While observing couples in his Love Lab, relationship researcher Dr John Gottman noticed something important. During conflict, some couples became physically overwhelmed. Their heart rates increased, blood pressure rose, and the conversation quickly became negative and reactive. Curious about this pattern, Gottman began conducting simple experiments. When a couple’s heart rate rose above 100 beats per minute during conflict, he would pause the conversation and ask them to take a short break...

We often get caught in conflict cycles in relationships and life, reinforced by news and social media. Opposing perspectives push us to take sides, deepening divisions rather than fostering understanding. Narrowing our views excludes the richness of other perspectives. In relationships, there are fewer absolutes than we imagine. Most differences are nuanced and deserve reflection. Seeking simple black-and-white answers—yes or no, good or bad—limits our ability to appreciate others’...

By Advanced Clinical Trainer - John Flanagan The reprocessing of relationship events, incidences, and issues that have created hurt,...