By Dr. Ken Larsen

My wife Sheren and I have been married for over 50 years.  We have learned to live together in peace with no conflicts.

And, dear reader, if you believe that I have a fantastic deal on the Golden Gate Bridge.

We have, however, learned ways to work through our conflicts.  Following is one example.

We have a home theatre system that is kind of elaborate, with multiple speakers and surround sound and all that sort of thing.

I enjoy listening at a level that Sheren finds unpleasant.  We tried turning the sound level down to a lower level.  That worked for Sheren, but not for me.

Sheren, in her loving wisdom, came up with a solution that works for both of us.

Ear plugs for Sheren or a headset for me.  We actually sort of alternate. This is a very simple but effective resolution to the conflict.

I can conclude from this experience that for us, mental health and happiness is not based on being free of conflict.

It is based on maintaining a loving connection while we work through the conflict.

If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.