As we find ourselves navigating a world where hedonism and individuality is celebrated, the societal norm has shifted to the vilification of a lifelong union. The message is loud and clear from the media, entertainment industry and everywhere around us: “Marriage means you’re sacrificing your career, education…
Communication is a vital aspect of every relationship. Being open and having the ability to communicate with our partners is extremely important when building a healthy relationship. Emotional expression, availability, and communication skills regarding emotions are strong predictors of relationship satisfaction (Bloch et al., 2014).…
Although it requires great effort, a lifelong romantic relationship is possible to attain and something we can strive for. Although many worry that relationships are not sustainable, research indicates about half of all marriages last a lifetime. Understandably the journey to this goal is not…
There is no better feeling than welcoming home your service members from deployment. Months, days, hours, and minutes all counting down to the moment you get to hug them. A lot of stress releases and you are able to take a deep breath again. While…
What ever happened to dating? This is a question I have been asking as a researcher, clinician, and educator for the past decade. In my most recent blog post about just talking, I discussed a significant change in the way emerging adults (18 to 29-year-olds)…
Every new mom can relate to the infamous postpartum days. The daily struggles of breast milk-stained shirts, sleepless nights, and excessive worrying become the new norm. Intrusive thoughts about keeping your baby safe inundate your delirious, sleep-deprived brain to the extent that you start to…
Emerging adulthood is a time of life characterized by decision-making in romantic relationships. Most emerging adults (18 to 29-year-olds) utilize this time for romantic and sexual exploration with ambitions and expectations for marriage (see Millennial Marriage or The Marriage Paradox). Scholars such as Drs. Scott Stanley and Galena Rhoades have argued that…
Couples often focus on floral arrangements, rings, and honeymoon plans while preparing for marriage. However, conflict management, finances, and future goals are equally crucial topics discussed in premarital counseling and relationship education. Recent data shows a higher marriage rate than pre-pandemic in the United States…
On July 5th through July 9th, Dr. Sibley, Jordyn Saddler, and I had the pleasure of presenting some of our research at the International Association for Relationship Research (IARR) 2024 Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. Dr. Sibley and I had…
Have you ever been in a military relationship, or found yourself, a civilian, considering getting romantically involved with a military service member? If your answer is yes, or you’re intrigued by the idea, you may have many questions about the unique challenges military relationships face.…
The first time I heard about racial preferences was when my past partner told me they would “never date a White person again and preferred dating Black people.” Their answers were unclear when I inquired about their motivations for this preference. It made me question…
Trauma can have a substantial impact not only on individuals, but on families through the generations. I (Julie) often think about the difference it would have made in my childhood had my grandfather worked out his trauma after World War II (WWII). I have a…
As we have discussed continually on this blog, technology is impacting the formation and maintenance of relationships. Today’s adolescents have increasing access to technology, including social media, potentially influencing their social and emotional growth. Peer relationships typically flourish during this stage, including forming romantic relationships.…
On April 5th, our research team attended the Illinois Council on Family Relations 2024 Annual Conference hosted at Northern Illinois University (NIU) DeKalb, Illinois. The Illinois Council on Family Relations is a state affiliate of the National Council on Family Relations. This was the first…
In today’s digital age, couples are increasingly meeting via online, rather than relying on introductions from friends, family, or social events. Without the barriers of physical proximity, individuals seeking romantic relationships can tap into a bottomless pool of potential partners. That means, who we are…
Family dinner is essential when members come together at the end of their day with the ones they love. Lasting memories from couples, children, and families are made during these times that will span years to come with favorite meals and traditions. With parent’s and…
You may find it surprising to hear that according to a 2021 YouGov study, 41% of Americans reported to possess some belief in ghosts or spirits of the supernatural. While a discussion of those statistics is beyond the scope of this article, for those of…
One of our most influential and often longest-lasting relationships is with our siblings. Our relationships with them are significant to our development. As our family structure members linked by marriage or bloodline continue to change in the United States, the attachment to our siblings can…
