Couples

Research indicates that the positive feelings associated with being in a new relationship, during what’s known as the “Honeymoon Phase,” lasts between 18 months and 3 years. After the initial honeymoon phase fades, many couples begin to wonder if the relationship can survive for the long haul. They often need to overcome many hurdles to […]

Almost all relationships, after the beginning phase, end up establishing a rhythm for how they operate day-to-day. Patterns and rituals form which, over time, can contribute to a fading emotional connection. Relationships do have a natural ebb and flow when it comes to emotional connection and disconnection. But long-term disconnection can be very damaging, especially

There are a few compelling reasons why most people more easily attack their partner instead of expressing their own needs and desires in a healthy way. One of the primary reasons is that it’s far easier to naturally share what we don’t like and what’s not working for us than to express what we do

With COVID-19 raging across the country, couples have been cooped up together at home for more than 8 months. Unfortunately, in such close proximity, conflict is inevitable.  People are experiencing a lot of emotional, financial, and even spiritual stress. Everyone has moments when they reach their limit and healthy communication breaks down. However, there are

The novelty has worn off after 8 months of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Who hasn’t felt like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day? Just rinse and repeat!  Being cooped up with your partner may no longer be the enjoyable experience it once was. In fact, many of us are going a little stir

Conflict in relationships is truly unavoidable. Every couple at some point in their relationship has an argument or disagreement about something. However, every couple deals with conflict in a few recognizable ways. In my experience, couples fall into several common traps and get stuck when navigating conflict. But for couples to have successful relationships, they

When you think of the most important qualities in healthy and thriving relationships, what do you consider first? Most would first say communicating effectively is important. Others might suggest having mutual respect for one another or point to honesty. Or, people might point out that having the ability to compromise makes a big difference.  Now,

All of us have had experiences outside and inside a relationship where we have gotten angry. The truth of the matter is anger gets a bad rap. When you think about it, anger is just as valid a human emotion as any other, such as joy or sadness. What we say or do when we’re

Very few of us actually enjoy being in an argument with someone we care about. We find such situations stressful and nerve-wracking. However, some find that arguing with their partner is so stressful they will, in turn, try to find any way to end the argument altogether rather than continue the discussion. This phenomenon is

You’ve been at home with your partner for three months now. Both of you are still working from home if, of course, you still have a job. If so, then both of you may be tending to extra work during the typical workday with the added duty of juggling how to care for your children.