The end of a romantic relationship hurts, especially if it’s been serious. Break-ups can be hard even for the one who decides to leave, but of course are worse for the one who was left. If you find yourself hurting after a break-up, you may be so overwhelmed that you can’t think clearly. Because evolution […]
35 Ways to Love Your Partner
You love your significant other. But life gets busy, and sometimes maybe you forget to express your love. Or the ways you show love are now so familiar that they might not have as much impact as they used to. But your partner needs to know that he or she matters. Even if your relationship […]
TalkStarter for Couples: What Does V-Day Mean, Anyway?
As Valentine’s Day approaches, some people are filled with romantic thoughts—and others with dread. If you and your honey are completely on the same page that Valentine’s Day is really special or not worth bothering with, you’re golden. In most couples, though, there are differences of opinion about how to celebrate the holiday. One may […]
Ready for Sex? How to Know
For most people, deciding when to have sex—the first time with a new partner, or especially the first time ever—is a significant decision. Becoming sexually intimate with someone can change your relationship. Sometimes, it’ll even change you. Plus, it’s hard to tell what the effects will be. For some people, sex, even the first time, […]
Are Date Nights Really That Important?
Therapists recommend couples scheduling date nights so often that it’s almost a joke, up there with “how are you feeling about that?” You might wonder if it’s just some default thing therapists say to fill up time. Nope. We suggest date nights so often because they work. One-on-one time doing something fun with your significant […]
7 Destructive Myths that May Be Hurting Your Sex Life
Of course, you know not to believe everything you see on TV or read on the internet. But sometimes it can be hard to know what is and isn’t true. When you see or hear something again and again, you may start to believe it—even if you shouldn’t. This is especially true when it comes […]
Your Phone’s Best Relationship Tool
There’s an app for everything. Whatever you’re looking to improve or learn about, you can access it on your smart phone. So what’s the most helpful option for improving your relationships? Based on the many couples I talk to, your phone’s most helpful feature is the “off” switch. In this day of being constantly connected, […]
How Triangles Could Be Hurting Your Relationships
Suppose Amy is hurt about something Beth did—say, Beth blew her off at the last minute. Amy then talks to Caitlin about this and tells her how hurt and upset she is. Caitlin listens sympathetically, and Amy feels better. Or suppose Andrew is mad because Brian borrowed $20 and didn’t pay him back—again. Andrew complains […]
What Makes It So Hard to Talk about Sex?
When I tell people that I write about sexuality, some are enthusiastic or curious. More often, people cringe, or get pale, or flush. Sex is such an uncomfortable topic that we have a physical reaction to the mere mention of it. Folks have sex and (hopefully) enjoy it…but talking about it is a whole ‘nuther […]
Four Keys to Being Romantic
This post first ran 8/30/14. What does “being romantic” mean to you? A walk on the beach? chocolates? flowers? a candlelit dinner? Any of those things can be romantic, or not, depending on several variables. If you want to do something romantic for your partner, consider these four things: Make sure it’s something he […]