanding

This might sound ideal when things are going well, but what about when your relationship is strained?

Gratitude works even when your relationship feels strained. Why? Because it helps us notice the small moments of connection that still exist, even when bigger issues need work.

Think of gratitude like turning on a light in a dark room. You might still need to clean the room, but at least you can see what's actually there, including the good stuff you might have forgotten about.

💭Reflection for today: Can you think of one small thing your partner did recently that you’re grateful for?

Ever ask your partner a question and get a one-word answer?It’s rarely about disinterest.Often, the question feels too n...
10/29/2025

Ever ask your partner a question and get a one-word answer?

It’s rarely about disinterest.
Often, the question feels too narrow or too charged to answer honestly.

Dr. Richard Rein reminds us that curiosity keeps communication open.

When we ask to understand rather than to analyze, our partner feels safe enough to share.

Instead of “Why did you…?” try:
• “Help me understand what you were thinking.”
• “What felt important to you in that moment?”
• “What were you hoping I’d hear or see?”

Open-ended questions aren’t about getting the “right” answer.
They show your partner that you’re willing to listen without judgment.

10/22/2025

Sometimes what your partner doesn’t say speaks the loudest.

A sigh, a glance away, a tight jaw, these small cues often reveal what words can’t. When we miss them, conversations can go off course before we even realize it.

Dr. Richard Rein notes that non-verbal communication often carries more weight than spoken words. Eye contact, tone, and posture can either invite closeness or signal distance.

Try slowing down and noticing your partner’s expressions and body language during your next conversation. Are they relaxed or withdrawn? Engaged or overwhelmed?

When you tune in to those subtle shifts, you’re not just observing you’re showing care, empathy, and emotional awareness.

When was the last time you really listened, without planning your reply?Interrupting might seem small, but it quietly si...
10/15/2025

When was the last time you really listened, without planning your reply?

Interrupting might seem small, but it quietly signals, “I’m not fully with you.”

When one partner is talking, the other often starts forming a response instead of hearing the message. That’s when misunderstandings, and escalation, begin.

Dr. Richard Rein explains that successful couples take turns speaking and resist the urge to cut in. Each partner needs to feel heard before the other responds. Even a short pause can make all the difference.

Next time you catch yourself jumping in, try jotting a quick note or simply breathe and wait for the natural pause. You’ll notice how much easier it becomes to truly understand each other.

Listening is one of the most active forms of love.

10/07/2025

Awareness of others is a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence in relationships. It involves being attuned to your partner's feelings, needs, and perspectives, even when they differ from your own.

Dr. John Gottman's research highlights that couples who practice this awareness are better at navigating conflicts and maintaining long-term satisfaction.

To cultivate awareness of others in your relationship, try:
• Actively listening without interrupting
• Paying attention to non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language
• Asking open-ended questions to understand your partner's viewpoint

Remember, the goal isn't to agree on everything, but to acknowledge and respect each other's experiences. This awareness can lead to more empathetic responses and a stronger emotional connection.

When was the last time you truly put yourself in your partner's shoes during a conversation?

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62 Derby Street, Suite 6
Hingham, MA
02043

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Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 2:30pm

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Our Story

Conflicts in a marriage are rarely about the issues, but instead how couples talk about the issues. In our couples counseling sessions, partners communicate face-to-face, openly and honestly about their issues.

Throughout the conversation we identify and prevent flash-points that create conflict escalation. We give feedback and provide direction toward the most effective way of communicating in a given situation. Our feedback encourages respectful and mutually compassionate interactions, and helps dispel miscommunication that cause marital tensions. Small steps soon become major strides as couples progress from confrontation and impasse toward an understanding of their differences.

The underlying goal of our sessions is to: increase the pleasure of spending time with your partner, heighten or reestablish emotional intimacy, and help rediscover happiness in your relationship.

Over the years, Relationship Resources has helped hundreds of married and unmarried couples undo rigid and negative patterns of behavior and transform their relationships to newfound levels of happiness and enjoyment.