As we get ready for a new year, it's a time of reflection and thinking about the future. Maybe we are making New Years resolutions. One strategy that we can use to listen to our partner's hopes and dreams is the art of pretend, thinking about what things would be like IF we took a certain path. Sometimes if our partner expresses hopes and dreams that don't fit with ours, it can be hard to be a good listener. Instead, we get afraid and don't let our partner express their ideas. But if we can approach the scenario as if we are just pretending or imagining what MIGHT happen, we can listen to our partner's dreams without shutting them down. Our partner feels heard and valued, and we understand where they are coming from better.

Happy New Year's! May your 2019 be the best one yet! Thank you for being part of the Little Elf Family!