When a relationship that we aren’t ready to leave ends, it’s a common response to initially “protest” this loss. According the Helen Fisher, there are three phases that are common following a break-up.
Read MoreWhen you get dumped it really is painful. This article focuses on a common first response to having your heartbroken: the protest response.
Read MoreI want to talk about the “mental load” today. This post might make some people feel uncomfortable but it’s really important for individual and relational health.
Read MoreAttachment styles are not set in stone. They change over the course of our lives. They are first impacted by childhood, but continue to be molded by further experiences of relationships, life, and emotional and mental health.
Read MoreAvoidant attachment is the result of caregivers rejecting or ignoring a child’s emotional needs. Consistently telling a child not to feel or that what they are feeling is “bad” or ignoring them when they’re hurt or upset will result in a child that gives up on connecting.
Read MoreThis attachment group is the 2nd largest with 20% of the population experiencing it. When you relate with others and are impacted by this attachment style you might find yourself being viewed as “needy”.
Read MoreSecure attachment is an adult attachment style that shows up in romantic and other close relationships. Secure attachment is usually developed in childhood. Securely attached children find that their parents are there when they need them but also allow for independence and space.
Read MoreAttachment styles are developed in childhood in response to how your caregivers related to you. Then, in your adult romantic relationships you relate with your partner’s through the style that you developed.
Read MoreListening is a skill. It’s the ability to hear someone and understand and also make them feel understood. We aren’t naturally very good at listening. Human beings are ego centric by nature, which means we easily relate everything and anything back to ourselves.
Read MoreAll of these parts matter. When you enter a relationship you are still a “you” and your partner is still a “them”. There will be pieces of you that stay private and quiet. There will be parts you don’t share - maybe aware and maybe not.
Read MoreThings will get better when...... we get married... have kids... make more money... move... and any other happening in the future. The truth is if things are rough now then making a major life transition will most likely not improve it.
Read MoreIt's Date Night! And that means finding a way to connect with our significant other. Date Night doesn’t always have to mean going to a fancy dinner.
Read MoreI totally get where this advice comes from. Anyone who gives it means well. However, science shows it is misguided. If you or your partner is in a late night argument and one of you wants to sleep then the best thing to do is respect this.
Read MoreDid you know that you share more with your partner through your body language than through your word? Have you ever sensed something was wrong with your significant other even when they have not said a word?
Read MoreWhile it’s important for everyone to carry their weight, relationships can not be 50/50 at all times ( or maybe ever at anytime). Trying to create absolute equality drives couples into disappointment, frustration, and anger.
Read MoreDid you know that there are many easy, quick ways to improve your relationship? Often times, we consider the more "big ticket" items - changing communication patterns, taking a big vacation, getting married, buying a special gift, etc.
Read MoreThank you for following along on the series of "marriage myths". In this post we debunk the first myth: "My partner should know what I want/need/feel", "I shouldn't have to tell you [fill in the blank]." is one of the most common phrases that I hear in my office.
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