Starter marriages are legal unions that only last a few years and produce no children. The term “starter” can seem insensitive, especially considering that young divorcees still suffer emotional and social consequences when their marriages end. The first year of marriage tends to challenge most couples–but so does the 4th…
Whether they’re single or married, people tend to idealize their own relationship status when they feel that it’s not going to change. This natural bias can lead to relational prejudice, judging the coupled or solo lifestyle of others. Singlism is discrimination against unmarried people, like when they’re not included in…
You can still have date night when your partner suffers from depression or anxiety–just change your expectations. Meet your partner where they are by taking their symptoms into account. You can take a walk, cook a meal at home, or engage your senses with music. With this guide to romancing…
The sorrow felt when reading about the number of divorces leaves you with nothing short of blaring emotions. Divorce leaves you drained in an uphill battle without end with dried air in your lungs. During the pandemic, it has been difficult for singles to engage in face-to-face interactions. Social engagement…
Let’s face it: relationships are hard sometimes. Once the honeymoon phase passes, everyday things like chores around the house, how late you get home from work, and whose turn it is to walk the dog become bigger feats than they need to be. The spark that brought you together is…
Click here to schedule online counseling at Thriveworks. Hi, my name is Emily Simonian and I’m a Licensed Clinician at Thriveworks in Washington DC. The question that was asked was, “What keeps a marriage healthy during COVID-19?” And my first thought is what keeps a marriage or any relationship healthy even on…
Personally, I’ve contributed to a daily blog called “Ask the Therapist” for nearly 10 years. Each month, around 2,500 questions are submitted by people all across the world. The problems submitted deal with a wide variety of issues, some extremely heartbreaking. I’ve had questions from a young woman in the…
Marriage is a major commitment, and many of us wonder how we’ll ever know the time is right—a few signs can help us find clarity. First, true love, dedication, and effort are needed to make a relationship last; if these are apparent in your relationship, you are on the right…
Divorce is common, as 40 to 50% of couples end up divorcing and for a variety of reasons including infidelity, poor communication, and money trouble. That said, there are some instances where couples wish they never divorced—and contemplate the idea of getting back together. It is possible to reconcile and…
Any breakup is hard, but divorce is especially difficult, as you have to say goodbye to the person you planned to spend forever with. Fortunately, you can take matters into your own hands and recover: the three keys are giving in to the pain, forgiving yourself, and practicing self-care. Additionally, it’s…
Money (and the financial stress that often accompanies it) can take a big toll on a marriage. In fact, one of the leading causes of divorce is finances. While it may be a heated topic, there are practical steps you can take to alleviate the stress money may be having…
Perfect relationships don’t exist; problems do and will arise, but the good news is that couples can effectively resolve many common relationship issues. First and foremost, couples need to maintain a healthy level of trust and respect, as these two elements can make or break a relationship. Another vital key…