by John Butler & Debra O’Rourke | Values and Argument | theclaritywheel.com values and conflict You know the feeling. You’re arguing about something small – whose turn it is to do the dishes, how the money got spent, the tone somebody used, a missed birthday – and yet you feel like you’re fighting for your […]
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Why “I Feel” Changes Everything in Hard Conversations
by John Butler & Debra O’Rourke | theclaritywheel.com Feelings Matter More than You May Realize Think about the last time you had a difficult conversation with someone you love. You may have laid out the facts. You may have explained your point of view. You may have even told them what you needed. But did […]
The Clarity Wheel Explained: 8 “Slices” for Better Communication
(Revised to include featured image in email.) The 8-Slice Pizza That Could Change How You Communicate Forever Bear with us on this metaphor, because it’s going to make a lot of sense in a moment. Imagine a pizza. Eight slices, perfectly cut, making up one complete circle. Now imagine that every conversation you’ve ever had […]
The Clarity Wheel Explained: 8 Segments for Better Communication
by John Butler & Debra O’Rourke | theclaritywheel.com The 8-Slice Pizza That Could Change How You Communicate Forever Bear with us on this metaphor, because it’s going to make a lot of sense in a moment. Imagine a pizza. Eight slices, perfectly cut, making up one complete circle. Now imagine that every conversation you’ve ever […]
Stay Grounded in Tense Moments with the Clarity Wheel
From Conflict to Connection Conflict doesn’t have to be a dead end; it can actually be a doorway to deeper intimacy if you know how to navigate the threshold. When things get heated, especially when communicating with men, it is vital to stay grounded with the Clarity Wheel. I often ask myself one guiding question: […]
Speak to be Heard: Communicating with Clarity and Compassion
Many women feel a sense of frustration when trying to truly connect with the men in their lives, whether they are partners, fathers, sons, or colleagues. It’s easy to feel stuck in a loop of misunderstanding. However, one of the most powerful shifts you can make is moving away from assumptions and toward curiosity, and […]
How to Communicate Feelings with Men Without Frustration (Using 5 Simple Words)
If you feel frustrated because the men in your life don’t understand you when you share your feelings this approach can dramatically improve how you communicate about emotions with men. A key truth about communication is that much of it is nonverbal. Body language, facial expressions, and context often carry more meaning than words alone. […]
How Conflict Can Bring You Closer – If You Know Where to Look
How Conflict Can Bring You Closer Would you like to feel closer to your sweetheart after an argument instead of more distant? It’s possible – conflict can bring you closer and it starts with understanding what conflict is really about. At the heart of every interpersonal conflict is a conflict of values. That’s why arguments […]
How to Have Clearer, More Productive Conversations with Men
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with a man feeling unheard, misunderstood, or frustrated, you’re not alone. Many women want more clarity, connection, and productivity when communicating with men—but often don’t get it. Here’s a simple truth that can dramatically improve your conversations: Men are better listeners when they know the purpose of […]
How to Communicate with Men: A Simple Strategy that Builds Connection
Wondering how to communicate with men in a way that actually works? You’re not alone. Many women feel unheard or misunderstood when talking with the men in their lives, whether partners, fathers, sons or colleagues. The truth is communication styles can differ and what feels natural for women doesn’t always land the same way with […]