Every relationship is built on something. In this section, we explore what creates long-term strength: shared values, friendship, trust, rituals of connection, and emotional repair. Whether you’re early in marriage or long into partnership, these insights help you revisit — and reinforce — what matters most.
Child care logistics, tight work schedules, booked-up reservations, pandemic-triggered introversion…there are plenty of factors that influence how we approach our traditions and rituals. Date nights are an important way to make time for each other….
When it comes to relationships, it is important to think of yourself as being on a team. The word relationship means “the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or…
My husband and I have a pretty good marriage. We hardly ever fight but when we do, it’s about politics. We have completely different viewpoints. I hate hearing about his political beliefs and he is…
You’re not broken. You’re brave. If you’re entering a second marriage after a painful divorce, you’re not alone—and you’re not doomed. According to census data, about 40% of U.S. marriages are second marriages. And yet,…
Why are there so many stepfamilies or blended families? Couples therapy researchers are acutely focused on the challenge of making stepfamilies or blended families work. Stepfamilies are as typical as they are complicated in the…
My husband and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. There are so many things I could say about what has held us together, sustained us, kept us still interested in being married to each…
When couples fight, knowing how to press pause and calm things down can save the day. That’s where Dr. John Gottman’s Repair Checklist comes in – it’s a simple but powerful tool that helps couples…
Navigating marital complaints can be a crucial pathway to intimacy in relationships, yet for conflict-avoidant couples, these conversations often remain uncharted territory. While Gottman couples therapy advocates for efficient conflict resolution, conflict-avoidant couples tend to…
Here’s something you probably know already, but I will invite you to look at it differently. Are you a morning person or a night person? Social scientists have a casual shorthand for each chrono-type: “Larks”…
Navigating the complexities of a relationship when your wife is unhappy requires empathy, patience, and open communication. Knowing what to say during such moments is pivotal, as words hold the power to heal, reassure, and…
Have you ever wondered how your relationship with your partner influences your children’s development? As a family therapist who has worked with families across all economic backgrounds, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the quality of marriage…
Originally published March 5, 2018. Look, I get it. After years of marriage, saying “thank you” to your spouse for loading the dishwasher might feel about as natural as complementing a teenager’s outfit choices. Why…
Have you ever wondered why some couples seem to weather any storm while others struggle with daily frustrations? As a couples therapist, I’ve observed that the difference often comes down to something Dr. John Gottman…
by Debbie Woodall-Carroll Friendships start from our earliest ages, and we are constantly meeting and making new friends throughout life. According to John Gottman, a healthy friendship between you and your partner is critical to…
As we celebrate Father’s Day this year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the vital role that fathers play in their children’s lives. While cultural attitudes and family structures have evolved over time, the…
What are some ways that couples can show appreciation for each other? Gottman says, “small ways, often.” Here are 5 ways you can adopt now to show each other appreciation: 1. Set up rituals of…
Parents often wonder whether it’s appropriate to argue in front of their children. While conventional wisdom might suggest keeping all disagreements private, research and expert opinion suggest a more nuanced approach. The key lies not…
Ever encountered those subtle yet persistent in-law tensions that seem to linger post-marriage? Peter Pearson, a relationship coach, sheds light on this unspoken battleground, revealing how couples often evade these issues, hoping they’ll dissolve over…
How Couples Fight: Understanding the Science of Healthy Conflict What makes a relationship last? The answer might surprise you. In groundbreaking research spanning decades, Dr. John Gottman and Robert Levenson discovered they could predict with…
I sat across from Amanda and Andrew in my intensive therapy office as they described their repeated argument about dirty dishes. ‘We’re fighting all the time,’ Amanda sighed. ‘That must mean something’s wrong, right?’ Actually,…
Introduction As we navigate the ups and downs of life, have you ever wondered if our emotional experiences change as we age? Recent psychology research reveals a fascinating shift in emotional well-being that occurs with…
Friendship is essential in intimacy. Because friendship, if you think about it, is the building block of our lives. Establishing a sense of intimacy allows us to get to know people and become good friends…
When couples argue, taking a timeout can be really helpful. It’s not about walking away from the problem – it’s about stepping back briefly so both people can calm down and think clearly. This short…
Most of us are not well-trained to be in romantic relationships. Couples therapy is essential for some in bridging the gap to better connect in these critical relationships. And often, this means skill-building in ways…
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