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Finding Common Ground After Separation: Why Your Ex's Perspective Still Matters
Separation changes everything about your relationship, but if you share children, property, or ongoing responsibilities, it doesn't end the need for cooperation. In fact, research shows that separated couples who remain open to each other's perspectives navigate co-parenting and shared decisions far more successfully than those who dig in and refuse to listen. Whilst you're no longer romantic partners, learning to accept influence from your ex can make the difference between
spencermatthews1
Jan 58 min read


Relationship Burnout: Signs and Recovery
We often hear about workplace burnout, but what about feeling burnt out in your relationship? When the connection that once felt effortless now feels distant or draining, you might be experiencing relationship burnout. Recognising the Signs Burnout can manifest as a constant feeling of overwhelm where you've lost your sense of teamwork with your partner. Children, work and finances create busy lives, but when overwhelm becomes your default state, it likely signals something m
spencermatthews1
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Handling Conflict Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Relationship)
Conflicts happen. That's not a sign your relationship is failing, it's a sign you're two different people trying to build a life together. The real question isn't whether you'll have conflicts, it's whether you know how to handle them without everything going nuclear. Why How You Fight Matters More Than Whether You Fight Here's something that might surprise you: couples who never argue aren't necessarily happier than couples who do. What matters is how you handle disagreement
spencermatthews1
Dec 15, 20254 min read


Breaking Down Communication Barriers That Kill Relationships
Every relationship hits communication barriers. The difference between couples who stay strong and those who drift apart isn't whether they face these obstacles, it's whether they recognise and address them before they become relationship killers. Common Barriers You're Probably Facing Let's start with the most common issue: assuming your partner should just know what you need. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking "if she really cared, she'd know I'm stressed" or "I sh
spencermatthews1
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Practical Communication Techniques That Actually Work
Let's get practical. You know communication matters, but what does that actually look like in real life? It's not that complex - one of my biggest challenges when I was training crisis negotiators was stopping them from 'over thinking'. Here are some techniques that have helped countless men improve their relationships without feeling like they're walking on eggshells or losing themselves in the process. Active Listening: It's Not What You Think When most of us hear "active l
spencermatthews1
Dec 1, 20253 min read


Why Communication Actually Matters (And It's Not Just What She Says)
When your partner says "we need to communicate better," it's easy to feel like you're being blamed for something. But here's what I've learnt: effective communication isn't about being perfect with words or winning arguments. It's actually the foundation that keeps a relationship from falling apart when life gets complicated. Communication Is More Than Just Talking We often think communication means talking more, but that's only part of it. Real communication is about creatin
spencermatthews1
Nov 24, 20252 min read


Mastering the Dating Game - From First Dates to Finding "The One" (Week 2)
Now that you've laid the groundwork for your dating comeback, it's time to dive into the practical realities of meeting new people and...
spencermatthews1
Oct 27, 20253 min read


The Confident Comeback - Getting Ready to Date Again
So you've decided you're ready to date again after your breakup. Congratulations! This decision alone shows tremendous courage and...
spencermatthews1
Oct 20, 20253 min read


Blog Post 8: Building Resilient Relationships That Thrive Through Challenges
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Oct 13, 20253 min read


Blog Post 7: Recognising When Relationships May Not Be Worth Saving
'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it valuable....
spencermatthews1
Oct 6, 20253 min read


Blog Post 6: The Follow-Through That Makes All the Difference
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Sep 29, 20253 min read


Blog Post 5: Breaking Free from Destructive Relationship Patterns
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Sep 22, 20253 min read


Blog Post 4: Collaborative Problem-Solving That Strengthens Relationships
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Sep 15, 20253 min read


Blog Post 3: Uncovering the Hidden Needs Behind Relationship Conflicts
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Sep 8, 20252 min read


Blog Post 2: The Art of Active Listening in All Relationships
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Sep 1, 20252 min read


Blog Post 1: Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations
I'm walking the Camino del Norte so I've created this weekly series on relationships for while I am in Spain. I hope you find it...
spencermatthews1
Aug 25, 20252 min read


Breaking the Cycle: From Repeated Requests to True Partnership
Part three - lets discuss some practical solutions and next steps The good news is there are effective ways to address the needs that...
spencermatthews1
Aug 11, 20252 min read


Why We Get Stuck in the Cycle
Following on from last weeks blog, in part two lets explore the psychology behind both perspectives in the dynamic To break free from the...
spencermatthews1
Aug 4, 20252 min read


When Simple Requests Turn Into Relationship Friction
This is Part One of a series discussing how simple requests can be a major sign of relationship breakdown. Come back over the coming...
spencermatthews1
Jul 28, 20252 min read


Using mediation in elder care decisions - part two
Carrying on from last weeks intitial descussion on making care decisions, this is a outline of how mediation occurs. 1. Focus on...
spencermatthews1
Jul 21, 20254 min read
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