Kathy’s Books
Appearances
As seen on the weekly Love & Marriage segment of Fox8
As heard co-hosting Relationship Thursdays on Q104
As seen as a guest relationship expert on iVillage.com
NEW! Listen to Kathy's 2-part interview with Trapper Jack and the Morning Show.
Part 1 Part 2Kathy Dawson is a member of the International Coach Federation
Big Turnout for 17th Annual Romance Workshop
We had 28 couples attend this year’s Romance Workshop, even though some surrounding areas were slammed with almost a foot of snow the previous night. Thank you to everyone who braved the inclement weather! The new fallen snow was a perfect backdrop to a romantic day at The Hillbrook Club, a turn of the century English Tudor Mansion in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Tucked inside acres of woods, this historic building showcased three fireplaces and countless romantic nooks and crannies to where couples retreated throughout the day. One of the highlights of the workshop was a presentation given by Kathleen Krupar, a licensed massage therapist, who taught everyone the benefits of touch, including 9 different kinds of hugs!
It Warms My Heart
As we approach our 17th Annual Romance Workshop, it warms my heart to hear so many couples tell me how much they look forward to this special day and evening. Many couples return year after year, which is so great to see. It’s also fun to watch new couples join us as they experience the workshop with a sense of anticipation and a bit of nervousness. What a great time of year for everyone to get out of the winter doldrums and immerse themselves in romance! This is so cool!
Dancing, Dancing, Dancing!
My husband and I danced the night away this past weekend, as we were invited to Swing in the lobby of the Bolton Theater at the Cleveland Playhouse prior to the opening night of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” What fun! Dancing is one of our favorite ways to connect. Even though we speak very few words while cutting a rug, a lot gets said as our bodies move under and around one another to the sounds of Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and other big band leaders. Trust and confidence builds every time my husband tries a new step and I blindly follow along. My challenge is to let go and follow his lead. Every time I do, I never regret it. Sounds like a good policy for life, in general!
Rare Wedding Magic
My husband and I attended a wedding last night that had many traditional elements to it. The vows were simple and traditional. The wedding party entrance and receiving line was traditional. The food included a lovely sit-down, traditional meal. The tempo of the evening felt very much like what we would expect. What we didn’t expect was what happened on the dance floor during the bride and groom’s solo dance. For two to three minutes, we watched this couple transport themselves. I’m pretty good at picking up a bride and groom’s nervousness and anxiety at a wedding. This couple could have cared less about being the center of attention. They locked onto each others eyes, kissed, swayed, nuzzled, and took off for a magic carpet ride. Their undivided attention to one another was palpable. I’ve been to a lot of weddings. This one I will remember.
The New You for the New Year
I just taped a news segment for WKYC Channel 3 News on how to become the “New You” for the New Year and be able to attract a partner into your life. When asked the question, “How does someone find that perfect lifelong mate in the New Year?” I answered with two words: ”LET GO.” Rather than hold a death grip around the idea that for the New Year you have to find the love of your life, better that you let go of the image you have of prince or princess charming and focus on making you the best you possible. When you discover what it is that makes your soul sing, what makes you feel energized and passionate, you exponentially raise your chances of meeting a kindred spirit, someone with whom you can journey through life.
“It’s Complicated” Was Fabulous!
Just saw the new Meryl Streep movie, “It’s Complicated,” and loved it! Great relationship story between a divorced couple (10 years prior), the husband of which got remarried to a much younger woman. The spark that is rekindled between the divorced couple is palpable and complicated, for now they have 3 grown children. The movie is a great parable about checking your motives when in a relationship. Highly recommend it!
Forget New Year Resolutions
In my opinion, the term, “New Year Resolutions” is an invitation to miss the mark. The idea that you are going to resolve to do something is great, but resolutions, in my mind, focus more on perfection rather than progress. What I recommend, instead, is for you and your mate to sit down and map out some goals for your relationship and your life together. Brainstorm ideas on how to improve your life in the area of communication, fun, romance, finances, parenting, lovemaking, spirituality and approach your goals with the idea that any improvement is a success. I recommend you visit the following link from the website of my good friend, Dr. Ron Arndt. Dr. Arndt developed a couples planning guide that takes you and your mate into the New Year in a life changing way! http://www.drarndt.com/store/dr-rons-couple-planning.html
Time To Get Unplugged!
Yesterday’s Cleveland Plain Dealer had a great article about the necessity, especially during the holiday season, to turn off the Blackberry for hours or days for the sole purpose of de-stressing. I couldn’t agree more! Dr. Ned Hallowell, a psychiatrist and former Harvard professor, was quoted as saying that these devices make us available 24/7 and, “ratchet up stress, making us distracted, impulsive, restless, and hyperactive.” Not a good combo for a loving, intimate relationship. His advice: no texting during dinner, no cell calls while driving, and no compulsive e-mail checking when you have a few free minutes. In other words, get unplugged and just BE!
There are 14 days before Christmas, and have you had a “holiday date” with your mate? Don’t tell me you’re too busy. I know you’ve got shopping, wrapping, baking, and decorating to do, but what could be more important than taking time to spend with your partner to enjoy the season’s festivities. My husband and I do this every year. Last year we went to E J Thomas Hall in Akron to hear a free concert called, “A Tuba Christmas.” Another year we went to the Cleveland Playhouse to see the Festival of Trees. One season we set up a card table and had dinner by the Christmas tree. Whatever you do this holiday, make sure you do at least one festive thing with your mate.
Family Drama at the Holidays?
Yesterday I appeared on WKYC channel 3’s morning show, “Good Company,” to talk about how to handle the stress of relative-related tension during the holidays. Below are some tips I gave on the air:
1. Be proactive! Send a card to family members a couple of weeks prior to their arrival, saying how much you look forward to spending time with them. This sets a positive tone before they arrive.
2. If family members are staying with you for the holidays, leave some flowers in their room, along with a card that welcomes them to your home.
3. If you are going to a family member’s home with whom you’ve had tension in the past and have difficulty being around, let them know a week in advance exactly how much time you’ll be able to spend with them. Limit your time, if being with these relatives is that difficult. Spend perhaps two hours rather than five with them, but let them know your schedule at least a week ahead of time.
4. If you and your mate are in a stressful situation in someone else’s home, agree on a “code gesture” you will use to let each other know you want to leave immediately. Make it a small, subtle gesture, but one that is clear to each other.
5. If you have a houseful of family for dinner and things get tense, have planned to see a movie at a certain time after the meal. Let everyone know they are welcome to join you, but that you will be leaving at a particular time to go see the movie. This is a great way to clear your home and remove yourself from family stress. Of course, let everyone know the movie plans ahead of time.
6. If the topic of politics or religion comes up and causes issues, use the phrase, “Let’s agree to disagree,” then change the subject.
