If we were to only get our ideas about intimate relationships from social media, scripted shows and movies, we’d believe our partner should… be our best friend; be our erotic partner; support us in pursuit of our goals; be our romantic partner; be a good financial provider; participate in household responsibilities like cooking and cleaning; […]
Are Our Relationship Expectations Too High? Read More »
Imagine this: You and your partner are about to take a summer vacation. You each pack, make the trip and unpack when you arrive. Your bag contains: your e-reader, candles, an eye mask, personal massager, and an assortment of teas. You’ve been looking forward to lazy days lounging around so you can unwind on this
Same Crap, Nicer Scenery: How to Reduce Arguing on Your Next Vacation Read More »
Often in session, we hear couples say, “We had a huge argument but can’t even remember what started it.” They’ll let us know it was a big blowout but can’t recall the beginning. As a couple’s therapist (and spouse for 25 years), I know why this is: you didn’t stick to the topic that started
Why Couples Can’t Remember What Started An Argument Read More »
The characteristics that we notice the most in others (both positive and negative) are often traits that we have ourselves. It’s startling to consider that a negative trait in someone (which often elicits a strong response in us) is a trait we have as well. Thus access a reflection of ourselves through a relationship with
How relationships act as mirrors Read More »
Most relationship experts don’t agree with the advice below. Read on to see how we refute these very common, but unhelpful, ideas: 1. You can change your partner. 2. If things aren’t going well, continue to live together but stay as separate as you can. 3. The kids come first. 4. Don’t go to bed
The Worst Relationship Advice AND A Couples Therapist’s Responses Read More »
Following the baby’s arrival, the daily household tasks that need to get done can explode. Between cooking, dishes, diapers, bottles, ordering and/or shopping for household items, cleaning, and laundry … tasks can be endless. There are decisions and purchases that have to be made and, for many, being conscious of a budget. The stress and
There is plenty of misinformation about couples’ sexual relationships online. It’s troubling because: a) searching for answers to questions online is SO easy; b) it can be difficult to know if you’ve found reliable and valid information that’s based on work done by experts; and c) you will come across worst case scenarios. And there’s
3 Most Common Myths about Long-term Relationships and Sex Read More »
When you think of how sex is portrayed on TV and in movies and porn, it’s pretty unrealistic. Most of these (heterosexual) participants are thin, attractive, young and unmarried (to each other, at least). Only recently married couples have been portrayed having sex. This sets us up to believe we should have a certain body
3 Most Common Myths about Females and Sex Read More »
Do you have an unsupportive partner? Has one of these scenarios happened to you? You’re hurt by something your sister did but your partner doesn’t seem to care. Something major just happened and your partner seems distracted and disinterested as you’re telling them. You’re angry about how you were treated at the bank and your partner tells you it’s not a big deal. You’re worried
7 Things You Can Do When your Partner Isn’t Being Supportive Read More »
Have you tried couples counseling and it didn’t help? Even worse, it harmed the relationship? Since that experience with therapy, perhaps the conflict or distance remains the same; or perhaps the relationship has been deteriorating. You may even be desperate for help. You sometimes think about returning to counseling but haven’t because it didn’t work
Why couples counseling can make things WORSE Read More »
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