It was less than two months until their big wedding day, but Kris and Kelly had barely spoken to each other in more than a week. Kelly knew she had to find a way to jumpstart their relationship, and fast.
They’d argued about final plans for their wedding celebration.
Kris wanted a more intimate setting for his family at the wedding party and Kelly wanted everyone having a blast together as their favorite DJ played music they both loved. Kris didn’t think that would work for his older parents and had suggested the families separate into their own rooms for the wedding celebration. Kelly was angry that for such a big day that was all about two families coming together, Kris was thinking about keeping his family apart.
As hours turned into days and the couple still weren’t talking, Kelly went online in search of an emergency marriage therapist. During her search, she came across information about Yodi, an AI-Powered Relationship Coach trained by the award-winning PAIRS program. She’d heard of PAIRS and decided to give it a try.
Once she downloaded the App to her iPhone, registered and paid the $3.99/subscription fee, Kelly began searching for help.
The first exercise she learned hit home and for the first time since she’d argued with Kris, Kelly felt like she had a possible solution.
She invited Kris to do a “Daily Temperature Reading” with her and Yodi.
Ten minutes later, they’d broken the ice. Kris had jumped right into sharing appreciations for Kelly and she immediately started to feel better. She returned the sentiments before the couple continued through the AI-guided communications exercise that ended with each of them sharing their wishes, hopes and dreams.
Kelly felt better that they were talking again but knew they still hadn’t finished planning their wedding party and was worried about returning to the conversation. Working with Yodi, Kelly found another exercise that would give her a safe structure to reengage with Kris: PAIRS Talking Tips.
With Yodi, the AI-powered relationship coach, as her guide and Kris’s hands in hers, she began slowly:
“I notice that you suggested our families celebrate our wedding in separate rooms because you don’t think your parents will enjoy what could be a large, loud party with everyone together,” she said.
At Yodi’s prompting, Kelly asked Kris to repeat back what he’d heard to be sure what she meant was what got across. He did, and she thanked him for listening before she continued.
“I assume this means you think your family won’t feel good around my big family and the loud music.”
Once more, she asked Kris to repeat back what he’d heard and thanked him for hearing her accurately.
“I think it’s important we’re all together for the celebration,” she continued cautiously.
“I am frustrated by the idea that you think we should be apart for even a minute on such an important day,” she added.
“I am hurt that you’d even suggest we have separate parties for our families,” she confided.
Throughout the exercise, Yodi continued to prompt Kris to repeat back what he was hearing so he could focus on Kelly’s thoughts and feelings instead of becoming reactive. Each time, Kelly showed him a sign of appreciation for his great listening.
After ten sentences, the exercise was complete. Kelly felt a huge sense of relief. Their fight was over! She’d found the words to express what she was feeling without blaming, attacking or criticizing Kris. He’d listened like a superstar.
Kelly and Kris continued their conversation without the help of Yodi and quickly came to a resolution they were both happy about. They hugged, apologized, and quickly became a loving, affectionate couple once again excited for their big day.
“The best four-dollar investment I’ve ever made,” Kelly exclaimed.
How do you think Kris and Kelly solved their wedding dilemma? What would you have done? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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