Relationships

You may think you know your partner, and you probably do know the basics. You know their favorite restaurant, shoe size, and how they take their coffee. You know where they work, that they never carry a balance on their credit card, have two best friends from college, and love…

Toxic relationships aren’t always obvious from the start. Some evolve quietly—one eye roll, one dismissed feeling, one “I was just joking; don’t be so sensitive” comment at a time. Many relationships erode through “one thousand paper cuts,” says psychologist Morgan Cutlip, PhD, author of A Better Share. Over time, what…

You text your partner after another rough day, hoping for a little reassurance, only to be met with silence. Meanwhile, they’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to respond without being pulled into a conversation they don’t feel equipped to handle.  This push-pull dance is the hallmark of an anxious-avoidant attachment relationship,…

It can be confusing to feel lonely in a marriage. After all, many of us spend each day near our partners—sharing meals, visiting family, caring for children, even sleeping in the same bed. So how is it possible to feel lonely with someone right beside you? The truth is, it’s…

Imagine this: You’re on a first date that feels almost too good to be true. The charming stranger across the table flashes a sly grin and orders another round of wine. Suddenly, they’re painting a vivid picture of your shared future together: dream home, adorable kids, maybe even that art…

No matter how “perfectly matched” you are, no two people are exactly the same. We all bring our own unique wants, needs, and beliefs into a relationship. That’s a good thing—our differences are what make relationships exciting and meaningful. But it also means figuring out how to truly care for…

This is a common question, as many people feel uncertain about couples therapy. Is it a dealbreaker? The answer isn’t always straightforward. While refusing to attend couples therapy can be a red flag, it doesn’t always mean the relationship is doomed. Every couple’s situation is unique, and there are other…

Romantic relationships can be a wonderful part of life, but they aren’t without their complications. Throughout a relationship, a variety of emotions can come up — from profound happiness and elation to deep despair and anger, and everything in between.  The key to creating a healthy and happy relationship is…

Healthy relationships have the power to bring joy, connection, and improved self-esteem. However, anxiety can disrupt those feelings and take a toll, both on the person experiencing it and their partner.  By understanding the roots of anxiety and its impact on the relationship, couples can create emotional safety and develop…

Childhood trauma can cast a long shadow over a person’s life, affecting how you connect with others well into adulthood. It can make it difficult to navigate conflict, develop an effective communication style, build trust, and overcome fears of vulnerability. If early traumatic experiences are affecting your adult relationships, it’s…

Whether it’s about location, career goals, kids, religion, money, or something else, realizing you and your partner have different visions for the future can make you question everything. It can cause you to worry about whether or not you truly belong together or if you can have “it all”. And…

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that can make trusting other people and establishing lasting relationships extremely difficult. This can make coping with BPD in relationships frustrating for the person carrying the diagnosis, as well as for a loved one trying to understand and be supportive.  While navigating borderline…