The Observer pays attention to psychologists like Robert Cialdini [Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion] and Robert Levine [The Powers of Persuasion] studying persuasion skills. Sarah Wilson writes (excerpt): • Reciprocity is one of the most powerful tools of persuasion [give…
And of course the cup is empty: When ordering, ask for the engagement ring “on the side”
NBC and WCBD–Charleston, SC shakes us up with the story of Reed Harris and Kaitlin Whipple. Reed tried to make a memory and he succeeded (excerpt): Everyone except the bride-to-be was in on the plan to stash the ring in…
The Bachelor in tatters? Love and hope and sex and dreams Are still surviving on the street
A Pine Rest Family Institute email references the image of marriage and “The Bachelor,” with reality TV’s Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney of Grand Rapids. The Institute notes that some marriage counselors criticize such shows as exploiting the collective hope…
Creating goodwill in marriage: making sense of dollars and cents
CNN and Parenting.com make cents–rather, sense–of fighting over money and how couples can improve their marriage by resolving money issues. Michele Bender writes (excerpt): 1. Remember that your relationship is about more than the bottom line . . . .…
What happens when a former spouse never changes his beneficiary designation
The United States Supreme Court’s decision in KENNEDY v. PLAN ADMINISTRATOR (January 26, 2009) confirms that ERISA plans must follow ERISA. In footnote 10, the Court revealed what would happen in Michigan: the Plan would pay the former spouse, and…
Kent County’s Parenting Pilot Program: “Expedited Process in the Resolution of the Low Conflict Docket of the Family Division”
Domestic Diversions previously announced our new parenting pilot project. Now, The Grand Rapids Press covered the new Kent County Parenting Plan, a pilot project approved by the Michigan Supreme Court. Theresa D. Mcclellan writes (excerpt): The hope is that by…
Say the right thing: 10 ways to defuse conflict and promote harmony
CNN and Real Simple starts us off with “10 things to say to keep the peace.” Laurie Puhn’s list includes (excerpt): 1. “Thank you for your opinion. I’ll think about it.” 2. “Is this a good time for you?” 3.…
Real ladies don’t trash talk: How to make your marriage great
The Washington Times advises wives to stop trash talking their husbands behind their backs, with suggestions from Michele Weiner-Davis. Julie Baumgardner writes (excerpt): If you have been talking badly about your husband, Mrs. Weiner-Davis would encourage you to do the…
New Rule 502: Inadvertent disclosure of attorney-client privilege and work product materials
The Federal Rules of Evidence will see a new rule addressing the disclosure of attorney-client and work-product information. New Rule 502 helps in those case where there are tremendous efforts to review voluminous documents and where inadvertent disclosure often occur.…
The 10% solution: Forever young and in love
CNN reveals the science of love: that couples can feel young love for years and years. CNN reports (excerpt): Using brain scans, researchers at Stony Brook University in New York have discovered a small number of couples respond with as…
Find a penny, pick it up, all marriage long you’ll have good luck
SFGate’s Amy Graff provides relationship advice from Elizabeth Dixon from the Kaiser Permanente Employee Assistance Program (excerpt): Dixon says the key is to think of marriage as a bank account. You’re constantly writing checks and making withdrawals . . .…
The kids are alright: But marriage gets better when they’re gone!
The San Francisco Chronicle peaks into our futures: marriage gets better after the kids are out, so says a UC-Berkeley study. Leslie Fulbright writes (excerpt): “We found that marital satisfaction increased as the women transitioned to an empty nest,” said…
How to help kids cope with divorce
Love and Logic’s Dr. Charles Fay offers tips for helping kids cope with divorce (excerpt): Remember that they need to feel free to love both of you. [Dont’ talk negatively about the other parent and watch your nonverbal messages.] Understand…
Getting through and to the same place: Collaborative process lessens stress of divorce
Dallas-Fort Worth’s CBS 11 News investigated how Collaborative Divorce helps lower the stress on divorcing couples. Tracy Kornet reported (excerpt): During this process, the husband, wife and their attorneys work together — in private — to find a way to…
Divorce American Style: Collaborative divorce
Times Online reports on more fallout from the Paul McCartney-Heather Mills divorce: a call by senior High Court family judge Justice Coleridge for collaborative divorce. [The Telegraph also covered the story.] Frances Gibb writes (excerpt): Under the new process, the…
Shut up! Shut up! Your marriage improves when actions speak louder than words
CNN and Oprah.com suggest we focus on connecting nonverbally with compassion for each other and with touch, sex, doing things together, and sharing moments together. Barbara Graham writes (excerpt): “It’s the connection, stupid!” exclaims Love, quickly adding that it’s not…
Finding happiness in your marriage: You do the math!
The Telegraph quantifies the secret to a happy marriage: 4 hugs a day 7 evenings in together each month 2 dinner dates a month 2 romantic walks a month 1 visit to a pub or cinema without children or friends…
Money can’t buy me love?: Money matters to your marriage
The New York Times your smartest financial decision is marrying someone who shares your attitudes about money. Tara Siegel Bernard writes (excerpt): “A lot of the debates people have about money are code for how we want to live our…
New rules for falling in love with your spouse: Start getting a better marriage today
Good Housekeeping replaces old marriage myths with “new rules.” Sarah Mahoney notes 5 new rules (excerpt): Sleep on it. Conflicts are best dealt with when you have calmed down and are well rested. A marriage doesn’t run on feelings —…
Save your marriage: Recommit to shared decision making, soft words, lots of listening, and calm emotions
The ABC News Medical Unit shows Madonna and Guy Ritchie leading the way–renewing their vows in an attempt to mend a broken marriage. Dan Childs writes (excerpt): Heitler says that in terms of the success rate she has seen for…