Daniel A. Bochner, Ph.D.

There is no assemblage within the Great Life Machine where the junction of two parts, and their tightness of fit, is more essential than in the human couple. The articles in this "tools" section involve the oil of relationships, communication. Communication lubricates the joints and ensures proper coalescence of attachments in couples, as in all relationships. And the goal for couples, of course, is the perfect union. While such perfect machining may not be possible, the tools offered here will help the reader calibrate connections as closely as possible. Communication From the Heart encourages more passionate responsiveness, especially with reference to being more vulnerable, so that your partner, or even your child, will be more connected with how you really feel. Passionate communication, as discussed here, promotes effective interpersonal boundaries and thus bolsters healthy relationships. Sometimes, however, people have too much passion in their relating, which can lead to selfish, angry and destructive behavior. In the article Key Signals, the reader will find help for repairing negative behavioral sequences in which both parties involved have become dissatisfied with the way hurtful behavior is damaging their relationship. In the article "I" Statements, it is the clarity of expression that becomes the focus. This well-known tool for discussing interpersonal differences, while avoiding blame and defensiveness, is outlined and delineated with hope that it will be easy to utilize.