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Doomer Optimism: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Embracing Hope in a World of Doom
The internet is buzzing with a new mindset that blends dark humor with an unexpected dash of hope: Doomer Optimism.
This philosophy captures the spirit of younger generations grappling with a world filled with existential threats, from climate change to financial instability.
But unlike the “Boomers” who once dominated the digital space with nostalgic memes about the "good old days," Doomer Optimists are embracing small, meaningful changes to confront the chaos head-on.
And somehow, they're doing it with sourdough starters and compost heaps.
How the Brain Responds to Different Types of Love: Insights from a Marriage and Family Therapist
As a marriage and family therapist, I often help folks and families navigate the complexities of love in all its forms.
From romantic love to the deep connection with pets or nature, love isn't just a singular emotion—it’s a multifaceted experience.
Recent research published in Cerebral Cortex has uncovered fascinating insights into how the brain processes these various types of love, and the findings could provide valuable insights for relationships of all kinds.
Parallel Lives Syndrome: How Cultural Narcissism, Emotional Labor, and Technology Are Pulling Couples Apart
Ever looked across the room at your partner, sitting just a few feet away, and felt like you’re living on separate planets? You’re not alone.
Many couples today find themselves slipping into what’s now being called Parallel Lives Syndrome.
They share the same physical space, but emotionally, they’ve drifted miles apart.
This disconnection often sneaks in quietly.
One day you’re sharing your deepest thoughts, and the next, you’re more like co-workers managing a household than a couple sharing a life.
The culprit? It’s not just the daily grind.
Cultural narcissism, emotional labor, and technologically induced hypnosis are powerful forces slowly pulling couples apart.
Let’s break down how these forces impact relationships—and, more importantly, how couples can reconnect before it's too late.
“Leaving on Read”: How Anger in Marriage is Evolving in 2024
Marriage has always been a landscape where emotions, including anger, play a significant role. However, as we move into 2024, the nature of anger in marriages is undergoing shifts that reflect broader cultural, social, and technological changes.
Anger, once often expressed in isolated outbursts or face-to-face confrontations, now takes on more complex forms, fueled by digital life, evolving relationship norms, and societal pressures.
This post dives deep into what research and social media are saying about how couples are fighting today, and more importantly, what they are fighting about.
How Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Traits Shape Reactions to Infidelity: A New Study
New research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health offers fresh insights into how narcissistic and borderline personality traits can intensify emotional reactions to infidelity.
The study shows just how these traits shape the emotional fallout from cheating, especially when the relational lines get blurred.
Pssst… if you or your partner have these traits, infidelity is one heck of an emotional minefield.
Twice-Exceptional, Twice as Strong: A Legacy of Brilliance and Growth
Being twice-exceptional (2E) is like juggling fire while riding a unicycle—you’ve got incredible strengths paired with unique challenges.
If you’re 2E, you already know that life isn’t a straight line, but more of a zig-zag through brilliance, distraction, and the occasional “Where did I put my phone? Oh sh*t , I left it at the Dairy Queen.”
For those who identify as twice-exceptional, the journey of navigating attachment issues and family dynamics while leaving a lasting legacy can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: with the right tools, including family therapy and emotional support, you’re not only capable of thriving—you’re building something extraordinary for the future.
The Secret Language of Older Couples
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.
The Sacred Space Between Us: How to Build Spiritual Intimacy in Relationships
It’s easy to lose sight of the deeper connection that nurtures long-term love nowadays—spiritual intimacy.
While emotional support and physical attraction are important, spiritual intimacy is the hidden thread that weaves everything together.
This deep connection creates a "sacred space" between partners, a space filled with mutual understanding, respect, and love that can grow stronger over time.
If you’re looking to create a relationship that’s not just about day-to-day life but also about spiritual growth and deepening your connection, then this post is for you.
We’re diving into how to build that sacred space in your relationship and why it can bring more joy, meaning, and love into your life.
Infidelity in the Digital Age: Are We All Cheating Without Knowing It?
In the not-so-distant past, infidelity was pretty straightforward—usually involving physical betrayal. But in today’s hyper-connected world, the boundaries of what counts as cheating have become much more complicated.
With social media, smartphones, and constant access to anyone, anywhere, are we all at risk of cheating without even realizing it?
This post takes a closer look at how infidelity has evolved in the digital age, the subtle ways it can creep into relationships, and what couples might do to protect themselves.
Relationship Plot Twists: How the Unexpected Keeps Love Alive
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.
Online Romance Scams: The Growing Epidemic and How to Protect Yourself from Costly Heartbreak
Online romance scams have risen to staggering heights, with devastating emotional and financial consequences. As someone who deeply values trust and relationships, this topic hits close to home.
I'm proud to call Bruce Harrison Jr., one of the founders of Malwarebytes, a good friend.
Through his blog, I've come to understand just how significant this issue is—affecting folks across all demographics.
With romance scams becoming more sophisticated, it's more important than ever to raise awareness and equip ourselves with knowledge to protect against these insidious attacks.
Let's dive deep into this critical issue, understanding the data, and offering concrete ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The Relationship GPS: Navigating Love, Even When You’re ‘Recalculating’
Imagine you and your partner are on a road trip. Everything’s going well until you miss a turn, and suddenly, your GPS is flashing, “Recalculating.”
Now, instead of enjoying the journey, you’re both tense, trying to figure out how to get back on track. Sound familiar? Relationships, much like road trips, rarely follow a straight path.
There are unexpected detours, U-turns, and plenty of recalculating moments.
But here’s the good news: just like your trusty GPS helps you find your way, there’s a Relationship GPS inside you, guiding you toward connection, even when you’ve strayed off course.
In this post, we’re going to dive deep into how your Relationship GPS works, why recalculating is part of the journey, and how to navigate love’s twists and turns with patience, humor, and good communication. So buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a meaningful (and SEO-optimized) exploration of relationships!