Happy Halloween

Quote (poem) of the Day!

That I did always love,

I bring thee proof:

That till I loved

I did not love enough.

That I shall love always,

I offer thee

That love is life,

And life hath immortality.

This, dost that doubt, sweet?

Then have I

Nothing to show

But Calvary.

Emily Dickensen

Quote of the Day!

Josh McDowell:

"What you are as a single person, you will be as a married person, only to a greater degree. Any negative character trait will be intensified in a marriage relationship, because you will feel free to let your guard down -- that person has committed himself to you and you no longer have to worry about scaring him off."

Tacoma Wedding Expo florists!

Always and Forever Creations

Debra’s Botanical Designs

Fife Flowers

GardenPartyToGo Romantic Wedding Flowers

Hector Auffant Designs-Cascade Floral

L & M Designs

Lola Event Floral and Design

Silence That Isn’t Golden

Silence That Isn’t Golden

Originally Posted on October 21st, 2009 Richard Himmer

Some years ago my wife, Cheri and I had dinner with some friends at a little Mexican restaurant in the Proctor district in Tacoma. The food was sumptuous and my chimichanga was absolutely amazing especially considering it was fat free, at least until I ate it.

It was a blustery evening outside so after dinner we snuggled up to a fireplace conversation. It was rather mundane actually, that is until Gertie expressed some strong opinions on a political subject.

What a perfect evening this was turning out to be, a dinner and a conflict. Gertie’s strong words did not harmonize with my view and I felt excited at the potential conflict brewing in the room.

Let me interrupt my narrative for a semantic identification moment. First of all the purpose of communicating is to exchange understanding. Trying to get someone to agree with you is manipulative and contentious.

Secondly, we often confuse conflict and contention so here is my take on the two words.

Conflict is friction. It is not agreeing on the methodology but having the same goal. Conflict is to be resolved and is necessary for growth, especially within a relationship. Weight lifting is conflict to your muscles. Conflict resolution is searching for understanding at the expense of personal opinion. It is what is right and not who is right.

Contention is evil and the absence of progress. It is making conflict personal. It is not topic related but carries the intent to harm with no desire to learn. Contention is searching for agreement versus exchanging understanding. Contention is who is right at the expense of what is right.

As I commenced questioning Gertie about her point of view, she became defensive. There is no doubt my questioning skills could improve, but before I could even express a difference of opinion, we quickly went from conflict straight into contention and the conversation was over.

What happened was written all over my freckled face. The subject was changed, the air was thick, and the evening quickly turned cool. Within 15 minutes we were driving home discussing what I did wrong (because it’s usually my fault.)

I’ve had years to consider this and many other similar events in my life. It seems my questions often get things out of sorts with other folks’ perceived harmony. Why?

That’s because of the confusion associated with conflict and contention. Conflict means there is communication and progress going on. How much exchanging is being transmitted when there is a wall of silence betwixt you and the other person?

Silence isn’t golden. Silence is contention and inhibits progress. Remember the next time you lose your cookies at someone or feel offended, elongated silence damages you much more than the perceived damage of your silence does to the other.

The only exception to this rule is a parent to the child. Parental silence is more than contention, it’s abuse and childish. Grow up and learn to communicate.

Quote of the Day

"You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without."

-unknown

Quote of the Day!

"Most people who meet my wife quickly conclude that she is remarkable. They are right about this. She is smart, funny and thoroughly charming. Often, after hearing her speak at some function or working with her on a project, people will approach me and say something to the effect of, you know, I think the world of you, Barack, but your wife, wow!"

Barack Obama

Diamonds ---Getting the Most for Your Money

Diamonds ---Getting the Most for Your Money

Have you been together as a couple for a while now? Have you seen your romance grow into love and mutual respect? Do you communicate deeply and solve conflicts together? Do you want to be with your partner for the rest of your life? Is it time to start looking for a diamond?

When buying a diamond there are steps you can take to ensure that you get the most for your money. There are great values to be found in today’s marketplace if you can navigate through all the pitfalls. Take to heart the following do’s and don’ts .

Define A Budget

As a couple discuss and decide on what you want for an engagement ring and what you can afford to spend on that ring.

Ask Your Friends And Family for Jewelers That They Trust

Make two or three of the top names your starting place. Go to and interact with each company to see if they are right for you.

