Most commonly, when one person in a relationship comes to the other with a problem (or even just wanting to vent), the instinct of the other person is to spring into action – offering their advice or encouraging words in an effort to aid them in feeling better. But what if I told you that by doing so, you could actually be making things worse!

Despite your good intentions, trying to bypass their feelings to get to a solution can actually cause more harm than good.

One of the most powerful aspects of a strong relationship is feeling that you are heard and known by the person you are with. In order for this connection to be made, the most effective way to respond to your significant other in times of distress is with empathy.

Brene Brown does an excellent job of explaining the importance of empathy, and what an empathic response looks like, in this video:

The next time your partner comes to you with a problem, a rough day, or the need to vent, try showing them empathy before...

We are in the business of love and relationships. 

We want to help your relationship last. We want to see you grow even closer together. 

We all have areas of weakness.

We also each have our unique strengths.

On your journey to your best life, we want to share what has worked and where we have failed and learned. We hope to earn your trust as mentors for life's journey. Our advice seeks to be practical. And something you can put into practice right away.

You can benefit from the information we share here for free.

You can also take our Live Happily Ever After relationship assessment. It produces a picture of where the two of you are on your journey and provides advice catered to your personal report of findings. Then you can hone in on ways to move your relationship forward. 

Few can take on every area for improvement at once. We don't recommend that approach. Where should you start? The joint report that shows where you and your loved one are at -- today -- will...