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.
As a clinical psychologist, I often work with couples navigating the complexities of in-law relationships. It can be tough but important to set boundaries with in-laws to keep a good relationship with your partner. By…
Empathy, the ability to understand and share another’s feelings, is a crucial skill in any relationship, especially in marriage. As a clinical psychologist, I have witnessed firsthand how empathy can make or break a couple’s…
Picture Nancy, a woman in her 60s who has spent her life putting others first. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she’s always been the caregiver everyone turns to for help. However, as much as…
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can significantly affect our relationships. Whether it’s financial strain, health issues, or parenting challenges, stress can lead to tension, conflict, and emotional distress in couples and…
In today’s fast-paced world, juggling the demands of work and marriage can be a daunting task. Many couples struggle to find the right balance, often leading to stress, burnout, and relationship strain. As a clinical…
Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in relationships. However, when these disputes escalate, they can lead to a phenomenon called “flooding” or Diffuse Physiological Arousal (DPA). Flooding is a term coined by renowned relationship expert Dr….
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but what exactly is trust, and how can we build and maintain it with our partners? As Gottman states, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the…
Complaining is gender-linked behavior. John Gottman says women make 85% of complaints in a relationship, while men complain 15% in heterosexual relationships. When done well, it is the secret to better emotional connections (and I’ll…
Respect is a cornerstone of any healthy marriage. When partners treat each other with consideration, kindness, and appreciation, it lays the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship. But what does respect look like in…
Levels of differentiation Bowen describes two essential aspects of differentiation. On the intrapsychic level, differentiation involves distinguishing between emotional and intellectual processing and the degree of choice a person expresses in choosing how they will behave in a conflict-laden…
My partner doesn’t trust me to do most tasks, so she does them herself and then resents me for it…what can we do about this? There could be several reasons for this. Talking to her…
Written: May 29, 2018 Revised 2/12/2025 Marriage is a beautiful journey that brings together two individuals, each with their own unique personalities, habits, and quirks. While it can be a source of immense joy and fulfillment,…
My partner thinks that we have too much stuff, she even calls me a “hoarder.” I think she is overly controlling of our space-always wanting everything perfect. I want to have 15 framed photos even…
Consider these sweet phrases not merely as words but as remedies to mend emotional fractures and rebuild connections. In his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, John Gottman, Ph. D., introduces the concept of…
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