Eight Solid Relationship Questions
Well Worn Chairs
Sometimes news aggregators send you to places you would not normally go and you find some good stuff. I am not a regular reader of Oprah magazines and websites, nothing personal about Oprah, I guess. There is an infinite amount of information to consume and hers has just not at the top of my list. Don't judge me. News apps can get you information that you were not expecting. The algorithms can be dangerous and wonderful . . . in this case they worked.
I was sent to an Oprah Magazine recently by Apple News to read the article "These Simple Questions Are Relationship Glue." The article used a few books, articles, research papers and such to put together a list of questions that will help any relationship.
"Is there anything you need from me today?"
"Are you available?"
"Have we had any misses lately?"
"What's going well - what's mad you feel seen and heard lately?"
"What's going on in the beautiful brain?"
"You know what I love about you?"
"Will you go out with me?"
"How about a hug?"
A few years ago, my wife gave me some coaching and told me all she wanted to hear from me (or sometimes from her friends) when things are not going well is the words, "that sucks." That allows her to know she is heard and empathized with. She doesn't want solutions, but to be heard.
As you can tell from that coaching, my wife has me at the beginners level of communication skills. These questions are the more advanced list. I've got some practice to do.
