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.
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…
After spending time and energy on a couples therapy retreat, many partners wonder how to keep the positive changes going at home. This guide provides practical, proven steps to maintain your relationship progress and build…
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…
Knowing how to support your partner in struggles can be difficult. Through couples therapy, depression and anxiety can be faced as a team. Here are some ways that you can help support your partner who…
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…
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