Patricia and Les at Banff Couples Conference
Couplesships can be strengthened and made more resilient to the challenges ahead. The year Judith and Robert Gass opened the Banff Couples Conference, they began by stating their intentions for the weekend. It would be a time for reflection, celebration and some relationship mending.
We began with saying, “Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for your gentle hands. Thank-you for . . .” When was the last time you expressed 4 minutes of appreciation to your partner?
Here are 10 Gass Tips:
1. Get out of the blame game: accept responsibility by answering these questions: “What did I do to participate in the situation? How did I respond? Then end this sentence: “If I were to take 100% responsibly I would . . .”
2. Trying to improve your partner is a frustrating trap.
3. If you are winning a point you are losing in the relationship. Do not WIN at your partner’s expense.
4. Love stimulates growth.
5. Relationship enhancers include authenticity, respect, contact, deep listening and vulnerability.
6. Feel life as it is.
7. Practice empathy for your partner.
8. When you have a problem, sit together side by side, facing the problem so you can discuss it in a mutual and cooperative state.
9. Learn what motivates, hurts, disappoints, scares and brings joy to your partner.
10. Develop an understanding of what it is like to be him or her.
Learn more about the Banff Couples Conference.
