Modern relationships are defined by ambiguity, delayed decisions, and shifting expectations. As cohabitation rises, marriage rates fall, commitment becomes increasingly optional, and many couples find themselves longing for what Dr. Harry Benson calls reliable love: intentional partnership built on clarity, sacrifice, and shared direction. Reliable…
Imagine feeling lonely, anxious, or uncertain, and having someone available instantly. Someone who always responds, never criticizes you, never gets tired of listening, and consistently tells you that you are valued and important. For a growing number of people, that “someone” is not another person.…
Have you ever met someone who makes you feel truly alive? Suddenly, things that once seemed confusing begin to make more sense, colors appear brighter, everyday experiences feel more meaningful, and thoughts of one special person seem to occupy your mind throughout the day. These…
Recently several members of our research team had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Glasgow, Scotland, and attend the International Association for Relationship Research (IARR) 2026 Conference. The conference was held July 8–12 at the Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde. For…
Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering, “How do I know if this relationship is truly worth committing to?” If so, you’re not alone. In a culture filled with endless dating options, conflicting advice, and constant pressure to “choose the right person,”…
Why haven’t they texted me back?” For many people, this thought comes and goes. But for someone with an anxious attachment style, a delayed response can feel much bigger than a late text message. It can trigger questions about the entire relationship. Are they upset…
Geographic separation can enter a relationship in many ways. Some couples meet while attending different universities, living in different cities, or connecting through online spaces before ever sharing the same physical environment. Others may begin their relationship without realizing that distance will become part of…
On April 24th, eight members of our research team attended the Illinois Council on Family Relations (ILCFR) 2026 Annual Conference, hosted at the NIU Naperville Conference Center in Naperville, Illinois. During the conference, we presented two poster presentations and one workshop that highlighted the public…
One of the main principles presented in Raising Mentally Strong Kids is mutual dignity, which focuses on educating children on how to treat the world around them by the standard of treatment we allow for ourselves. At its core, this principle is not just about…
Are you or your partner experiencing intrusive thoughts about your relationship, your feelings, your sexual connection, your expectations, or worries about the future? Maybe you have noticed what feels like cold feet when it comes to commitment. You might find yourself asking: “What if they…
In today’s fast-paced world, where work demands, financial pressures, parenting responsibilities, and digital distractions constantly pull couples in different directions, maintaining connection can feel increasingly difficult. Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Building a Lasting Love (4th Edition), authored by Drs.…
Many people grow up believing they need to find “the one.” A perfect soulmate who appears at exactly the right time and makes love effortless. Disney fairy tales and the curated glow of social media can make that ideal feel normal, as if healthy relationships…
Despite modern technology allowing us to be constantly connected, many adults in the United States report feeling isolated or lacking companionship, which is consistent with national surveys and public health surveillance on social connection and mental health (American Psychological Association, 2025; Bruss et al., 2024).…
Valentine’s Day is widely recognized as a time to highlight love across all types of relationships. Friends gather for Galentine’s Day, families exchange warm messages, and romantic partners plan date nights, post affectionate photos, and exchange gifts. The first blog post on this website highlighted…
As a research team we have been hearing a lot about the phrase “sneaky links” lately. It’s everywhere, in TikTok captions, group chats, and whispered conversations that start with “don’t judge me, but…” And while it might sound like just another piece of dating slang,…
Sometimes people don’t fall in love with who their partner is, but with who they imagine their partner might one day become. Someone who only ticks a few of their boxes, but hopefully, with time and experience, can tick all of their boxes. An idea…
In the beginning, it feels like magic. Starting a new relationship often brings a rush of energy that feels almost euphoric. There are endless smiles, late‑night conversations that make sleep feel optional, and moments where time seems to pause. Your heart does not only flutter…
Parenting can be one of the most challenging roles a person takes on, yet it is also one of the most profoundly rewarding. When a child receives a diagnosis, new layers of complexity often emerge, but so do new opportunities to witness resilience, growth, and…
We often think of commitment as a big grand gesture such as wedding vows, moving in together, or saying the first “I love you”. But what if the real glue in relationships is made from much smaller acts of commitment? Micro-commitments are the subtle, everyday…
When we commit our love to one another, we simultaneously place our trust in the ability of others to be considerate of our emotions. In doing so, we give power to those we care about opening ourselves to be more vulnerable than ever before. In…
Grief can be difficult to understand, especially when emotions are colliding. Finding solace in grief begins with recognizing how unpredictable these emotions can be. You may be feeling angry about losing someone, you may be sad they are no longer with you, you may be…
With over 20 million copies sold, Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages has become a cultural phenomenon since its release in 1992. Translated into 50 languages and featured on bestseller lists like The New York Times for hundreds of weeks, its influence now stretches far beyond the bookshelf. From…
Have you ever stopped to wonder just how important sex is within a romantic relationship? Research studies indicate that both sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction are strong predictors of overall relationship quality in couple relationships (e.g. Muise et al., 2016). Sexual satisfaction is essential as…
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…
