Couples often have the same complaint. “When things are good, we’re great. But when we argue, we can never seem to fight fair. It becomes downright nasty and that just isn’t us. Sound familiar to you? Successful and loving couples do one thing differently to couples that are struggling. They don’t just keep their manners in check when they’re getting along; they know how to be polite to …Read More
Fighting with the one you love royally sucks; even if it feels justified. In moments of anger, we often lose sight of the underlying feelings behind the rage; feelings of hurt, sadness, pain and betrayal. In an effort to hide the vulnerable emotions underneath, we lash out, attack and defend ourselves. Not surprisingly, our significant other is quickly thrown off guard, becomes disoriented and per…Read More
If you've ever watched the iconic TV show with James Lipton called Inside the Actor’s Studio, you know all too well the notorious question he asks during each interview: “What’s your favorite word?” I used to wonder what MY answer would be to this question if I were being interviewed on his show (a gal can dream, right?). Well, after some deep reflection, I think I’ve finally found it. Y…Read More
When you take a trip down memory lane and think back to how you and your parter fell in love, do you remember it lovingly? Or is your love story clouded in a negative light? Memories are not static- they paint the way for an ever-evolving narrative based on past and current life events and circumstances. If your relationship has added up to more negative moments than blissful ones, there’s a rea…Read More
No one wants to feel like their relationship is a cliche. Couples want to stand out and feel truly unique, original and authentic. Rituals of connection help establish a true sense of distinction and meaning in our romantic relationships. These everyday traditions, special occasions and momentous celebrations that we create together defines who we are as a family and gives us a deep sense of…Read More
As a marriage and couples counselor, I’m often asked for the magic cure or secret remedy that makes relationships last. And even though I can’t give just one specific solution to ensure relationship harmony, I do know a thing or two about what works for the happiest and most successful couples. Here are the 5 most influential insights I’ve learned from over 10 years as a Marriage and Family …Read More
With summer fast approaching, everybody’s feeling the heat. Longer days and sweaty nights makes for more leisure time and a little less clothing. Why not take advantage of the freedom and steam things up with 8 of my favorite local activities to do with your loved when the weather is warm. Take a late night stroll through the neighborhood. Get out of the air conditioning and away from the TV and…Read More
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
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
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