If you’d like to drop some feedback about the conference, feel free to do so on the comments. While we took feedback informally during the event, it’s always good to get some more after the event is over and people have had a chance to reflect on it. You can also use the website contact form for private correspondence. Your feedback helps us make the next TDE event bigger and better.

So thanks again everyone – hope to see everyone at the next TDE event!

Let’s assume for a minute that you have met a
great girl and that you want more than a one-
night-stand. You want to have a good time with
her because you want to develop a long-term
relationship.

I believe that there isn’t a perfect general
place for all first dates, just the perfect place
for you and your future date. One where you have
been with your ex date and it was great, could be
a wrong choice for your date with another girl.

Make sure your first date will be a success
choosing the right place. There are some rules
and criteria that will help you to make the best
decision:

1. For your very first meeting it is suggested
that you only make it brief but fun, inexpensive
and relaxing.

2. Chose the place for the first date according
your date’s age and lifestyle. Maybe you don’t
know too much about the women you are going to
ask for a date, but you can make a clue about her,
looking to how she is dressing and watching the
type of people she is hanging around.

3. Particularly on a first date, you may wish to
leave early, or so may they. An exit plan for
both guys and girls is always useful.

4. Dates that will make you interact with the
other person and share both your interests will
not only teach you more about them, but also show
how compatible you actually are. Sporting events,
concerts and picnics are great places for first
dates. You can talk, and being outside,
everything feels less claustrophobic. It’s easy
and relaxed and clothing usually isn’t a problem

5. It makes a difference if you can find
something that she will remember for a long time.
If in your area is an event like circus, carnival,
festival, don’t miss it and you two will have
more fun than at a coffee place that’s for sure.
There wouldn’t be any pressure; you’ll only have
to enjoy the company.

6. If you are dating late in the evening make
sure that you walk in places where your date is
feeling safe. Don’t forget that she does not know
you very well and being alone with you in a place
that is not public can make her feel insecure. It
is normal!

By being unique and creative, you’ll stand out
among the other guys she’s dated and she will
want to be with you again.

When people are told that they need to communicate more they often think that that is an open invitation to talk but there is a complete difference between talking and communicating.

Communicating is an art, and art of combining the ability to express your opinions and feelings in such a way as to ensure that the person or people you are talking to understand what you are trying to say with the ability to listen and understand another person’s point of view.

Relationships are no different to the work environment other than there are, usually, just two of you. Often, what could be a marriage made in heaven is destroyed by the sheer inability to communicate. The most successful relationships, be it business or personnel are those whereby both parties have strong verbal and listening skills.

Many relationship problems begin with poor communication. Couples often feel that their partner should know what they are thinking and how they feel so do not communicate and then wonder why they feel neglected and under valued.

How many people decide not to tell their partner something just because they don’t know how to say it and then the problem just eats away at the relationship until there is no relationship left? What a waste, just the sheer ability to share a problem can make what seemed to be an insurmountable issue a tiny little blip on a large horizon.

So whenever you feel stressed or don’t know what to do don’t just bottle it up, talk about it, seek advice and listen to the answer. Don’t keep quiet when you know in your heart a problem has to be aired and don’t put off until tomorrow what has to be sorted today. Tomorrow never comes!!

It is how you say something that will ruin a relationship and not what you have to say. The wrong way is just to blurt out something that you know will aggravate or distress your partner. The last thing you want is for them to get defensive, storm off or burst into floods of tears. You want the person you are trying to communicate with to be open and perceptive and in order to be able to achieve this, your timing and approach has to be right.

Every individual is different what will work with one person won’t necessarily work with another and with some people all you can do is sew the seed and then let them walk away and work it out for themselves.

Given peoples individuality you need to learn what, is the right approach for you and your partner. Make sure that you never start a discussion if you don’t have time to finish it, don’t insist on a debate when one of you is off out to work, dealing with the kids or just relaxing in front of their favourite TV programme. If the timing seems to be never right ask the question ‘when would it be a good time for us to just sit down and talk?’. Whatever you do, do not let yourself appear agitated either in what you say or how you say it. Body language can just as easily put your partner on the defensive as what you say to them. Even if your partner is vying for a fight just don’t react.

Remember, the first golden rule, approaching defensive with defensive is a sure way to failure.

One of the key ways to improve communication is to develop strong listening skills. Couples often fail to listen to what their partner has to say, interrupt and give the impression that no matter what is said they won’t change their mind. One trick to ensure that you have listened and you do understand is to repeat what you have heard. This will demonstrate that you have listened to what was said and by repeating it back you have the opportunity to comprehend and understand.

Learn more effective ways to communicate by attending the following session at The Divorce Expo:

James Windell, MA

Session Title: How to Communicate Effectively with your Ex

Susan Pease Gadoua

Mainstage: Discussion with Author Susan Pease Gadoua – Can My Marriage Be Saved?

Cooperation may not be a word many people associate with divorce, but if the authors of a new book have their way, it soon will be. Called “The Collaborative Way To Divorce: The Revolutionary Method That Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids-Without Going to Court,” (Hudson Street Press, $23.95) the book provides what authors Stuart G. Webb and Ronald D. Ousky say is a way for couples to avoid litigation, without giving up what they want.

Their Collaborative process, which is a nationally acclaimed approach, is helping transform the way couples dissolve their marriages, divide assets, reinvent their post-divorce relationships and deal with custody issues.

For instance, the divorce process is traditionally started when one spouse prepares (with the help of an attorney) a summons and petition. That paperwork is then filed with the court and a judge is assigned the case. In Collaborative divorces, both clients and their attorneys meet for a four-way conference to discuss how everyone wants to proceed with the case. All parties sign an agreement which commits them to resolving all issues out of court.

The book guides readers step by step through the Collaborative process and emphasizes what the authors say is a key point: Collaborative divorces aren’t about going easy on your spouse, they’re about ending up with more money, less stress and happier kids.

Learn more about the Collaborative process at The Divorce Expo on March 24th. Come listen to Attorney Lori Becker share her expertise during her session titled: Collaborative Divorce: What is it? Who is it for?

Don’t Miss these Great Speakers

Kim Boudreau Smith

Founder and CEO of  iAcademy

Session Title : Speak Up! Break through the Fears and gain the Results you desire

Dorcy Russell

Founder and CEO of Conscious Co-Parenting Institute

Session Title: Conscious Co-Parenting through High Conflict Divorce

Joanie Winberg

Founder of  NADWC

Session Title: How to Deal with 3 Most Difficult Challenges Facing You After Divorce

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend this interactive day of learning and networking.

Buy Tickets

If you have any questions, or would like to register by phone, please contact Chris McQueen at cmcqueen@splitpartners.com

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Transitions is a great reason to get out of the house and find some support from others who are in your position. I know that getting out and taking that first step is difficult but take a deep breath and JUST DO IT! You will be glad you did.

Yes, most events will be kid friendly and this one is.

Lela Davidson – Keynote Speaker

leladavidson.com

LinkedIn

Lela Davidson has built a writing career on everyday humor and candid observations. Lela is an essayist (Blacklisted from the PTA, 2011), a journalist (the TODAY Show Moms blog), and a columnist for Brooke Burke’s Modern Mom. An entertaining professional speaker, who delights audiences on topics modern family life, marriage, and the challenges of being over-40 in a Botox world, Lela appears regularly on television and serves as Associate Editor of Peekaboo magazine. Her humorous, inspirational essays have appeared in family and parenting magazines throughout North America, and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: New Moms.

Blacklisted from the PTA