Resolve To Take Your Time

Diamond education is vitally important to getting a great looking diamond at the best price. Don’t try to get by with what appears to be easy deals. Take your time and do not make a spur of the moment “emotional” decision. Be patient, do your homework and learn to be able to tell whether or not a seller is looking out for your benefit.

Get As Educated As Possible About Diamonds

Learn and understand the 4C’s of Diamond Grading---Color, Clarity, Carat Weight and Cut. Find a store that will actually show you the 4C’s using diamond grading equipment and not just talk about them.

Shopping For And Buying A Loose Diamond Will Save You Money

Make sure you purchase your diamond loose not mounted. If it is mounted it is impossible to accurately determine the Color, Clarity, Carat Weight or Cut of the diamond and to know if you are getting good value.

Perceiving Diamond Color Will Save You Money

If you can see the different diamond color grades side-by-side then you can determine just what colors will work for you. Very tiny differences in diamond color can make a difference in value of hundreds or thousands of dollars. By seeing the diamond color grades you can decide to spend your money on a higher color or to save some money by purchasing a lower color grade.

Perceiving Diamond Clarity Will Save You Money

If you can see what the different diamond clarity grades look like under a binocular microscope then you can determine just what clarities will work for you. Very tiny differences in diamond clarity can make a difference in value of hundreds or thousands of dollars. By seeing the diamond clarity grades you can decide to spend your money on a higher clarity or to save some money by purchasing a lower clarity grade.

Knowing How Diamond Carat Weight Affects Value Will Save You Money

Small differences in diamond carat weight can make a difference in value of hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, a 1.35 ct diamond approaches the size of a 1.50 ct but costs substantially less for the same Shape, Color, Clarity and Cut. Knowing this can help you to get the look that you want for less.

Knowing Diamond Cut Will Let You Choose Between Beauty and Saving Money

Small differences in Diamond Cut---the inter-related proportions and angles of a stone make a huge difference in both how beautiful a diamond is and in its value. A poorly cut diamond may be up to 50% less expensive but it will not be as beautiful and will have less brilliance, fire and scintillation.

Considering Fancy Shape Diamonds Will Save You Money

All of the Fancy Shape Diamonds are less expensive than a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond---all things being equal. Some fancy shapes are the Princess Cut, the Marquise Cut, the Oval Shape, the Heart Shape, the Pear Shape, the Radiant Cut, the Emerald Cut, the Asscher Cut and the Cushion Cut. Within each of these shapes you can find some examples that are very beautiful and many examples that are not beautiful.

Find The Company Who Will Work To Provide You With Your Perfect Stone

You want to spend your budget on a beautiful diamond with the qualities that is important to you. Everyone will have their own perception as to what is a good diamond. Some may want a high quality, Super Ideal Cut diamond, while others want a very nice looking near ideal cut diamond that is clean to the naked eye, whitish in color, and as large as they can afford. Others may prefer a different shape, Princess, Marquise, Oval, Heart, Cushion, etc.

You should find a jeweler that will listen to your preferences and help you find a beautiful diamond with the qualities that are perfect for you.

If you follow these shopping tips you will purchase a beautiful diamond at a great price. It will be a diamond that you will forever cherish as you move forward with your life together. We wish you the best.

Quote of the Day!

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.

- Ogden Nash

Inviting Change

Inviting Change

Dare to be different! More and more bridal couples are looking to fashion for inspiration for their wedding invitations, going "Couture". Jon Lacar of Evergreen Invitations, www.evergreeninvitations.com explains this trend:

Couture, a term originally stemmed from the fashion world, basically means custom designing using unique and high-end materials. These are not your ordinary paper invites. A typical couture invitation can include rhinestone buckles, crystal embellishments, designer papers, and rich fabrics. They are also usually housed in a luxurious stationery box or enclosure. The greatest part is that there are limitless custom design options and the outcome is having a beautiful keepsake to serve as a memento for the special event. A step further also goes into the type of printing such as using letterpress (impression text) or thermography (raised text). All of these put together make an invitation that is exclusive, unique, and eye-catching.

