Indirect communication is all too common, springing from a desire to be polite, to avoid offending or imposing on others or a fear of expressing your own desires and having them rejected. If your beloved, respected husband asks for something indirectly it can be confusing, […]

Dr Gottman has said the majority of domestic arguments are about NOTHING. I think what he means is that if neither the husband nor wife is prepared to let things slide they will row, and the best thing you can do to keep domestic harmony […]

Do the words “I want” work for you? If the answer to that is “yes, I get what I want“ then you have failed the Aunty Thankful test. If your answer is “no, I don’t get what I want” then you have also failed the […]

Do you have someone in your life who is only too happy to point out the areas that are less than perfect – ‘this lasagne has a tad too much salt’, ‘that child has a snotty nose’ or ‘My, what big ears you have my […]

I had a soul-nourishing morning last week when I was invited to visit the Book Club for the Soul, in High Wycombe.  MashaAllah!  What an amazing turnout of inspiring women!  We sat in a huge circle in WISE Bookshop, with toddlers toddling round and keeping […]

Recognise one act of service or characteristic that you like about your husband today by saying “thank-you for …. I appreciate it”. For example…. “Thank-you for listening to me, I appreciate it.” “Thank-you for letting me choose the new wallpaper, it has made a big […]

Your husband is not the only person in your life who will benefit from your appreciation. Anyone who does you a favour, however small, will like to know you’ve appreciated it. The words “thankyou for [fill in the blank] I appreciate it” cost nothing, yet […]

A great deal has been said and written about adult communication, boundaries, being responsible TO others and handling difficult conversations. Depending on whom you listen to there is a risk of acquiring the label “people pleaser” or “co-dependent” if you do not tackle things head […]