Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

2 Simple Ways to Maintain Physical Intimacy in a Relationship

Should you and your partner talk about sex? If so, when and how? What are some ways to communicate without words? Sharing physical intimacy in a relationship is a major way to maintain your and your partner’s happiness with each other. Relationship experts recommend that you communicate about sex. But, their recommendations for how to communicate about sex differ. Keep reading to learn these physical intimacy strategies and determine what’s worth trying in your relationship.

Questions to Make a Conversation Interesting & Meaningful

What types of questions move a conversation in a meaningful direction? How can you appropriately let someone know that you don’t require a response? Good conversations happen only if the other person feels good when they talk to you. You want to do all you can to ensure your conversation partner feels important and heard and will want to keep engaging with you in the future. One way to do this is by asking the right kinds of questions. Read on to discover how to use several types of questions to make a conversation interesting and meaningful.

This Is Marketing: Seth Godin Helps Marketers Learn to See

Why shouldn’t companies focus on selling? What should they focus on instead? What’s the ultimate goal of marketing? In his book This Is Marketing, Seth Godin explains why old marketing techniques are no longer effective. He outlines four bedrock principles to help guide successful marketing in the modern age. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book that can benefit all business leaders.

3 Harms of Living in a World of Left-Brain Hemispheric Dominance

Does it seem like we’re increasingly losing meaning in our lives? Are we prioritizing knowledge over wisdom? Iain McGilchrist argues that the right brain hemisphere is more important than the left. The problem is that we live in an era when the left brain dominates. He makes three predictions about a world dominated by the left hemisphere and explains why such a world would diminish our happiness. Keep reading to learn three ways that left-brain hemispheric dominance is detrimental to society, according to McGilchrist.

Geography and Climate Change: New Trade Routes & New Fears

How does global warming impact geopolitics? Why are new trade routes both a blessing and a curse? Climate change impacts geography. In turn, geography impacts politics and economics. Tim Marshall discusses this fascinating and important link in his book Prisoners of Geography. Keep reading to understand the connection between geography and climate change.

3 Ways to Maintain Emotional Intimacy in a Relationship

How often do you have substantive conversations with your partner? How might a “relationship agreement” benefit you? Relationship experts contend that a key to maintaining a happy romantic relationship is to sustain emotional intimacy. Specifically, they suggest that you regularly connect with each other and let each other—and your relationship—evolve. Read on to discover three ways to maintain emotional intimacy in a relationship.

How to Be a Better Conversationalist: 3 Ways to Let Others Shine

Do you prefer to talk about yourself than learn about others? Do you know how to make people feel comfortable and understood? A good conversationalist is a thoughtful one. They don’t monopolize conversations, they make people feel seen and heard, and they show genuine interest in others. In Better Small Talk, Patrick King shows how to take good care of the person you’re talking to so they want to continue the conversation. Continue reading for King’s advice on how to be a better conversationalist by being a thoughtful one.

Empathy Sells: Seth Godin’s Definition of Permission Marketing

Are you wasting resources trying to reach people who aren’t interested in what you have to sell? How is permission marketing different from traditional marketing? In This Is Marketing, entrepreneur and marketing expert Seth Godin challenges conventional marketing strategies. He argues that, in today’s media-saturated world, traditional marketing techniques are no longer effective. Read on to understand the definition of permission marketing and why Godin thinks it’s preferable to older methods.

Geography and Economic Development: How Strong Is the Link?

How much does a nation’s geography impact its economic development? What difference does access to trade routes make? Tim Marshall argues that, much like the starting hand in a card game, the geography of a region determines its economic development. If it’s dealt a naturally winning hand—filled with natural resources and defensible natural boundaries—it’s likely that it will develop into a stable, successful state. Continue reading to understand the link between geography and economic development.

5 Damaging Relationship Patterns & How to Avoid Them

Do you acknowledge the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism? Do you sometimes shut down because you’re feeling overwhelmed? Like every couple, you and your partner face conflict at times. But, you can still have a happy relationship despite these conflicts as long as you learn to manage them effectively. Specifically, experts recommend that you learn to recognize damaging relationship patterns so that you can avoid them. Read more to understand these patterns and see whether they’re in your own relationship.