Some challenges shake a relationship to its core. Addiction, chronic anger, emotional disengagement, mental health crises, or even contempt — this section addresses the make-or-break moments. We help you name the threat, understand its impact, and find a path forward that honors both self and partnership.
As shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures settle in, many people experience the “winter blues” – a common seasonal mood shift that can profoundly affect relationships. While up to 20% of Americans deal with some…
My husband doesn’t understand me or listen to me at all. He’s constantly making assumptions about what I am saying that are way off and then that leads to fighting…I’m exhausted trying to get him…
by Dr. Doug Burford Six Toxic Patterns Dr. John Gottman’s four decades of research on couples have given us language for the typical patterns that divide couples. Identifying and naming these destructive patterns helps couples…
I know a little bit about ADHD and relationships. My husband and I have been managing my ADHD for years. “Do not talk to me!” I lovingly yell at my husband as I am about…
I don’t actually know your husband, so I don’t know what is going on with him, whether this is a habit he’s picked up lately, or he’s always been this way around smaller decisions. The…
My husband calls me names and swears at me. I’ve told him I consider him verbally abusive when he does it and have asked him to stop. It never becomes physical abuse, but it hurts…
Picture this: Your partner has just lost their job. They’re sitting on the couch, clearly devastated, and you immediately jump in with, “Everything happens for a reason!” or “Look on the bright side – now…
Phubbing (pronounced fubbing) is a relatively new word and is a combination of phone and snubbing. Phubbing describes the habit of snubbing someone in favor of a mobile phone. It is hard to imagine a world…
Financial infidelity can be just as devastating to a relationship as emotional or physical cheating. You’re not alone if you’ve discovered your partner hiding purchases, maintaining secret accounts, or making major financial decisions without your…
“Why does my husband hate me?” Lilly asked. She asked like I was withholding the answer. It was way back when I saw individuals. So I took the bait. “How do you know he does?”…
Claire found the note on the kitchen counter: “Gone to my mother’s. You clearly don’t want me around anyway.” She sighed, recognizing David’s handwriting and the familiar pattern that had become their marriage. The argument…
Does it sometimes feel like anxiety is the unwelcome third wheel in your relationship? You’re not alone. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental health issues impacting couples today, affecting 4-7%…
Let’s talk about something that can really hurt – when your partner tries to control you. It’s not always apparent at first. Sometimes it starts small, like them getting upset when you want to see…
In the intricate dance of relationships, missteps and misunderstandings are almost inevitable. Yet, it’s often the smaller, overlooked actions that can either strengthen or weaken your bond. Recognizing and steering clear of these common relationship…
Navigating a relationship with a narcissistic woman can feel like walking through an emotional minefield. Whether you’re married to someone with narcissistic traits or involved with a partner who shows these characteristics, understanding the unique…
Updated 5/10/2025 How to Understand the Patterns, Recognize the Red Flags, and Decide What Comes Next Some couples break up and make up more often than they do laundry. It might feel dramatic and passionate,…
Deciding whether to leave a relationship is one of the most difficult and consequential choices a person can face. While there is no easy answer, some situations strongly indicate it may be time to end…
Introduction Amidst the ebb and flow of any marriage, disagreements and arguments often find their place. Yet, what might seem like routine spats can carry far-reaching consequences, not just for the relationship but for your…
He’ll secretly take away your power while denying he’s doing that. What is a Covert Narcissist Husband? In this post, I’ll describe both the seven traits of a covert narcissist and how these traits show…
by Doug Burford, Ph.D. Revised on August 11, 2023, Dr. Burford is a Christian minister practicing science-based couples therapy through Couples Therapy Inc. He works with all couples with a specialization on couples wanting a biblical…
Are you in a relationship with a man who struggles to open up about his feelings? Does he avoid emotional conversations, seem distant, or shut down when you try to connect on a deeper level?…
When someone makes you question your own reality, it can feel like slowly losing your grip on truth itself. Whether it’s a romantic partner, family member, or friend, gaslighting creates a fog of self-doubt that…
Understanding passive-aggressive behavior in relationships can feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. While these patterns might start subtly, they often evolve into complex webs of mixed messages, denied emotions, and carefully…
In the landscape of relationship dynamics, stonewalling represents one of the most challenging communication patterns couples face. While the behavior might appear similar on the surface – a partner withdrawing from interaction – the underlying…
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