Tag: bond

In the mad rush of jobs, school work, social obligations, and sports teams, quality time as a family seems harder to come by than ever before. If I want more time to just be "mom" and enjoy my kids, I need to put as much planning into it as I do every other area of our lives.

Here are some of my favorite ways to create space to simply enjoy each other and strengthen our bonds as a family unit—and summer is a great time to implement new routines and rituals without the pressure of school and strict schedules.

High levels of intimacy are the most fulfilling aspects of any marriage. Unfortunately, intimacy is also one of the first things that fades away for many couples. What replaces intimacy are feelings of sadness, resentment and loneliness.

Intimacy is the actualized aliveness of love in the relationship. It demonstrates deep caring. Without it partners will feel empty and neglected.

What's really going on when you're attracted to someone? The infatuation phase is when you see only one side of a person: the positive traits, the potential for a happily ever after. You don't even notice that her feet stink or that he scratches his butt. No, she's Cinderella and he's Prince Charming—for now.

Your body chemistry only heightens the whole lopsided process, giving you regular doses of dopamine (a hormone that mimics the effects of cocaine), resulting in phenomena such as energy boosts, appetite suppression, heart palpitations, accelerated breathing, hyperactivity, and insomnia.