Phil And Maude On Successful Relationships

MAUDE: The path toward peaceful relationships is not filled with continuous agreement or having the same point of view on all things; at least, it doesn’t always appear to be. More often there are places along the way where you … How To Deal With The Bumps You Encounter In Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: As I continue on this year’s adventure of spending intimate time with those with whom I have deep relationships, I keep learning more about myself. This has been one of the unexpected and profound realizations as I experience these … How Relationships are Your Path Toward Growth Read More »

MAUDE: As many of you are aware, I have embarked on an adventure for this next year, birthday to birthday, of spending quality time with each of my closest relationships. (See this previous post.) Doesn’t really matter what we do, … How to Keep Your Relationships Alive Read More »

After last week’s post, There’s Only One Side in Peaceful Relationships—the Same Side, we thought we’d follow up with a few pages from one of our books. It fascinates us that our themes are so steadfast, but at the same … How to Find Peaceful Solutions Without Giving Anything Up Read More »

MAUDE: I was reading a note from Anna Drabik, one of my favorite relationship writers on Substack, about compromise. We had an exchange on the topic, which led Phil and me to revisit this subject and share what we feel … There’s Only One Side in Peaceful Relationships—the Same Side Read More »

Maude is away with a friend on one of those adventures she described last week (hence the photo), so I’m here writing solo. The other night, as we were settling in for our evening’s entertainment, I said what I wanted … For Peaceful Relationships, Share Your Opinions But Don’t Be Opinionated Read More »

I’m coming up on a big birthday, and it has invoked lots of thoughts of what I want to emphasize this coming year of my life. And, no surprise for those of you who know me and follow us, I … Do You Give Enough Time and Attention to Your Close Relationships? Read More »

MAUDE: Phil and I have been reflecting on snippiness; both being snippy and being related to in a snippy way. The dictionary defines it as: “a manner of speaking or behaving that is curt, abrupt, and often rude or disrespectful. It … How to Cut Out Snippiness in Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: On the path toward peaceful relationships, there are two areas we want to explore today: appreciation and acknowledgment. Both of these can be mighty contributors toward peaceful and loving relating. I was at a birthday party today with a … How Appreciation and Acknowledgment Open a Path to Peaceful Relationships Read More »

Hi, Phil and Maude here. Every week, we sit down and talk until we hit on a theme and jam on what we can say about it. Sometimes a dialogue best captures the essence of the conversation. PHIL: Mutuality is … How Does Mutuality Lead to Peaceful Relationships? Read More »

MAUDE: It is the unique quality of each person that can be the strength of a relationship, and yet it is often the great divider. Usually, when we write about uniqueness and its significance to peaceful relating, we discuss how … It’s Important to Treasure Each Person’s Uniqueness in Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: One of the cornerstones of deep and peaceful relationships is honesty. The ability to practice this within a relationship comes from a level of true acceptance of each other and the consequent trust that develops. This leads to a … Why Honesty is so Important in Creating Peace in Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: I’ve been thinking a lot about my deep relationships with friends, family, and my partner, Phil. What makes those relationships so full of support for my own personal growth, comfort, wisdom, laughter, and relaxation? What brings me the most … Why Knowing Your Values is so Important for all Your Relationships Read More »

PHIL: Our approach to writing about peaceful relationships is that we very much write about how we are rather than saying what you should do. We don’t know what you need to change to get here, but we know what … The Art of Undefended Love — How to Create Truly Peaceful Relationships Read More »

“O, wad some Pow’r the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us!” Robert Burns PHIL: Maude met with someone from her past who reminisced about how he remembered her, and this blew Maude’s mind because her recollection … How to See and Be Seen in Your Relationships Read More »

PHIL: Maude posted a meme on Facebook: “Be loving today – you can be right tomorrow” that generated an unusually enthusiastic response. Why were people so taken with this attitude? Let’s first consider why we like to be right. We … Be Loving Today – You Can Be Right Tomorrow Read More »

PHIL: When we talk about peace with people who have not experienced it directly, they conceive of it as an absence. It has long been associated with death—the Latin, “Resquiescat in pace,” or R.I.P., stems from the eighth century. But … What is Peace in a Relationship Actually Like? Read More »

PHIL: It’s time to talk directly about being present. We have mentioned it recently when writing about other topics like listening, paying attention, and hanging out. But what does it involve? I have written elsewhere that we have a verbal … You Can’t Love If You’re Not There: Why Presence Matters Read More »

MAUDE: Pay attention! Listen! These seem like rather simple admonishments. And yet, so many of us find it very challenging to do so. Listening to others with an open heart and full attention seems to have become almost a lost … How Attentive Listening Strengthens Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: Peaceful relationships are attractive. Once you have experienced the kind of deep calm and relaxation that such a connection provides, it is natural to want more. Developing these kinds of interactions through the many methods we outline in our … How Peaceful Relationships Create the Freedom to Be Yourself Read More »