Relationships
Couples seek out therapy for many reasons, but one of the most common is to help their relationship recover from an infidelity. In fact, some research suggests that 30% of couples seek out therapy due to the damage of an affair, and couples who have experienced an affair are more likely to break up or divorce than those couples where there was no infidelity. These couples often feel as though the very foundation of their relationship has…
Read MoreWe all have bad days with our partner. We fight, act badly, and say things we don’t mean. At times we lose our ability to self-soothe, think logically, and treat our loved one well. For healthy couples, however, these missteps are addressed and resolved respectfully. In a healthy relationship, partners genuinely apologize, learn from their mistakes, and integrate this new knowledge into their relationship in a meaningful way. It can be easy to see where you and…
Read MoreIs your partner struggling with an anxiety disorder? In a given year, anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans, or about 18% of the adult population, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your life is filled with a sense of fearfulness and uncertainty. Worries plague your life, making it difficult to engage in daily tasks and enjoy yourself. The more we know about anxiety, however, the more we…
Read MoreMany of us take time off of work during the summer to get away, disconnect from work, and spend time with the ones we love. We often feel more in touch with ourselves and our relationships when we take this time to be together. Once the long summer days fade away, however, it can feel like we enter a slump where the work days take over again, and the time when spend with our partners and loved…
Read MoreWhen you and your partner argue, it can sometimes feel like you have no choice but to react. When she gets defensive, so do you. And you just can’t stand it when he walks away from you, so you yell a little louder in order to make sure he is really listening. Indeed, our partners can unwittingly trigger our most tender, vulnerable spots, making it difficult to keep cool and think logically. However, these automatic reactions may…
Read MoreDo you and your partner know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to managing your conflict? You both may attempt to solve your problems or resolve conflict in a variety of ways, although sometimes it can seem that the things you try end up failing, even if they feel like a good idea in the moment. Sometimes, the strategies you use may even entrench you deeper into the problems you are trying to resolve. Your…
Read MoreIt is not always easy to communicate well with your partner, and it is more complicated than simply an exchange of words. Communicating with your partner is about relating to him or her; it is about two people openly sharing who they are with one another in ways that are not critical or judgmental. It can be difficult, however, to say what you mean or share what you are feeling, especially when you know that what you…
Read MoreWe often hear that you should never discuss money or religion in conversation. It is too personal and feelings can easily become hurt. When you and your partner are planning to get married, however, these are just a few of the difficult conversations you absolutely must have. Couples often dismiss or avoid discussing important topics, only to have them appear within their marriage in ways that can erode positivity and invite conflict, anger, and resentment. The conversations…
Read MoreAre you being smart in your relationship? A successful romantic relationship does not just happen by chance, and happy couples are not just lucky people. A successful relationship is built when a couple approaches their partnership in an intelligent way. Below are 14 things that smart couples do. How does your relationship measure up? 1. They communicate well. Smart couples talk openly and with respect and listen actively and with real interest. 2. They are intentional. Smart…
Read MoreOriginally published, by request, for the membership dating website razzou.com. Dr. Anne Malec is a contributing writer for Razzou, her articles focus on romantic relationships, dating guidance and resolving conflict between couples. This submission was requested to focus on the dynamic of a female/male dating relationship, however the context holds true for various types of romantic relationships. How do you know that you want to be exclusive with the guy you have been dating? Is it just…
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