Brides and grooms who want to take their invitations a step up to the next level will enjoy what couture invitations has to offer. Couture invitations can serve a wide variety of tastes. For example, a beach wedding would extend its theme into the invitations by including embellishments such as seashells and starfish accessories, whereas an elegant affair will call for rhinestone jewels and sumptuous ribbons. An invitation using these little hints gives the guests a feel for the atmosphere and a exciting glimpse of your special day.

The prior mentality that invitations will just be thrown away are no longer amongst today's brides and grooms. Attention to finer design details in a couture invitation will make your guests feel as if they were receiving a gift as well. Brides and grooms are often on the hunt for something new, unique, and different. Custom designed couture invitations will provide just that. They definitely will stand out compared to commonplace invitations and give your big day a special feel.

Quote of the Day!

"A little girl at the wedding afterwards asked her mother why the bride changed her mind. What do you mean? responded her mother. Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another."

Source Unknown

Decorating trends

Wendy Balidoy of Spinning W.E.B. Florist, www.spinningwebflorist.com, offers ideas on decorating:

Well...there are alot of new trends that we are seeing, and of course, everyone wants the most bang for their buck.

Black seems to be BIG.....black rocks lining pathways...black chandeliers suspended above, black vases, black accents in bouquets.... and feathers, lots of feathers! Peacock feathers, which look fantastic with black accents are in demand. White ostrich plumes are also very popular.

Brides are looking for options rather than the "rose", we found that green cymbidiums were in for the past two years...but this year and for next year..its calla lilies!

Large vase rentals are very popular, especially for our destination brides who want "the look" but

do not want the hassle of lugging them home.... These large vases can be a dual purpose expense. They can line the isle to the alter, and be quickly moved to the guest tables during the reception or couple's cocktail hour.

Flowers, Baubles & Beads

Flowers, Baubles & Beads

Floral arrangements have come along way, and now can include feathers, beads, rhinestones and other "bling" that adds texture and color.

Terrie Easley, of Terrie Easley Designs www.easleydesigns.com, shares some of the trends she's seeing:

No matter the circumstances, weddings still are visions that a Bride and Groom have had for years as to what that special day will be like when it becomes a reality. Especially the Bride! It must be her dream day from the beginning to the end with the groom’s favorite part being…”the ultimate honeymoon.” When there is a budget established, it is sometimes altered when an idea is introduced that seems to “just be too good to pass up”.

There are so many new items on the wedding market. The wristlet bands are with beads, crystals, pearls, and rhinestones. The boutonnieres have pewter, or metal holders as does the bouquet holders. New types of ribbons, new arbors and arches made of bamboo or willow are choices of many couples getting married outdoors.

Being in business for 30 some years, I can honestly say that though there are newer trends, the old traditional with just a touch of new ideas is still the choice of most couples when it comes to floral designs. It comes full circle as most things do.

Wendy Balidoy of Spinning W.E.B. Florist, www.spinningwebflorist.com, offers more details:

Well...there are alot of new trends that we are seeing, and of course, everyone wants the most bang for their buck.

Black seems to be BIG.....black rocks lining pathways...black chandeliers suspended above, black vases, black accents in bouquets.... and feathers, lots of feathers! Peacock feathers, which look fantastic with black accents are in demand. White ostrich plumes are also very popular.

Brides are looking for options rather than the "rose", we found that green cymbidiums were in for the past two years...but this year and for next year..its calla lilies!

Large vase rentals are very popular, especially for our destination brides who want "the look" but

do not want the hassle of lugging them home.... These large vases can be a dual purpose expense. They can line the isle to the alter, and be quickly moved to the guest tables during the reception or couple's cocktail hour.

Quote of the Day

"One of the first things a relationship therapist learns is that couples argue to burn up energy that could be used for something else. In fact, arguments often serve the purpose of using up energy, so that the couple do not have to take the courageous, creative leap into an unknown they fear. Arguing serves the function of being a zone of familiarity into which you can retreat when you are afraid of making a creative breakthrough."

Gay Hendricks

Flowers and Lighting?!

Light it UP!

Floral arrangements add beauty and romance to a wedding and the reception, but what if you want something .... well, something MORE? You light it.

Terrie Easley provides some details:

There is a service that has come up recently that is growing in the industry of weddings and events. The Backdrop and lighting for the reception ballroom is now on the list of “must have”. The backdrop and the colored lighting add an ambiance truly to be remembered. This backdrop is usually behind the headtable or wherever the most attention will be focused. With crystals, mirrors, beads, or even feathers hanging from the draping, it looks glorious with lighting directed from below to illuminate the “bling” even more.

