Written by the authors of Words Can Change Your Brain, this article looks at the phenomenon of E. L. James’ book, 50 Shades of Grey. They note that James’ hugely popular novel deals with some of the most basic human emotions and desires. Lust, love, playfulness and joy are all encompassed in various “shades” throughout […]

Michele Weiner-Davis shares some insight about emotional affairs. These types of affairs can cause extreme anguish. The “other person” may be your spouse’s co-worker or old friend, straining your marriage to the breaking point. You may start snooping around to find out what is going on, but you are told to leave it alone because

Childhood issues can haunt your marriage. You may not see them but you are aware of their presence. Here are a few ways to put these unwanted visitors from the past permanently behind you. First, when you sense the presence of past issues while you and your spouse fight, look at the topic of your

Football season is a time-consuming, attention-commanding time of year for many husbands and some wives. Here are a few ideas to keep from letting the pigskin become too much of a time hog. Learn how to multitask; fold laundry or find some chore that you can do while watching. Plan a night out between game

We have heard of “the power of positive thinking,” but being aware and concerned about the pitfalls of life can keep us safe and alive. Skeptics and pessimists have, in their way, contributed to the advancement of humankind. Recent studies have shown that it is better for a couple to argue than to pretend everything

Getting along with someone in a relationship requires hard work, commitment, nurturing, and consideration. There are three important things a relationship can do without.  At the top of the list is cheating. Sometimes, there is no going back from this basic betrayal. Believe it or not, “sleeping with someone too soon” is number two on

Susan Heitlier, Ph.D. discusses the political animosity spilling over from the media, until families and friends ague like pundits on TV. In the interest of civilly, she outlines eight “mistaken habits” that should be avoided: 1) Sarcasm. 2) Blocked listening. 3) A fixed belief system. 4) Unwillingness to engage (“Let’s not talk politics”) or allow

Reality shows are everywhere! Although this seems to be a relatively recent phenomenon, beginning with MTV and expanding onto nearly every network on television, you may be surprised to know about one reality TV show that was popular in the 1950’s. Just like many of today’s shows, it dealt with one of television’s favorite subjects:

This article by Patti Brisben explores the pleasures of the older and wiser adult. Experience, in her opinion, trumps enthusiasm. Intimacy is easier as we develop a more complete understanding of our own bodies and our partners’ bodies. We know what turns each other on and are not afraid to go there. Ms. Brisben suggests

Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D. lets us in on his side of the couples’ therapeutic encounter. During the course of counseling, he often interjects restatements of what he perceives as his client’s feelings. The trick, he claims, is to give his clients an easy way to correct him. He will preface his statements with such phrases