Kay Yerkovich

Our earliest childhood interactions will shape how we connect and communicate with each other as adults. The Yerkoviches and Camerons call these ways we interact “love styles,” and they describe how we can overcome wounds of our past to improve and strengthen our relationships, especially in marriage.

People often adopt a reaction to stress when they’re kids, and the patterns continue into adulthood. But couples can learn to discuss nine points to deepen their understanding of each other.

Our earliest childhood interactions will shape how we connect and communicate with each other as adults. The Yerkoviches and Camerons call these ways we interact “love styles,” and they describe how we can overcome wounds of our past to improve and strengthen our relationships, especially in marriage.

Our childhood experiences and relationships with our parents affect the way we relate to our spouses. There are five unhealthy love styles we develop as a result of our trauma as kids. Here’s how to identify each.

Most people struggle to manage their stresses in marriage effectively. And unmanaged stress in one spouse usually escalates stress in the other. But reactions can be complex.

Using “soul words” helps develop a greater awareness of your inner experiences. And once you begin the awareness process, you will be amazed at how thoughts, feelings and reactions become clearer to you.