From the Blogs

Mark Westman’s brief post explains how to move from using “You” statements to using “I” statements and he tells why it will decrease conflicts in your relationship. Many “You” statements can come across as accusatory whereas “I” statements are less so and may come from a genuine place. It’s also easier to “prove” what you say in an “I” statement rather than a “You” statement as one might assume you are coming from a source of self-knowledge and sharing as opposed to adding to defensive mechanisms your partner is likely to fall into when using the “You” statements. Mr. Westman also provides some examples at markwestman.blogspot.com.

Products for Couples

No matter your gender, everyone loves to be pampered! Spas can be expensive and less intimate and comfortable than staying at home and recreating a bit of the experience in complete privacy. Gaiammindbody.com offers nutrient rich spa treatments free of nut oils and alcohol with Lotus Touch Spa Treatments products: Sea Algae Powder mixed with water or milk hydrates and stimulates circulation; Moor Mud Bath soothes sore muscles and luxuriously relieves pain (quantity: 2 baths); Seaweed Gel Wrap hydrates and nourishes. Ingredients information can be found at gaiammindbody.com.

An easy date night plan is to stay in, light some candles and watch a DVD — ever have the problem of not finding what you want to watch though? Not all of us would like to watch something particularly vacuous or violent, especially when you want to have a relaxing or thoughtful experience with the one you love. www.spiritualcinemacircle.com offers a subscription service that guarantees a careful selection of a new, hard-to-find, uplifting and thought-provoking mixture of films, documentaries and film shorts delivered each month on one DVD (to keep). A portion of members’ subscription dollars go toward supporting independent filmmakers focused on these themes. Subscription is $21/month plus shipping ($4.95 domestic; $7.95 international), includes some special benefits, and is cancelable at any time. For more information, go to www.spiritualcinemacircle.com.

This is a nice way to bypass the widely available mainstream entertainment that can be so lacking these days and it is less expensive than monthly cable TV service!