Arguments often escalate because both partners feel the need to be heard immediately. When emotions peak, the brain’s ability to think clearly diminishes, making it harder to listen or respond thoughtfully. The Gottman technique of stepping back interrupts this cycle.

Our relationship to plants is primal and emotional. Our relationship to the beautiful rose flower is unparalleled. The flower's gorgeous scent, its lush flowers have a profound effect on our brain's emotional centers - the limbic system. Because of this intense emotional effect, the rose has been written about in poetry and song for centuries and red roses are universally known as symbols of enduring romantic love and sexual passion.

Originally posted January 30, 2018. Banish those negative feelings! Nurturing your connection is important. It’s important to connect positively every day! Research by John Gottman, Ph.D., the grandaddy of marriage counseling, shows that for every negative interaction, five positive ones are needed to compensate to keep up a positive balance of feelings. Happy, stable marriages naturally fall into the 5:1 ratio. The good news is you can consciously make an effort to