The lighting can be of the wedding color as can the beads or feathers. The ballroom lights can be dimmed to make the lighting even more spectacular when the guests walk in. Day weddings can still use backdrops/draping with the beading, crystals, etc. showing as gloriously behind an elegantly floral decked headtable. Gone are the lattice screens, the potted plants and nothings…the backdrop is here and a growing demand.

Quote of the Day

"Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day."

Barbara De Angelis

Common Bride Mistakes

According to a recent survey of wedding professionals brides tend to make the same mistakes over and over: Here is a list of their responses~

1. They rely on too many opinions....too much input!

2. They have unrealistic expectations

3. They don't hire wedding professionals...they try to cut cost by having friends or family help out. This causes chaos and stress.

4. They don't create or use a good timeline/checklist

5. They don't read the contracts provided by wedding professionals

6. They don't realize the ceremony is for the bride but the reception is for the parents/guests

7. They don't find out what flowers are in season

8. They don't have 1 point person to fall back on, or run interference for the bride on the wedding day!

It’s My Money

It’s My Money

Richard Himmer

My wife and I attended a recent Bridal show at the Tacoma Dome to discuss our system for helping newlyweds improve the odds that their marriage will last. Some folks were very interested; others were kind but were not.

The most interesting were the very opinionated brides to be when asked, “Do you have a Spending Plan?” Their almost agitated responses proved insightful:

“I have my money and he has his. He’ll never know how much. As long as he buys his socks and underwear, we’re fine.”

The first time I heard the comment the shock factor caught me off guard. The scary aspect of my Bridal show experience was that I heard similar responses all day long.

Experts at the University of Washington can now predict with 98% accuracy the probability of a marriage lasting. They cite 4 criteria in determining if the couple will stay married. They are affectionately called the 4 Horseman:

1. Defensiveness
2. Stonewalling
3. Criticism
4. Contempt

Of the four, contempt is the most important indicator. They have determined that predicting divorce is a function of patterns. If one partner speaks with contempt, it is an indicator of potential problems.

“It’s my money and that’s they way it is,” is speaking with contempt.

The purpose of getting married is to become one. In over 20 years in the financial business, it’s rare for a couple with separate accounts to become one.

Two strikes before they even say, “I do!”

I’d wish you good luck, but you’re going to need a lot more than that.

Quote of the Day!

"Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage."

Zig Ziglar
American Sales Trainer, Author, Motivational Speaker

A few things if you are getting married in Hawaii!

Favorite Things, A Bit of This and That

You want your wedding day to be memorable, not just for you, for your guests as well. Sumptuous nibbles or take away centerpieces will give your guests a reason to remember.

Menehune Mac, http://www.menehunemac.com, offers this helpful advice:

Finding just the right wedding favor in a sea of same old, same old can be a difficult task. Lucky for us, chocolates are still the #1 choice followed by nibbler size cookies, gourmet salts, couture cupcakes and loose leaf teas.

Go Green! Editable items in “green” containers are huge this year. Reusable cloth bags, handkerchief wraps and recyclable containers are eco-friendly and make thoughtful mementos.

Couples are also incorporating locally grown foods into their buffet tables and search for wedding products and services in their area to support the local economy.

Go Bold! Don’t be afraid to try hues of hot pink, apple green or vibrant orange in your favor boxes, bows and decorations. Bold colors will make your pictures pop and tablescape romantic and elegant.

Use wedding trends as ideas not rules. It’s your wedding day, do what you want and be creative.

Quote of the Day

"My wife has been my closest friend, my closest advisor. And ... she's not somebody who looks to the limelight, or even is wild about me being in politics. And that's a good reality check on me. When I go home, she wants me to be a good father and a good husband. And everything else is secondary to that."

Barack Obama

Tips for choosing a reception location:

*Begin your search right after you've settled on a head count. Book your reception site 9 to 12 months in advance.

*Seek recommendations from friends, family members and coworkers—anyone whose opinion you trust. And, chat with brides in your area.

