Jerilyn Thiel

Relationships have always fascinated me. The way people react, and overreact, to seemingly simple insignificant comments and conversations is mind boggling. How quick we are to assume we know what another person is thinking, or about to say, is incredibly limiting. And what is it exactly that makes someone a best friend or an enemy? There is no way to avoid relationships and the dynamics they bring to our lives, so I became determined to figure out, first for myself, and then for others, how to do the dance of relationships with a little more grace.

In addition to the professional training I’ve had as a Life Coach and Spiritual Coach I have been married since 1990 and have two teenagers. Relationship dynamics occur daily in our home and require an unending supply of creativity, diligence, and patience. These three amazing beings have taught me as much or more than all of my professional trainings. I love each of them so much and am constantly called to re-evaluate how I’m showing up in my relationships with them.

Furthermore, my husband, Greg, and I have participated in a Couples Support Group since we were married. We experimented with different combinations of couples until we finally created the group we are currently in and have been in since 1996. Our group meets once a month to discuss a relationship topic, do an activity, receive support around our challenges, and to be strengthened by other couples who are committed to making their marriages strong and healthy.

And lastly, and truthfully, I wrote this book because I’ve messed up many relationships in my lifetime. The critical difference, however, is that I’ve taken the time to evaluate what I could have done differently in those relationships and then practiced that going forward. My firsthand knowledge of what works and doesn’t work, combined with my years of professional training in various related disciplines, creates relationship skills that are practical and life changing.