Share your thanks with Michelle Joy, MA, MFT
Your thanks is on its way!
Michelle Joy, MA, MFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Joy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and serves on the Board of Directors for the Couples Institute Counseling Services in the San Francisco Bay Area. With almost 20 years of therapy training and experience, Michelle offers couples therapy intensives, communication workshops, and Marriage Prep101 Workshops. Michelle is also a certified Enneagram teacher, has presented at the 25th annual International Enneagram Conference, and is a graduate of The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy – Advanced Level. She received an MS in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University.
wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Forum Comments (1)
What makes people compatible in long-term relationships?
A great friendship in relationships is important and helps with long-term compatibility! This means laughing together and doing activities together that both of you enjoy. It also means having fun together—sometimes this means setting up “date nights” or “date days” where you can just enjoy each other’s company. Making time to cultivate your friendship with your partner helps with connection and bonding, thereby contributing to great long-term compatibility.
Additionally, couples with less rigidity and more flexibility have a tendency to work out better. These couples tend to be more willing to compromise, which creates a good-feeling atmosphere in the relationship. Rather than getting stuck in power struggles, these couples manage the differences between them in a more seamless way.
Finally, demonstrating that you and your partner care about how each other feels contributes to great long-term compatibility. Expressing care, compassion, comfort, and support when your partner is suffering are all strong relationship builders!
Additionally, couples with less rigidity and more flexibility have a tendency to work out better. These couples tend to be more willing to compromise, which creates a good-feeling atmosphere in the relationship. Rather than getting stuck in power struggles, these couples manage the differences between them in a more seamless way.
Finally, demonstrating that you and your partner care about how each other feels contributes to great long-term compatibility. Expressing care, compassion, comfort, and support when your partner is suffering are all strong relationship builders!
Q&A Comments (19)
What do you say to a cheating husband?
Start by explaining how the affair made you feel, whether that's anger, fear, hurt, or betrayal. Sharing these feelings will help you both move forward and heal. Being vulnerable will also give your husband a chance to prove he wants to support you and do better in the future.
How do you communicate with a difficult spouse about something sensitive?
If you want to start a conversation about a sensitive topic, wait until your husband isn't stressed or distracted so he'll be more likely to have an open mind. Then gently let him know you have something sensitive you want to talk about. Make it clear that you'd like to hear his opinion on it, which will make him feel more valued.
How can I get my husband to help around the house?
Sit down with your husband with a list of everything there is to do around the house. Come to an agreement as to who is doing what. When your husband does those agreed upon things around the house, be sure to acknowledge it. Let him know how the tasks he is doing is helping to make your life easier. This will motivate him to continue helping, verses wondering if his efforts are going unnoticed.