Relationships

Self-sabotage in relationships involves engaging in self-destructive patterns of behavior—whether unconsciously or consciously—which threaten to end a romantic relationship. This may involve distancing yourself, ignoring your partner, or putting emotional walls up. Often, self-sabotaging is related to past experiences or trauma.  Self-sabotage can harm or even end relationships that would…

“Only child syndrome” is a popular but controversial term used to describe a set of perceived negative traits or characteristics that are thought to be common among children who grow up without siblings. These traits may include selfishness, loneliness, introversion, difficulty sharing, and an overdeveloped sense of independence.  However, it’s…

When it comes to our cell phones, nothing else in our life gets as much attention. If we lose it, let it die, or can’t answer it, the stress starts to build up rapidly. Getting by without a cell phone really isn’t possible anymore—which means other areas of your life…

“Monkey branching” describes a dating behavior where someone continues to pursue other potential partners while already in a relationship, often without the knowledge or consent of their current partner.  The term comes from the image of a monkey swinging from one branch to another, never fully letting go of the…

Friends make up a huge part of most peoples’ lives, but over time, friendships can fade and drift apart if they aren’t maintained. Fostering and putting effort into friendships is key to making sure those relationships stay strong and close.  That being said, it can be hard to know where…

Dating someone with depression can be rewarding, but it may also require you as a partner to offer emotional strength and support in unique ways. Though depression doesn’t always create barriers to romantic relationships, depressive symptoms can affect the way your partner is able to express their emotions both verbally…

Despite what it sounds like, sleep divorce doesn’t always spell the end of a relationship. It’s what happens when one or both partners decide to sleep in separate beds. As controversial as it sounds, it’s actually pretty common.  But does sleep divorce truly spell the end of a relationship? And…

Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and not all are monogamous. While most people are only familiar with monogamous relationships, polyamory involves multiple nonmarital relationships between partners.  Polyamory isn’t about being able to do whatever you want with other people, while still reaping the benefits of going steady with…

Codependency is a bit of a buzzword—a term we hear mentioned frequently but may not quite understand. Perhaps you think you know: It’s when two partners can’t function without each other, right? Not quite—and it’s not the same as relationship anxiety.   Understanding codependent behaviors starts with examining how they can…

As the adage goes, opposites attract… or do they? From horoscopes, classic rom-coms, and even our dating app preferences, many of us seem almost obsessed with our personality types and who we are (and aren’t) compatible with.  Now consider an unlikely romantic relationship between two people with personality types that…

Every person has challenges. As does every couple and every family. Together, that’s a lot of challenges! Which is why marriage and family therapy exists.  Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals who are trained in psychotherapy and family systems. They’re able to help people through the…

Grief is something most people would rather avoid. But inevitably, the emotional whirlwind of grief and bereavement is a process each of us goes through in our lifetime. Grief is about loss—a loss of any kind, whether it’s the death of a family member, pet, the end of a relationship,…