Foundations of Marriage

I’ve seen my fair share of heated arguments and emotional meltdowns. They seem impossible to slow down or stop. But what if I told you that the key to calming down after a marital spat might be…

Last week in my office, a client broke down while describing the emotional neglect in her marriage. “Everything looks perfect on paper,” she said. “We don’t fight, we share the chores, we parent well together….

The Sleep-Relationship Connection In my years as a relationship counselor, I’ve witnessed many couples grappling with problems seemingly unconnected to their sleep habits. Yet, one of several recent studies has pointed to an intriguing link…

As a clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy, I often see partners struggling with the balance between intimacy and independence. A fascinating new study by Hughes et al. (2024) sheds light on how our attachment…

Dear Dr. K, We are 3 months before the wedding. How do I deal with a soon to be spouse who can’t make marriage decisions before and has no excitement because he is super emotionally…

by Sierra Kehoe Are you struggling with parenting conflicts in your relationship? You’re not alone. Many couples find that raising children together can strain their partnership. Approaches to discipline can vary, as can parenting priorities….

For generations, masculinity was measured by distance: stoicism, strength, silence. A “good man” was one who worked hard, didn’t complain, and provided—often at the cost of emotional presence. But something is shifting. And if you’re…

Dr. Doug Burford examines the balance for healthy relationships, building on Abraham Maslow’s view that “self-transcendence” eclipses self-actualization. Burford argues marriages thrive through mutual sacrifice and other-centered love, avoiding selfishness and enmeshment. The optimal relationship…

In the flurry of Mother’s Day celebrations, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning behind honoring motherhood. Beyond the flowers, cards, and breakfast in bed lies a complex web of expectations, responsibilities, and…

Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, and how couples handle it can make or break their marriage. While it may seem counterintuitive, research by psychologist John Gottman suggests that avoiding conflict and maintaining a constantly…

“People can help you in many ways throughout life, but there are two things nobody can give you: curiosity and drive. They must be self-supplied. If you are not interested and curious, all the information…

When it comes to sustaining a happy, long-term romantic relationship, many factors come into play—mutual respect, shared values, open communication, and, of course, love and attraction. But one area that often gets overlooked, despite being…

In the midst of life’s daily stresses and challenges, it’s easy for romantic partners to forget the power of laughter, especially within their intimate relationship. Humor, when shared between partners, can be a transformative force,…

When it comes to age gaps in marriage, love may be blind to birthdays, but relationships with substantial age differences face unique challenges. As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how these couples must navigate…

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but one key factor that can make or break a partnership is communication. And while we often focus on what we say and how we say it, the…