1. Have You Updated Your Partner’s “Love Maps” Lately?

    Couples who report sustained friendship and satisfaction with their significant others make an effort to stay on top of their partner’s “love maps.” Love maps are the little things about your partner’s life that you keep stored in your memory. Things like your partner’s all-time favorite meal, or what they like to do for fun, any upcoming work projects that might be stressful or their de…Read More

  2. 10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for That Awesome Mom in Your Life

    The “Black Mamba” (aka Kobe Bryant) finished his final season of his career yesterday and EVERYONE is talking about it. He went out in style, and hats off to an amazingly talented superstar. But do you know who else is a hero at what they do? Moms, that’s who. I’m going on year two of being a mom to my sweet little boy, Oliver. And I have to tell you that Mother’s Day means so much more …Read More

  3. The Real Deal about Pornography and Committed Relationships

    With a saturated market and billions spent on pornography each year, I thought it was important to dedicate some time to the effects that pornography has on a couples’ relationship. As a marriage counselor, I often get asked, “Is porn ok if we’re watching it together?” “Can we use it to spice things up in our relationship?” “What about watching porn on our own? Will that harm the rel…Read More

  4. Have You Fallen Into a “Relationship Rut?”

    Have you been feeling disconnected from your partner lately? Unfulfilled in your relationship? Lackluster about wanting to spend any quality time with your significant other? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, then you might be in an all too common “relationship rut.” Truth be told, we all go through periods of disconnect at times, but if these feelings persist for weeks and m…Read More

  5. 21 Creative Date Ideas So You Never Stop Dating Your Partner

    Dating your significant other should never take a back seat. It’s how you connect, stay friends and foster intimacy. When you don’t date one another, you become two distant roommates that can’t seem to stop fighting over who should’ve replaced the last toilet paper roll. Here’s 21 creative ideas that range from little time and money to grand gestures with lots of planning. Whatever fits …Read More

  6. The 5-Step Communication Strategy That Works for Every Relationship

    Poor communication habits are one of the most difficult relationship problems to overcome. The result is feeling lost, hopeless and misunderstood. These emotions, when felt often, have significant damage to a couple’s relationship. Listening, understanding and empathy get thrown out the window somewhere along the way, and what you’re left with is a lot of blaming, defensiveness, lack of suppor…Read More

  7. 5 Ways to Be the Best Co-Parenting Team Possible

    Have you been feeling like the only one parenting the kids lately? Are you at odds with each other over childcare responsibilities? Do you sometimes feel like you’re not only parenting your children, but your spouse too? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, you may not be on the same team with your spouse, which makes parenting that much more difficult and taxing. It’s not easy juggli…Read More

  8. How to Cope When Being a Mom Feels Overwhelming (This One’s a Personal Share!)

    Hands down, motherhood is the most challenging, exhausting, frustratingly beautiful experience you will ever have. I know, because I’m a mom. My 14-month-old son is my pride and joy. He is my biggest accomplishment, my most important life’s work and my greatest heartache all at the same time. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you why. Oliver is what you would call my “spirited” child. He’s …Read More

  9. Healing From Betrayal Is Possible, But It’s a Process

    When betrayal happens in a relationship, it hits you like tiny daggers piercing through every part of your skin. It leaves you in a state of fear, hurt and despair. You begin to wonder if you’ll ever be able to heal from the pain. Betrayal occurs in many forms. From infidelity, mishandling of finances and deception to lying, hurtful accusations and not keeping your word. All are painful and leav…Read More

  10. How to Steer Clear of the Dark Side to Marriage…Because There is One!

    Marriage has its ups and downs. For most, our hope is that we have many more happy and glorious moments with our spouse than negative ones. In fact, we make this vow on our wedding day- to love and cherish, through the good times…and bad. Being married is pretty awesome. You get to share life with your very best friend. A travel buddy to share vacations and holidays with. A confidant who will su…Read More