RELATIONSHIP IMPROVEMENT IS LIKE TRAINING AN EXOTIC ANIMAL?

Not exactly, but this article from a June 25, 2006 New York Times is enjoyable and well written just the same. And it make some important points about how to "train" your partner...

"I followed the students to SeaWorld San Diego, where a dolphin trainer introduced me to least reinforcing syndrome (L. R. S.). When a dolphin does something wrong, the trainer doesn't respond in any way. He stands still for a few beats, careful not to look at the dolphin, and then returns to work. The idea is that any response, positive or negative, fuels a behavior. If a behavior provokes no response, it typically dies away. "