Phil and Maude on Successful Relationships

MAUDE: Most relationship experts list communication as one of the most important kinds of exchanges between people. Phil and I feel this way as well, but it is the kind of communicating that is important to us. In the early … How Communicating From Your True Self Deepens Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: Peace is a choice, as are peaceful relationships. It came to me this morning that, in the same sense, peace is a verb. Being at peace and bringing it into your relationships takes action. It starts with intention and … How To Create A Peaceful Relationship In A World That Says It’s Impossible Read More »

PHIL: Easter and Christmas are the only two holidays that Britain and America share. When I moved to this country, the new holidays were ideas with no emotional associations. I’m not big on celebrations, and they still don’t move me … Find Joy And Peace through Appreciation And Acknowledgment Read More »

MAUDE: What is at the center of your heart, your actions, your decisions? Have you taken a deep dive within to reflect on these questions recently? I am referring to what we call Core Values. We have been surprised during … Why Are Your Core Values Important for Having Peaceful Relationships? Read More »

PHIL: When you walk around, you’re probably passing judgment on people all the time: what terrible parking; that looks like a fake handbag; he’s ignoring the customers; nice hat; what weird lips. All of the negative ones are about how … Replace “You’re Wrong” With “I Love You” and See What Happens Read More »

PHIL: We’ve written in the past about white lies, and that while social graces help us all live together harmoniously, within close relationships, they reduce trust, an essential part of a peaceful relationship. I was recently downvoted on Reddit for … Why Is Your Truth So Important In Relationships? Read More »

MAUDE: An experience I had with Phil recently reminded me how important it is to just be there for another person sometimes. It sounds so simple and so natural. Just be there. And yet, it can mean so much to … In a Relationship, Sometimes Just Being There is Everything Read More »

PHIL: We write about our relationship because it is so good, and we know that other people could live this way, too. We describe as closely as possible exactly how we are and what we do, rather than drawing on … What’s That Special Connection in Peaceful Relationships About? Read More »

MAUDE: I was reading our post from last week, and came across this statement, which I find very in sync with what Phil and I were discussing last night as we formulated the topic for this post: “I think we … Why Peaceful Relationships Start With This One Radical Choice Read More »

PHIL: I have been talking about differences a great deal recently, and that is because it seems to me that differences are the source of friction between people, whether it’s what movie to watch or where to live. Maude and … A Different Approach to Differences in Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: Phil and I recently got back from two weeks driving through the parks and scenic roads of southern Utah. It was a transformational journey in several ways. One occurred when we stopped at a roadside attraction, or at least … Why Being Positive is so Powerful in Relationships and in the World Read More »

PHIL: Several lifetimes ago, I shared a house with about a dozen other people. We had a budget and took turns cooking. There were issues like when to clean, what standard of cleanliness, whether contributions should be income-related, and how … Base Your Relationships On Connection Not Competition Read More »

PHIL: Feeling seen by someone is a wonderful experience. We (most of us, anyway) cover up our interior self to get along in society, and as a result, lose touch with exactly who we are. To have our desires, uncertainties, … The Power of Seeing and Being Seen in Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: Phil and I often write about how important it is to your relationships to get to know yourself and the truths that reflect who you are right now. We have emphasized the need for self-reflection so that you can … The Balance Between Self-Reflection and Connection in Relationships Read More »

PHIL: I respect Maude in two different senses of the word. One is that I have great respect for her abilities, her skills, especially the ones I don’t have. (Perhaps it is only the ones I don’t have; perhaps we … R-E-S-P-E-C-T Is One of the Factors of Peace in Relationships Read More »

PHIL: One challenge in talking about peace is that it is thought of as an absence, a cessation, a lack of activity, as in “the peace of the dead.” I would rather describe it as a state of being. I … How to Recognize and Bring Peace Into Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: Phil and I recently visited with a dear friend at her home for a scrumptious dinner. The dinner wasn’t the only thing that was delectable that evening. We had a powerful experience of our connection. Through the many hours … Connection is the Heart of Peace-filled Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: The path toward peaceful relationships is not filled with continuous agreement or having the same point of view on all things; at least, it doesn’t always appear to be. More often there are places along the way where you … How To Deal With The Bumps You Encounter In Your Relationships Read More »

MAUDE: As I continue on this year’s adventure of spending intimate time with those with whom I have deep relationships, I keep learning more about myself. This has been one of the unexpected and profound realizations as I experience these … How Relationships are Your Path Toward Growth Read More »

MAUDE: As many of you are aware, I have embarked on an adventure for this next year, birthday to birthday, of spending quality time with each of my closest relationships. (See this previous post.) Doesn’t really matter what we do, … How to Keep Your Relationships Alive Read More »

After last week’s post, There’s Only One Side in Peaceful Relationships—the Same Side, we thought we’d follow up with a few pages from one of our books. It fascinates us that our themes are so steadfast, but at the same … How to Find Peaceful Solutions Without Giving Anything Up Read More »

MAUDE: I was reading a note from Anna Drabik, one of my favorite relationship writers on Substack, about compromise. We had an exchange on the topic, which led Phil and me to revisit this subject and share what we feel … There’s Only One Side in Peaceful Relationships—the Same Side Read More »

Maude is away with a friend on one of those adventures she described last week (hence the photo), so I’m here writing solo. The other night, as we were settling in for our evening’s entertainment, I said what I wanted … For Peaceful Relationships, Share Your Opinions But Don’t Be Opinionated Read More »

I’m coming up on a big birthday, and it has invoked lots of thoughts of what I want to emphasize this coming year of my life. And, no surprise for those of you who know me and follow us, I … Do You Give Enough Time and Attention to Your Close Relationships? Read More »

MAUDE: Phil and I have been reflecting on snippiness; both being snippy and being related to in a snippy way. The dictionary defines it as: “a manner of speaking or behaving that is curt, abrupt, and often rude or disrespectful. It … How to Cut Out Snippiness in Your Relationships Read More »