by Joshua Hook | Jul 15, 2020 | Relationships
Sometimes we can get into trouble in romantic relationships if we expect our partner to “just know” what we need without us even having to ask. This is a romantic idea—the thought that you and your partner would be so in sync that you would meet each other’s needs...
by Joshua Hook | May 10, 2020 | Relationships
One of the first key principles we learn as children is the Golden Rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But as I have gone through life, I have become more and more convinced that the Golden Rule is incomplete. Platinum Rule Instead, we should...
by Joshua Hook | Apr 1, 2020 | Relationships
Living in quarantine due to the COVID-19 crisis can be tough on marriages and families. Some people are dealing with very high levels of stress and anxiety. We’re stuck in the house 24-7, so we don’t really get a break from our spouse and family. It makes sense that...
by Joshua Hook | Oct 13, 2019 | Relationships
There’s a simple question I have started to ask people in my life, and it’s been very helpful for my relationships. Here’s the question: Do you want help or feedback? The Fixer In life, my tendency is to be a fixer. It’s just how I’m wired. When someone tells me about...
by Joshua Hook | Jun 19, 2019 | Relationships
Sometimes people ask me about dating, specifically about what they should look for in a potential partner. I always start with the acknowledgement that I struggled with dating for years and made lots of mistakes. It’s tough out there! Connect on Several Things But one...
by Joshua Hook | Feb 10, 2019 | Relationships
Tim Ferriss was talking with professional volleyball player Gabby Reece on his podcast, and she mentioned a principle she tries to live by in her daily life: Be the one to go first. What does she mean by this? If Gabby passes someone as she is walking, she will be the...
by Joshua Hook | Feb 7, 2019 | Relationships
Sometimes I get frustrated when my needs aren’t met in a relationship. “What’s wrong?” I ask myself. “Why doesn’t my partner understand what I need?” “If she really loved me, she would do [fill in the blank].” If you are anything like me, maybe you have struggled with...
by Joshua Hook | Jan 20, 2019 | Relationships
My wife and I had another couple over for dinner not too long ago, and we had a great time. It was someone I had met at church. I didn’t know them very well. But we had a good conversation at church, and I thought they might have “friend potential.” So, I reached out...
by Joshua Hook | Apr 30, 2018 | Relationships
Couples have a difficult time dealing with disagreement and conflict. Think about your own relationship. What happens when you disagree about something? Are you able to listen to one another, empathize, understand the other person’s perspective, and work toward a...
by Joshua Hook | Apr 6, 2018 | Relationships
Recently I wrote a blog post about John Gottman and the 5:1 rule. The take-home message was this: successful marriage or dating relationships had a ratio of at least 5 positive interactions for each negative interaction. 5:1 is Hard Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to...
