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…
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)…
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…
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.…
There are times when one partner in a relationship wants to leave, but is simply afraid of hurting their partner’s feelings, or scared of what life may be like outside of a now-comfortable relationship. Maybe this is you, or a close friend, but whoever it…
