Have you ever wished you had someone in your life with whom you shared a connection that was more emotionally intimate than average friendship but didn’t cross the line into sexual intimacy? If this dynamic has crossed your mind, and you identify as a queer person, then you may be interested in a queerplatonic relationship. It’s … Read more
So you recently started dating someone and it’s going really well. You’ve been hanging out for about a month now and things feel like they’re heading in the direction of a relationship, but how do you know when you’re ready to take that next step? This is an age-old question with an answer that is … Read more
When we think of love and happy relationships, it’s often the big occasions and grand gestures that come to mind. Celebrating occasions like birthdays and anniversaries with one’s partner can be fun and exciting. Performing grand romantic gestures like gifting them something expensive, whisking them off on holiday, or treating them to a fancy meal can … Read more
Deciding to sleep next to your partner can be a pretty big step. Since we spend about one-third of our days—and our lives—sleeping,1 this can feel like a pretty big commitment. While the thought of cuddling up with your partner can definitely seem cozy and appealing, you may wonder how it will affect your ability to sleep and … Read more
Have you ever started getting ready for a date and thought, “Why bother making an effort? They probably won’t like me anyways.” Or maybe you’ve experienced your partner being quiet about a special event, and your thoughts started swirling with the idea that they don’t care or secretly want to break up. These experiences, known … Read more
If someone has accused you of being passive-aggressive, you may wonder what that means and what you can do to reduce this behavior. Passive-aggressive behavior is an attempt to control or manipulate someone without being honest about how you feel or what you want, says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist. Read ahead to learn how … Read more
The seven-year itch or 7-year itch refers to the notion that divorce rates reach their height around the seven-year mark of commitment. While this concept has been widely disputed, it is a concern that plagues many if they start experiencing marital issues seven years into their relationship. The seven-year itch doesn’t necessarily refer to a desire to divorce—it … Read more
A double standard in a relationship occurs when an individual has certain expectations of their partner but does not believe the same expectation should be applied to them. They are unfair expectations that can harm a relationship. Double standards can appear in different aspects of the relationship such as finances, physical appearance, and sexual behaviors. Read … Read more
Relationships can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling but can also have challenging moments. It’s not uncommon to experience a whirlwind of emotions in a relationship, feeling deeply in love one minute and struggling with temptations that may challenge your commitment the next. Cheating can inflict lasting damage on your relationship and cause immense pain for … Read more
Dealing with a romantic partner who is condescending can be difficult, and painful. When someone is condescending, they talk down to you and act in a way that implies that they are better than you. It inherently shows a lack of respect, since the person seeks to show you that you are inferior to them. Their tone, words, … Read more