The Daily Temperature Reading, also known as the “DTR,” is a tool for watering the garden of your most important relationships. With practice, the DTR becomes a habit, making it natural to look for -- and express -- appreciations to one another, keep each other up-to-date on the developments in our lives, ask questions about anything we’re wondering about so we don’t have to assume, express concerns directly along with specific recommendations for change, and talk about our individual and shared goals for the future. Many graduates have said using the DTR on a regular basis was the most important tool for intentionally creating and sustaining thriving relationships. 

No matter how much two people like each other or how much they have in common, they can still have trouble getting along together. When they do, it’s almost always because of a breakdown in communication. They start hiding their true thoughts and emotions from each other. They remain silent about the things they like or don’t like, and they have worries about themselves or each other. They stop sharing information with each other about the things that are going on in their lives. They stop telling each other what they are thinking, what they have questions about, or the dreams they have for the future. Before long, they don’t truly understand each other, and they drift further and further apart. The way that two people can create a strong, healthy, and lasting relationship is to talk with each other, openly and honestly, day after day. The Daily Temperature Reading helps you to carry on this kind of discussion. Once you start doing it, the other person can follow along!

Think of the Daily Temperature Reading as a conversation that takes five steps. At first, you may feel a little clumsy taking these steps. Like learning to ride a bicycle, getting comfortable with doing a Daily Temperature Reading takes time. But once you’ve got it down, you’ll be amazed how good it makes you feel.