If you spent your teen years pledging purity and dreaming of your future spouse, only to later discover that your romantic life feels more “oh no” than “oh wow,” you’re not alone.

New research published in Sociology of Religion has uncovered a less-than-holy revelation: for many white Christian women who embraced purity culture, the “gift” they were saving for marriage came wrapped in sexual pain, shame, and dissatisfaction.

Romantic love—the fluttering hearts, endless daydreams, and passionate late-night texts. For centuries, it's been romanticized as the ultimate catalyst for everything from epic poetry to—you guessed it—frequent romps between the sheets.

But what if we told you that the link between romantic love and sexual frequency isn't as straightforward as a Hollywood rom-com makes it out to be?

New research led by Adam Bode from the Australian National University is here to upend our long-held beliefs, with findings that may surprise even the most seasoned relationship gurus.

When most people hear the word "intimacy," their minds may drift to classic romantic images: candlelit dinners, soft music, and stolen glances across a table.

But in 2024, couples are navigating an evolving landscape of what intimacy means, moving far beyond physical connection to emphasize emotional closeness, shared experiences, and profound understanding.

This shift is not just an interesting trend; it's a crucial development in relationship health that reflects the changing priorities of modern partnerships.

Let’s consider the intricacies of how couples are redefining intimacy, why it matters, and how to strengthen it in a fast-paced, often distracting world.

When couples start their journey together, passion often feels like an unstoppable force.

It’s exhilarating, filled with spontaneous moments, and defined by the thrill of discovery. However, as time passes, passion naturally evolves into something different—companionate love.

This isn’t a flaw; it’s part of a maturing process that reflects the deepening of the bond between partners.

Understanding the science behind why passion fades and how it contributes to the growth of a relationship can empower couples to rekindle and sustain intimacy with newfound appreciation and intention.

Is it just your partner's quirks that make or break your relationship, or could the real key be... you?

Well, buckle up, because fresh research suggests that your own personality might be calling the shots in your love life more than you think.

A study published in Personality & Individual Differences finds that who you are—especially your quirks, anxieties, and, yes, how well you remember to put the toilet seat down—can make a bigger impact on your long-term relationship satisfaction than anything your partner does. (I know, it's a lot to take in.)

Let’s talk about a common American phenomenon that keeps both psychologists and dinner party conversations buzzing—accomplished older men marrying women who are, let's say, a couple of decades (give or take a few years) younger.

While it’s easy to assume these relationships are all about luxury and adventure, social science reveals a more nuanced picture.

This blog will delve into the complexities of age-gap marriages, with a special focus on evolutionary psychology, marital satisfaction, and the everyday ups and downs that come with living life alongside someone in a different stage of it.

Feeling like intimacy has taken a backseat in your life? It turns out that a lack of regular sexual connection could be impacting more than just your relationship—it might be quietly affecting your overall health.

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health has uncovered some eye-opening findings: women who rarely have sex are at a significantly higher risk of dying compared to those who make time for intimacy each week.

But there's more to this story, especially when we consider the complex role that mental health and our culture play in shaping our intimate lives.

Finding love when both partners have PhDs is a bit like winning the relationship lottery. You’ve got stimulating conversations, shared ambitions, and a mutual appreciation for those obscure journals nobody else reads.

But what happens when two brainy people fall in love, and how does it impact your day-to-day dynamics?

As a therapist, I’ve occasionally had a front-row seat to the unique challenges and joys that come with being a “PhD couple.” So let’s consider the quirks, the cultural narcissism, and the sometimes-hilarious moments that come with combining love and academia.

Imagine two people in their sixties sitting together on the porch, quietly enjoying each other's company. There’s not much being said, but their silence is rich with understanding.

A glance, a soft laugh, or even a comfortable quiet—they don’t need words to communicate anymore. This isn’t the kind of love you see in young, fiery romances.

No, this is something deeper, more profound—a love that’s grown and matured over time, like a fine wine that gets better with age.

This is the language of older couples, and if you’re lucky, you might witness this beautiful bond up close.

Ever watched a movie where you thought you had the plot all figured out, only to be surprised by a twist that keeps you hooked?

Relationships, like great stories, thrive on the unexpected. While it’s easy to settle into routine and predictability, it’s often the “plot twists” in our love lives—moments of surprise, growth, and even conflict—that add depth, excitement, and intimacy to our connection.

In this post, we’ll explore how these twists and turns in relationships, rather than derailing love, actually serve as crucial moments for growth. These plot twists—whether big or small—are what keep relationships dynamic and alive.

Polyamory—the trend that just won’t die, no matter how many uncomfortable dinner party conversations it causes. For the uninitiated, polyamory is the supposed “evolution” of romantic relationships, where having multiple partners is embraced as the ultimate path to emotional freedom.

And really, what could be better than trying to balance three relationships while ensuring none of your partners cross paths in a group chat?

But hold on—polyamory advocates have come up with a new angle: citing polygyny as proof that humans, especially men, are biologically wired for multiple partners.

According to them, if our ancient ancestors did it, modern men should too.

Well, they’re wrong.

Let’s break down why polyamory isn’t the enlightened relationship model it claims to be and why monogamy is the real winner when it comes to stability, trust, and emotional connection.

As marriage dynamics are constantly evolving, one heartening trend is emerging: husbands of employed wives are reporting significantly higher levels of happiness and self-esteem.

This discovery, highlighted in a recent study published in Personal Relationships, reveals fascinating insights into the relationship between self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and the profound impact a wife’s employment status can have on her husband’s well-being.

As a couples therapist and published researcher in labor studies, I’m excited to unpack these findings and explore how modern couples can build thriving, supportive marriages—especially when both partners work.