Love 101: Now It’s Time to Complain

Thank you my wonderful readers for your overwhelming response to the blog “No More Drama.”  As a matter of fact, the response was so positive that I have decided to follow up to see what really does push your buttons in the name of love.  Ironically, this blog comes at the most opportune time. Jeremy Cid of Always Opening Doors (alwaysopeningdoors.com) and Designing Love, Inc. are working together to produce a reality series based upon love and all of its splendor and struggles. This reality show will focus on couples working with a relationship coach to help strengthen their partnership. The highlight of the show is an extravagant, one-of-a-kind date to signify the couple’s new beginning.  As we started to work on the concept of the show, I began to wonder… What really gets under your skin?  If we knew the answer, we could possibly address the problem for our viewers or at least make an improvement in our work. 

Any relationship can present an array of problems over time.  The key to addressing those problems is consistent communication. However, communication is different for everyone. And, just how much compromising in the name of love can one take?  One may feel angry, sad, frustrated, resentful, ashamed, and condemned to name a few emotions.  The method of communication each person chooses to display their negative and positive emotions over time will determine the success of any partnership.  Ultimately, if a couple has no positive outlet to display their emotion, the end result is usually resentment and a parting of ways. 

So, I regret to inform you that this blog will not focus on solutions to find that happy medium with your love language. Nevertheless, I do suggest for starters that we stop focusing on what needs to change outside of ourselves. You have no control of even those you love, but you do have control over you.  With that being said, Designing Love, Inc. and Always Opening Doors would like to hear from you. 

What topics of dating/coupledom/marriage do you feel that need to be addressed?  We want to hear from you!  Your input will not only help to shape the format of our reality television show but an upcoming performance highlighting relationship coaching.  Please share your thoughts below by commenting or email me at neal@designingloveinc.com

For all of my readers who often ask me about what do I recommend as an intriguing/interesting read, please check out Strategic Planning for Love & War by Jo Lena Johnson (Water), Steven Charles Martin (Ice), and Kevin Fleming (Soul) at strategicplanningforloveandwar.com

“IceWater” is a couple in life so, instead of a dry self help-type book, you get to see what real problems they have experienced throughout their relationship. Sensitive issues like cheating, lying, and even taboo topics like body odors and bad breath are also shared. The book is complemented by interviews and testimonials from real people about challenges they have experienced in their relationships and marriages, as well as a remarkable selection of the best R&B music provided by Soul, as a musical backdrop.  Check it out and let me know what you think!