*Before making appointments with site managers, request the following over the phone:

• availability on your wedding date
• food and beverage options on premise
• number of guests the venue can accommodate
• parking options
• accessibility for handicapped guests
• number of events the venue will hold simultaneously

*Narrow down your list of sites, based on the phone interviews, and schedule site tours. Bring a notebook and pencil, and write down answers to your questions.

*Tour the entire facility, including bathrooms and kitchens. Note the quality of the lighting, and the availability and positioning of electrical outlets (for your band or DJ).

*Make sure the site's decor and ambience complement the style and colors of your wedding.

*If the site has an in-house caterer, schedule a meeting to discuss menu options and a tasting.

The Four Horseman

The Four Horseman
2009 Richard Himmer

John Gottman, PhD. from the University of Washington has done amazing work and research on marriage over the past few decades and has identified four key problems that lead to divorce. He calls them the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse.

The four problems are: criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling.

Dr. Gottman explains that contempt for a partner is the most crucial indicator of divorce. He can predict with 95% accuracy if a couple will divorce after watching them for only 15 minutes.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are a metaphor depicting the end of the world. They are described as conquest, war, hunger, and death.

Many believe that conflict leads to divorce, but conflict itself is not the problem. It is how we handle it. Conflict is a problem, however, when accompanied by the presence of what Dr. Gottman calls the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse:”

1. Criticism involves attacking your partner’s personality or character, rather than focusing on the specific behavior that bothers you.

Following the Board of Director’s agenda and the Responsibility Pyramid when communicating eliminates criticism from the equation.

2. Contempt is the step that has the greatest predictability factor. It is worse than criticism and involves tearing down or being insulting toward your partner. Contempt is an open sign of disrespect. Examples of contempt include: putting down your spouse, rolling your eyes or sneering, or tearing down the other person with so-called “humor.”

When a relationship starts with love and the proper love language is used, contempt is minimized. Seeing the vision of intimacy as the end result can alter the level of contempt or eliminate it.

3. Defensiveness. Adopting a defensive stance in the middle of conflict may be a natural response, but does not help the relationship. When a person is defensive, he or she often experiences a great deal of tension and has difficulty tuning into what is being said. Denying responsibility, making excuses, or meeting one complaint with another are all examples of defensiveness.

Using a BOD meeting in an environment where it’s not who is right but what is right will remove the need to be defensive. There is no hierarchy in a BOD meeting. The Responsibility Pyramid is part of the rules of engagement and if there is no blaming or justifying, there is no need to be defensive.

4. Stonewalling. People who stonewall simply refuse to respond. This is the man cave or the chick hut. Occasional stonewalling can be healthy, but as a typical way of interacting, stonewalling during conflict can be destructive to the marriage. Stonewalling is an abrupt stop to progress. Men tend to engage in stonewalling much more often than women do.

We have been conditioned to enter our man caves or chick huts from an early age. Getting out of a man cave requires willingness, knowledge, and skill. Reading a book isn’t the same as developing the skill.

All couples will engage in these types of behaviors at some point in their marriage, but when the four horsemen take permanent residence, the relationship has a high probability of failing.

In fact, Gottman’s research reveals that the chronic presence of these four factors in a relationship can be used to predict, with over 80% accuracy, which couples will eventually divorce. When attempts to repair the damage done by these horsemen are met with repeated rejection, Gottman says there is over a 90% chance the relationship will end in divorce.

We go to college for many years so we can become wealthy. How much time and effort do we expend into becoming happy?

Balanced Living Family, Balanced Living from the Start, Coaches, Divorce, Marriage, Newlyweds Chick Hut, Contempt, Criticism, Dr. John Gottman, Man Cave, The Four Horsemen

Marriage Quote of the Day!

Robert C. Dodds:

"The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together."

Marriage Quote of the Day

Ogden Nash:

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong admit it;
Whenever you're right shut up.

Wedding Quote for the Day!

"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance; a church filled with flowers and friends. I asked him what kind of wedding he wished for; he said one that would make me his wife."

Source Unknown

Winter flowers for your wedding!

Hi,

With Fall upon us and winter not too far behind, we thought it would be nice to know what flowers are in season for the winter. Some flowers such as the poinsettia at Christmastime, or roses in February can get very expensive. So if you want beautiful flowers that are not as expensive, here are some flowers that are in season and likely to be less expensive.

