Relationships

Divorce is hard. It means that an influential chapter of your life is ending and one of the most important people in your life won’t be there like they were. “Divorce is hugely impactful in almost all aspects of our lives,” says Whitney McSparran, a licensed professional clinical counselor at…

Your last relationship ended months ago, but your body still tenses up when someone raises their voice. You find yourself constantly analyzing your new partner’s mood, searching for signs they might turn on you. Simple disagreements feel like threats, and you catch yourself either shutting down completely or preparing to…

Picture a couple who just moved in together: Let’s call them Dan and Amy. Amy has been working late because she has a big presentation coming up. One evening, she texts Dan and asks him to make dinner while she’s on her way home. Dan enthusiastically agrees, sending multiple heart…

If you’ve found yourself thinking “I have no desire for my husband,” it doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. This realization can feel isolating, leaving you wondering whether to stay or leave. But there’s a third option: reconnecting. “Emotional drift often happens gradually and subtly in relationships,” says Theresa Lupcho,…

A healthy relationship should make you feel safe, heard, and secure. Betrayal shatters that foundation entirely, leaving the betrayed partner feeling like their world has fundamentally changed and often questioning everything they thought they knew about their relationship. While betrayal occurs across all types of relationships, I see it most…

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship could handle more openness—or if you’re already navigating the complex world of multiple partners—you’re not alone. More couples are exploring open relationships than ever before, yet many struggle with the fundamental question: What does it actually take to make this work? While trust,…

Toxic relationships aren’t always obvious from the start. Some evolve quietly—one eye roll, one dismissed feeling, one “I was just joking; don’t be so sensitive” comment at a time. Many relationships erode through “one thousand paper cuts,” says psychologist Morgan Cutlip, PhD, author of A Better Share. Over time, what…

You text your partner after another rough day, hoping for a little reassurance, only to be met with silence. Meanwhile, they’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to respond without being pulled into a conversation they don’t feel equipped to handle.  This push-pull dance is the hallmark of an anxious-avoidant attachment relationship,…

It can be confusing to feel lonely in a marriage. After all, many of us spend each day near our partners—sharing meals, visiting family, caring for children, even sleeping in the same bed. So how is it possible to feel lonely with someone right beside you? The truth is, it’s…

Imagine this: You’re on a first date that feels almost too good to be true. The charming stranger across the table flashes a sly grin and orders another round of wine. Suddenly, they’re painting a vivid picture of your shared future together: dream home, adorable kids, maybe even that art…

No matter how “perfectly matched” you are, no two people are exactly the same. We all bring our own unique wants, needs, and beliefs into a relationship. That’s a good thing—our differences are what make relationships exciting and meaningful. But it also means figuring out how to truly care for…

This is a common question, as many people feel uncertain about couples therapy. Is it a dealbreaker? The answer isn’t always straightforward. While refusing to attend couples therapy can be a red flag, it doesn’t always mean the relationship is doomed. Every couple’s situation is unique, and there are other…