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It ' s not greener on the other side of the fence; it ' s greener where you water it."
3. Communicate With Purpose When you feel a gap growing between you, the solution is simple: ask. Open, honest communication is key. Brent advises,“ Really listen to your partner’ s perspective instead of trying to convince them to see things your way.”
Try This: Practice active listening. Repeat back what you’ ve heard to confirm understanding and create a space for more meaningful conversations.
Love in Action
Expert Tips to Keep Your Relationship Thriving
Every great relationship takes intention and effort— think of it as a partnership that needs nurturing to truly thrive. We chatted with Brent, a relationship expert from Hiz and Herz Counselling, to share his top tips for keeping your connection strong and joyful.
Brent Taylor, Marriage Counsellor & Author Hiz & Herz, www. hizandherzmarriage. com
1. Understand, Don’ t Assume
Misunderstandings are woven into the fabric of every relationship. As Brent so aptly says,“ He thinks that she thinks like he thinks, and she thinks that he thinks like she thinks, and nothing could be further from the truth.” Beyond these amusing misperceptions lies a beautiful truth: men and women often attract, complete, and complement each other in profound ways. Still, it’ s easy to assume we fully understand our partner— when in reality, upbringing, values, beliefs, and even our love languages can differ widely. Taking the time to truly discover who your partner is, from their unique perspective to how they prefer to communicate, can deepen your appreciation and transform how you connect.
Try This: Set aside time for a“ relationship check-in,” where you each share something new about yourselves that the other might not know.
2. Shift Your Mindset: What Can You Do? Many enter relationships asking,“ What can you do for me?” Brent encourages you to flip the question. Ask yourself,“ What can I do for you?” When you approach your partner with a spirit of generosity, your connection naturally deepens.
Try This: Small, thoughtful gestures— like preparing their favorite meal or sending a supportive text— can go a long way in strengthening your bond.
4. Prioritize Quality Time Together Life is full of distractions— work, kids, and endless to-do lists— but it’ s crucial to keep your relationship a priority. Brent reminds us,“ If you don’ t protect your marriage, the rest of the family structure can wobble.”
Try This: Schedule regular date nights, take up shared hobbies, or enjoy daily check-ins to keep the connection strong and vibrant.
5. Reignite Your Connection in the Empty Nest Years As children grow older and leave home, couples can face a new challenge. Brent suggests rediscovering each other’ s emotional needs.“ When both partners understand and meet what the other values, that’ s when joy returns to the relationship.”
Try This: Have open conversations about your hopes, dreams, and what you need emotionally as a couple moving forward.
At Hiz & Herz, marriage coaching goes beyond simply staying together— it’ s about nurturing a love that truly lasts. Guided by Brent Taylor’ s thoughtful blend of Biblical insight, personal experience, and research, each session is both practical and deeply compassionate. Brent helps couples uncover their deepest needs, understand what drives disconnect, and build a stronger, more joyful bond. Whether starting fresh or reigniting your connection, Hiz & Herz offers gentle, purposeful support to help your relationship flourish.
With warmth and insight, Brent helps us reconnect with what truly matters in our relationships— the heart. His gentle guidance offers couples timeless tools to deepen connection, foster joy at home, and grow through honest communication and care. Love takes intention, not perfection. And sometimes, a little heart work makes all the difference. Available in Soft Cover and a 17 minute Video( simple, profound, white-board diagram teachings).