Amaryllis is a winter flower that is usually available in red and white and is a great low cost alternative for Valentine’s Day weddings.

The Anemone is a star like flower that is usually in season in the first part of the winter, before January and is usually available in blue, red, and pink or white.

Daffodils are yellow, and are usually in season from January until June.

Blue Forget-me-nots are a great choice for a Jack Frost/Fairy theme wedding

Holly is an absolute must for Christmas weddings, and is very inexpensive during the Christmas season.

Many people don’t realize that Jasmine is a winter flower, and Jasmine can be a wonderfully fragrant choice to add romance to your wedding. Consider using jasmine and a few red roses for a Valentine’s Day wedding.

The Star of Bethlehem is a lovely white winter flower that can be used as inexpensive decoration filler.

Tulips are in season from December until the end of April and come in many different vibrant colors like pink, white, red, purple, and other colors that are very appropriate for winter weddings.

Marriage Quote of the Day!

"The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make -- not just on your wedding day, but over and over again -- and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife."

Barbara De Angelis
American Expert on Relationship & Love, Author

2010 Wedding Trends

Here are some wedding trends for the New Year that we have found: Weddings for next year are all about relaxed glamour.

Wedding dresses have taken a more elegant and sophisticated feel to their designs. Many wedding dress designs feature bodices with origami inspired fluting and pleated details. Retro styles continue with 50’s chic being a key look with shorter fuller skirts, birdcage veils and pill box hats. (think Jackie Kennedy) Also in style are close fit bodice dresses with longer flowing skirts.

This year has also seen the return of the ball gown with dresses having large and very full skirts. Other hot trends include oversized details such as big bows and corsages and plenty of asymmetric layering.

The 2009 wedding trends continue with an emphasis on dream weddings on a budget as the global recession continues. Low key venues will be the location of the choice including private gardens and so called backyard weddings. The emphasis really is on having a low budget but glamorous and understated wedding.

Wedding favors will be homemade and simple creations for expressing thanks and love.

Bridesmaids will finally come to relish the 2010 wedding trends as finally they get to choose their own outfits. The trend will be for mismatched bridesmaids dresses, who will get to choose their own dresses and accessories according to a color chosen by the bride.

2010 may also see many couples choosing short engagements and thus ending the traditional long engagement period. (think Kardashian) Elopements and destination weddings, and spur of the moment nuptials planned in double quick time, will also be the name of the game of 2010.!

Do Words Have Meaning Anymore?

Do Words Have Meaning Anymore?

Posted on October 1st, 2009 Richard Himmer

Within each culture there are certain words that carry a specific meaning known only to the aborigines and veterans of that culture.

For example, in the German culture if you point to the temple on your head with your index finger, you are expressing the same sentiment in German as if you were to extend the middle finger high in the air here in the states.

In Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, if you were to ask the question: “How are you today,” be prepared to listen to an answer. Here, expect to hear one word that carries no meaning. Something like, fine.

What does fine mean? What does good mean? How about “All things considered, I’m doing well.”

Have you ever muttered under your breath while attending a rock concert how much you’d like to play the guitar or the keyboards? How truthful are those words? Do you really mean what you say?

Try an experiment today. Pay specific attention to the words your friends and co-workers use when conversing with each other. Notice how ambiguous their statements are.

We have mastered such words as: that’s interesting, we’ll see, I might, perhaps or maybe.

The ‘Good Book’ councils us to say “yea, yea” and “nay, nay.” What does that mean? Is it possible that our language aptitude has an impact upon our happiness quotient? I don’t know about you, but my purpose for existence is to be happy and have joy?

Improving our ability to effectively communicate will eliminate misunderstandings and hurt feelings. In sales, assumed closes are a tool that leverages ambiguity and puts the person being sold to in an uncomfortable situation.

Assuming there is understanding is like saying I want to play the guitar but never taking lessons or even owning a guitar.

What do your words mean?

Most people have a strong desire to communicate effectively.

Some people have the basic knowledge of communication tools that are helpful. Knowledge is obtained through study and taking courses.

Very few people possess the necessary skills. The skills are acquired through coaching and practice.

Just wanting to improve your communication is not enough.

Coaching, Communication, Family, Marriage Effective Communication, Meaning of Words, Words