is not a scarce commodity, but couples are often stingy with it. The reality is, the more you give of it, the more you will get back, and what you don't reinforce will disappear. Thus, it's helpful to acknowledge your partner frequently for things you might normally take for granted, such as cooking dinner, taking care of a sick child, or making a special effort of any kind. A dream might give you a clue about this, as was the case in "The Wake-up Call" in chapter 1. If Peter had not shared this dream, Phyllis might not have thought to tell him how much she appreciated the concern he showed for her.
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Pay attention to how your partner and your couple appear to you once you have shared an acknowledgment. You will likely see each other in a much more positive light. After working on a dream together, one couple created a proclamation of "We appreciate each other," then stated it as a specific acknowledgment every day. They found it revitalized their entire relationship and their own self-esteem.
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It's not enough just to share a positive feeling, however. To be truly effective, an acknowledgment must be fully experienced by each partnerspoken and heard. It is up to the person being acknowledged to let the appreciation sink in and let his partner know if the power of the message has been truly perceived. As much as we want to be recognized for something we did well, we often avoid accepting the recognition. When acknowledging your partner, make sure you've actually been heard.
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Communication About Sex Through Dream Sharing
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One aspect of a relationship that often brings up intense feelings, both positive and negative, is sex. Perhaps because of this intensity, it is also often difficult to talk about sex. Dreams give you a less threatening means of sharing your sexual feelings
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