Relationship Dos And Don’ts

Open relationships: Couples who've found success

Monica Beyer — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 -0700

Open relationships may not work for everyone, but they do for some — as long as you know exactly what to expect going in. We talk with couples who have successful open relationships to find out what works for them.

The dos and don'ts of wearing your heart on your sleeve

Mary McCoy — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:45:00 -0700

We don't always practice what we preach, but ladies across America know a thing or two about wearing their hearts on their sleeves. We talked with a few of them and they happily provided us with a few of their dating dos and don'ts.

A guide to letting your guard down

Mary McCoy — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:44:00 -0700

Everyone wants to avoid unnecessary heartache, but sometimes the only way to find a great love is to dive on in.

The secret to a happy relationship: Be selfish

Elizabeth R. Lombardo, Ph.D., M.S., P.T — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:00 -0800

The first time I met my client Sylvia, she told me, “I am getting out of this marriage. Things are so bad. And he won’t even come to therapy to address it. I am done!”

Moving in with him: How not to lose your sh*t over the small stuff

Elizabeth Mitchell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 -0800

Moving in with your man definitely has its perks , but be warned: It’s not all cuddles, kisses and total relationship bliss 24/7. Frankly, a lot of times you’re probably going to piss each other off. It’s how you learn to deal with those subtle differences and annoying little habits that will ultimately set you up for success as a couple though. Take it from me, I know!

5 Minutes to a better marriage

Tristan Coopersmith — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 07:02:00 -0700

Great marriages take a lot of TLC. But few of us have time to read long self-help books, fill out workbooks and complete complex exercises dedicated to the cause of maintaining a successful marriage. Instead of trying to tear apart and rebuild your whole engine, try giving your marriage a simple daily tune-up instead. Whether you're a newlywed rookie or a marriage vet, every couple can benefit from these simple five-minute techniques.

What's more important: Your children or your marriage?

Tiernan McKay — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:40:00 -0700

Motherhood. With all of its joys and successes come endless responsibilities, chaotic schedules and a generally hectic atmosphere. Given the copious amounts of energy this job demands, there is a tendency to elevate children to 'highest priority' status in a family. But, where does that leave your marriage?

Make your relationship easier

Jessica Padykula — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:14:00 -0700

It’s time to take the stress out of making your relationship work. We all know being one half of a committed couple takes work, but it should also be one of the things that makes you happiest. If you feel like your relationship can use some freshening up lately, we’re here to share some strategies for making love a lot easier. Here are a few of our top tips.

Stop micromanaging your relationship

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 19 May 2011 10:29:00 -0700

The desire to be in control -- or at least feel like it -- is common. Life is crazy and prone to surprises, so a desire to keep a close watch on everything around you is understandable. Trying to oversee every aspect of your relationship isn’t healthy, though, and can be a burden on your bond. Here are a few ways to stop trying to micromanage your relationship.

When your partner is unhappy

Jessica Padykula — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:09:00 -0700

Relationships are great when both parties are happy, healthy and minimally stressed. When one person ends up in a rut or has to deal with a personal setback that leads to depression, though, the other person also suffers. Keeping the relationship on solid ground when one person isn’t happy isn't easy, but we’ve put together some ideas for coping when your other half is dealing with feelings of sadness or self-doubt.

How to build trust in your relationship

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:29:00 -0700

Trust is the cornerstone of any working, healthy relationship. Without trust, you don’t have a solid foundation and your relationship could end up crumbling. As you get to know someone and fall in love, trust has to be built. Here are some simple ways to do that.

3 Ways to compromise

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:01:00 -0700

One of the best ways to keep your relationship on track and out of trouble is to compromise. If you’re willing to cooperate and work toward turning potential hazards into harmony, you’ll go a long way in making your love last. Here are a few simple ways to introduce compromise into your relationship.

4 Things never to say to your partner

Jessica Padykula — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:17:00 -0700

We say a lot of regrettable things in the heat of an argument or when we’re feeling frustrated, but certain things are much more hurtful than others -- and cause more trouble than they’re worth. Here are four things you should avoid saying in your relationship, even if you’re really angry.

How to find a good work-love balance

Jessica Padykula — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:33:00 -0700

When the two of you are busy and overworked, entire days can seem to go by without so much as a cursory glance or conversation. To avoid losing touch with your significant other entirely, here are a few simple strategies for making love work despite jam-packed schedules.

How to grow as a couple

Jessica Padykula — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:10:00 -0700

Once you’ve been dating for a while , the need to do everything together starts to fade. The focus shifts slowly back to individual ambitions and priorities, rather than couple-oriented goals. We all need our own purposes in life, but growing not only as an individual but also as a couple can be good for your relationship. Here’s how.

The best things you can do for your relationship

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:23:00 -0700

Making a relationship work takes effort. Check out our list of tried-and-true strategies to improve how you and your partner interact and love one another as your relationship grows.

Plan a surprise date night for your man

Jessica Padykula — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:55:00 -0700

If you’re looking for a way to show your guy some extra affection , why not plan the ultimate night of appreciation? Here are some great tips for on giving him a day of pampering.

5 Sex tips for married couples

Kori Ellis — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:14:00 -0800

With a little effort and planning, you can bring the energy and passion back to your marriage, says Dr. Dorree Lynn, sex and relationship expert and founder of DrDorreeLynn.com. She offers these tips to rev up your sex life with your spouse.

Don't let menopause cause a divorce!

Ellen Sarver Dolgen — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:19:00 -0800

Women often find themselves divorced at the same time they're going through perimenopause and menopause. Why? Well, while there is never one reason for the breakup of a relationship, it is safe to say that the challenges of perimenopause and menopause can put tremendous strain on a couple. Here's how to diminish that effect.

Small gestures that can improve your marriage

Jessica Padykula — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:30:00 -0800

It’s easy to forget about little niceties when you’re stressed out and overwhelmed with everyday life. But if you forget about the small things too often, you could be sending your marriage down the path of no return. Check out these small gestures that can help improve your marriage.

How to communicate better with your partner

Jessica Padykula — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:48:00 -0800

Communicating with your spouse isn’t always easy; things get lost in translation or fights break out. Here, Sharon Rivkin, MA, MFT and author of Breaking the Argument Cycle: How to Stop Fighting Without Therapy tells us how to communicate better in relationships.