A healthy relationship is a loving relationship. Love is a deep and vital emotion that satisfies certain needs, coupled with caring for and acceptance of the beloved and resulting in an intimate relationship. When I use the word “love” in this blog, I want you to think of “romantic love”. Often, I think of a relationship as a house - if you are in a relationship, you have a house. It may be … [Read more...] about The Structure of Healthy Relationships
Red Flag Behaviors in Relationships That are Often Misinterpreted as Love
In a therapy session, I clarify what is not love more frequently than what love is. Once you get familiar with common misinterpretations of love, recognizing romantic love is easier. Identifying red flag behaviors early on your relationship, is going to help you build healthy relationships. Have you ever heard the word “limerence”? Limerence is often described as the altered state of mind when … [Read more...] about Red Flag Behaviors in Relationships That are Often Misinterpreted as Love
Tips for Better Communication with Your Partner When a Conflict Occurs
What causes conflict in a relationship? The answer is everything. Everything has a potential to cause a conflict between you and your partner. However, the most common conflicts that couples have are money, sex, children and housework. Conflict is Healthy Conflict is inevitable. In a stable relationship, conflict occurs approximately twice a week, even in the happiest relationships. It is … [Read more...] about Tips for Better Communication with Your Partner When a Conflict Occurs
Why do you self-sabotage?
Self-sabotage is a way of engaging in self-destructive behaviors. When things are going great, such as your romantic relationship, you may do something that causes disruptions in your relationship. Sometimes, not doing anything is also considered as self-sabotaging, such as procrastinating or avoiding. There are common signs of self-sabotaging behaviors. For example; procrastinating, dwelling … [Read more...] about Why do you self-sabotage?
Four Communication Habits That Lead to Relationship Failure
“The Four Horsemen”: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness and Stonewalling What does it mean to be a healthy couple? Healthy couples are those who intentionally engage in healthy communication styles. They respectfully solve their problems with a mutual effort and understanding, and the only way to do this is to have effective communication skills. John Gottman describes the four … [Read more...] about Four Communication Habits That Lead to Relationship Failure
Change is Possible with 10 Steps
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination” – Jimmy Dean Towards the end of the year, you may start thinking about change more often. If you are planning to create your new year’s resolution list, these 10 steps may help you to change something about yourself, your behavior, thoughts or emotions. When the focus is on … [Read more...] about Change is Possible with 10 Steps