Recently, there has been plenty of conversation around how to identify red flags in your relationship on social media. The Dababy and DaniLeigh debacle has reignited the red flags posts on all of our social feeds. And while spotting a red flag is indeed important, there is a more crucial piece to this conversation that’s missing, and that’s the steps you take after identifying a red flag.

So what exactly is a red flag? A red flag can be an undesirable and or potentially dangerous behavior that can lead to an unhealthy relationship or heartbreak. Sometimes red flags can be obvious and other times they can be quite subtle. While violent or aggressive displays are more obvious, an unwillingness to apologize is a subtle behavior and shouldn’t be dismissed.

The next step after spotting a red flag is to consider the type of relationship you’re in. To what extent do you see this relationship? Do you see or want a future with this person? If you want to be with this person, then you must effectively communicate with your partner. Tell them that you’re uncomfortable with their behavior and let them know why. Let them know that you value the longevity of the relationship and that certain changes are required for this to occur. As laid out in The Power of the Four A’s, a new agreement is necessary.

The best way to work through the poor behavior together, so that a boundary isn’t crossed is to teach one another how to better communicate your wants and needs with each other. This can look like “when you do/say X, it makes me Y. Instead, please do A so that B doesn’t happen.” While this isn’t a universal formula, it is a starting point to build and map out your specific agreement.

If you aren’t seeing a potential future with this person, then kindly express to him or her that the relationship is no longer a good fit for you. Explain why you’re not feeling it. Be kind, but firm. Don’t feel the need to make excuses for yourself. Be clear, but not mean or harsh.

Don’t let red flags derail your goal of improving communication with one another and building a healthy relationship together! If you see them early on, there’s plenty of time to work through it lovingly, and you can also go on to build a stronger connection.

If you see red flags in your current relationship or with someone that is new to the scene then talk about it! Don’t shy away from conflict as this will only lead to more problems down the line. Do not be afraid of sharing how you feel with those who matter most to you. If the other person is unwilling to address your concerns, then it’s time to part ways. You deserve a healthy loving relationship, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less!

Good communication is key in any type of relationship whether it’s a friendship, romantic or even business partner. Even when both people are on the same page if there isn’t good communication, they won’t be able to maintain that connection at all times.

The post Red Flags: How to Handle Next Steps After Spotting a Red Flag appeared first on Greg and Cheryl | Couple Motivators.

Gratitude is something that can carry your relationship far. When you feel grateful for the life you are living, good things happen. However, it is important to not only follow gratitude with actions but also with words.

If done correctly, expressing gratitude in your relationship could lead to the growth of your romantic bond and overall happier life (because everyone wants a happy relationship).

Here are some fun ways – or at least uncommon ones – that you can show gratitude in your own unique way:

1. Write them a love song. You don’t have to be Beyonce or Bruno Mars to come up with lyrics about how much you love them! If anything, this will express exactly how they feel without having to put those three words into a sentence!

2. Leave them random notes with treats hidden in an envelope. This will be a big surprise that says, “Hey, I’m thinking of you!” without having to put into words what’s on your heart.

3. Put together a photo album or scrapbook of memories. Not just ones of you two, but also memories you had individually growing up and how they led to the relationship you’re in today. We can all admit pictures are worth more than 1,000 words – so show them precisely why they mean so much to you!

4. Make their favorite meal one night (or baked goods!), even if it drives you crazy. It’ll be worth it to see the joy on their face as you present them with their favorite dish!

5. Take them on an unexpected date night to somewhere fun. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something they wouldn’t normally do! 

6. Put together a small gift basket with some of their favorite treats and candy (like conversation hearts, which can be used to start meaningful conversations

If any of these ideas appeal to you, give them a try today! Use the #Powerof4A so we can give you a shoutout on our social media pages.  Showing gratitude not only makes someone feel great on the inside but also helps strengthen bonds within relationships day by day.

The post Fun Ways to Show Gratitude in your relationship appeared first on Greg and Cheryl | Couple Motivators.

We are going to talk about destructive behaviors that you may be having in your relationship that are destroying not just your relationship with your spouse but all your relationships. It can be exacerbated during this holiday season that’s why we chose this topic because we are in this fourth quarter and people are still allowing themselves the opportunity to be a blessing to each other and relationships can get strained during the holidays.

We invite you to become a part of the Couple Motivators community. By doing so, when we start having our workshops in 2022 you’re going to be one of those that will get the first crack. Just go to www.gregandcherylclarke.com and sign up to become a part of our mailing list and also if you haven’t gotten our great book, The Power of the Four A’s. It’s an amazing read and it will really impact your married life.

The post Break Destructive Patterns appeared first on Greg and Cheryl | Couple Motivators.