While small talk, typically casual and lighthearted, can help break the ice, it may not necessarily help you form a deep, emotional bond with someone. Whether it’s with your friends, family members, colleagues, or romantic partners, having meaningful conversations is important in order to create strong bonds. “Meaningful conversations help us understand ourselves and the people around … Read more
Those early days of your relationship are a whirlwind of butterflies, sweet intoxication, and an emotional intensity that makes you think of your special someone at all hours of the day. This “honeymoon stage” is pure bliss, but over time both parties fall back into their usual step—completely with life’s stresses—and that feeling of closeness … Read more
Love maps aren’t actual maps. Rather, they’re a concept created by clinical relationship psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman, who have done significant research around relationships and what makes them work. The point of a love map is to help you better understand your partner(s) and strengthen your relationship as a result. Put most simply, a … Read more
It can be hard to know what to say to someone who’s lost a loved one. You may want to show them you care, but you may not want to say something wrong and upset them instead. However, it’s important to remember that there isn’t a “right” thing to say in such a situation. “Everyone … Read more
Respect is a cornerstone of any good romantic relationship. If you don’t feel respected, you probably don’t feel seen, heard, or understood by your significant other. Being in a mutually respectful partnership will foster the growth and longevity of your relationship. Below we will explore the relationship between love and respect, the 10 common signs … Read more
Compromise is an important skill in relationships. It can help you and your partner find the middle ground and resolve conflicts.1 In this article, we explore the meaning of compromise in relationships, why it’s important, how to get more comfortable with it, and when you should and shouldn’t compromise. What Is the True Meaning of Compromise? … Read more
Emotional boundaries are limits you place on the energy and emotions you give and receive in a relationship. They can apply to romantic relationships as well as platonic, familial, and work-based ones. “Emotional boundaries have to do with protecting your own emotional state and ensuring that you feel safe,” says Gabriella Giachin, a licensed clinical social worker … Read more
Human relationships can be complicated, which is sometimes why we often unwittingly fall victim to stereotypes about how relationships should work. While these expectations become normalized in our society, they can sometimes contribute to behaviors that can be unhelpful, toxic, or even harmful. Let’s look at some problematic norms that make it harder to have … Read more
No marriage is perfect; every couple faces their share of problems. Marriage counseling exists to help couples resolve these issues and repair from conflict, better understand each other, and improve relationship dynamics and communication. Although there are always ups and downs in a marriage, if there are too many low points, it may be a … Read more
Any time we engage with other people, it’s normal to experience various emotions. Some emotions can be challenging, such as envy and jealousy. You may have experienced envy at your partner’s career success, or jealousy over them flirting with someone else. “Jealousy and envy are normal parts of every relationship to some degree,” says sex therapist Kaylee … Read more