Category Archives: Relationships

Strong and healthy relationships make our lives worth living.

7 Steps to Improve your Emotional Intelligence

Posted on 1 November 2016 by Kirsten Long

What exactly is EQ (emotional intelligence)? Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. This intelligence includes your ability to be aware of your own and other’s emotions and using emotions effectively to … Continue reading →

Posted in awareness, Feelings, Life Mastery, Relationships | 1 Comment

The role you play in a bad relationship

Posted on 6 October 2016 by Kirsten Long

If I were to tell you that you have   played a role in your bad relationship, you will probably get all defensive. More so if you play the blame game: It’s all your partner’s fault. Bear with me. If it’s your partner’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Feelings, Life Mastery, Relationships | 1 Comment

Beware: The Relationship LIE that Destroys.

Posted on 13 July 2016 by Kirsten Long

  Complacency slips unseen  into long-term relationships. You’ve been together for ages. You know your partner really well. You know what they are thinking, what they are feeling and what they will choose to eat at a restaurant. Yes, you … Continue reading →

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Are you a nag?

Posted on 14 June 2016 by Kirsten Long

Morning rush is not always the best time for communication, is it? Sometimes even the simplest sentences cause great irritation. There I was rushing around getting things organised for the day. My husband was going to have a hectic day … Continue reading →

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The importance of oiling the garden bench

Posted on 8 October 2015 by Kirsten Long

My garden bench was almost white from sun and water damage. “Lets oil the wood.” I decided and 10 minutes later …. “Ah that looks better.” 5 minutes later I looked out and it was white again,  as if I … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Happiness, Lessons, Life Mastery, Relationships | 2 Comments

Emotional Nudity – do you need it?

Posted on 24 June 2015 by Kirsten Long

  When you refuse to hide the real you behind a falsely created persona, you are practicing emotional nudity. Emotional nudity is being honest about who you are and what you are feeling – to yourself and to your partner … Continue reading →

Posted in awareness, Communication, Feelings, Life Mastery, Relationships | 2 Comments

Why defending yourself destroys your relationship…

Posted on 1 April 2015 by Kirsten Long

Pam was feeling upset. She and Craig just had an argument. In fact, she was also feeling confused. She thought she was doing the right thing. He obviously didn’t. They’d been at a lunch with friends earlier. She was telling … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Life Mastery, Relationships | 4 Comments

Crush Communication Complications in 4 Steps

Posted on 4 December 2014 by Kirsten Long

Crush Communication Complications Have you ever said something small and trivial to someone and they reacted furiously? As they stormed out the door, you wondered what was wrong with them? You somehow pushed their buttons and you’ve no idea why. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Life Mastery, Relationships | 4 Comments

Is it possible NOT to judge?

Posted on 5 November 2014 by Kirsten Long

The answer is NO. It is impossible not to judge. We do it unconsciously all day every day. The process is instantaneous and usually unconscious. We are not even aware that we are judging. Let’s look at how this happens: … Continue reading →

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Long’s Suggestions for Long-Lasting Relationships

Posted on 9 September 2014 by Kirsten Long

Long-lasting relationships are the stuff of fairy-tales. Married-ever after! This is how the fairy-tale ends and no thought is given to the years that follow and to HOW you actually manage this. I did a speech at Toastmasters the other … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Lessons, Life Mastery, Relationships | 7 Comments