Reading Time: 6 minutes Healthy relationships require partners to communicate and meet each other’s needs. This doesn’t mean that your significant other will fulfill every desire that you have, but your primary relationship should meet your needs for affection and companionship. While we may not realize it, some of the most important needs we have in relationships relate to emotional issues. In fact, studies have shown that emotional intimacy…

Reading Time: 8 minutes Needs…we all have them. Getting our needs met is a basic driver of motivation and the basis of everything we do. In fact, getting our needs met is vital for physical and mental health, and in some cases, our very survival. Physical needs are pretty easy to recognize – food, water, clothing, shelter, safety, and other needs that keep us alive. Emotional needs are higher-level…

Reading Time: 7 minutes Intimacy is considered a fundamental human motivation. Some go to great lengths to achieve it by signing up for dating apps, taking part in social events, or pursuing partners who aren’t interested. On the other hand, a lot of people avoid intimacy altogether or choose superficial relationships over deep emotional connections. What makes us so afraid of closeness? In this article, we’ll talk about the…

Reading Time: 7 minutes We live in a world where gender stereotypes still exist. Even though developed Western societies no longer require a person to choose from two genders only, if you identify as a man or woman, you may still deal with tons of stereotypes regarding what is considered masculine or feminine. There is a big difference between societal expectations about male and female behavior, and when it…

Reading Time: 10 minutes Here you go again: you feel attraction to someone who’s a hard nut to crack. They exude vibes of mystery and aloofness you can’t get close to. And you can’t help but keep trying to conquer their attention. Or, you seem to have found your soulmate. You both feel emotional and sexual chemistry. And you both see a clear perspective of starting a relationship. But…

Reading Time: 5 minutes It takes a village, as the saying goes. We all rely on other people to get by. And one of the best things about healthy relationships is that they offer much-needed connection and support, especially when times get tough. When you mess up at work, lose out on your dream job, or experience a serious illness, the people closest to you will be by your…

Reading Time: 9 minutes Sex and intimacy are fundamental parts of men’s well-being, no matter their age, relationship status, or sexual orientation. Indeed, sexual and mental health are intrinsically linked — the benefits of sex for mental health are hard to deny. It’s a common fact that underlying medical problems seriously affect men’s sexual life. However, mental and emotional issues play an important role as well. In particular, they…

Reading Time: 7 minutes We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and all marriages have their ups and downs. But researchers have found that there are some relationship habits and behaviors that can increase the chances of divorce. In this article, we will look at the traits of unhealthy relationships and the most common reasons for divorce, so that you can identify if there is anything in your relationship…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Valentine’s Day is associated with love, romance, and enjoyment, and it’s a happy occasion for many. Yet it can be stressful for people who are single or in long-distance relationships. Displays of roses, teddy bears, and couple getaways are all aggressive reminders of how much you’ll miss out on. Still, it’s just one of the days of the year. While there’s tons of pressure put…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Friendships are more important than you think. Having a strong support network can make you more resilient, teach you how to deal with obstacles more effectively, and help you improve as a person and achieve your goals. But to reap the benefits, you have to make meaningful connections first, and it isn’t as simple as it seems. Unfortunately, making friends in adulthood may be quite…

Reading Time: 7 minutes Humans are social creatures, which means we not only crave company but also intimacy and emotional connection. Even though forming social bonds is our biological need, a lot of people struggle with building relationships. While the reason is often difficulty finding someone you click with, in most cases relationship problems stem from how you relate to others. If you’ve ever wondered why some people act…

Reading Time: 12 minutes “That never happened. You must be going crazy.” “It’s just your imagination.” “Are you sure? You never remember things accurately.” If your partner repeatedly says things like these to you, they may be using an insidious technique that mental health professionals call “gaslighting.” If that happens, your experiences, words, and emotions are twisted and used against you, so you may even start questioning your thoughts,…

Reading Time: 5 minutes “You’ve been hurt before… hurt people, they hurt people.” These lyrics by the Irish rock band, The Script, seem so relatable. Is it true that people hurt their loved ones because someone hurt them before? Well, yes and no. The psychology behind hurting people that you love is quite complicated. You may do it intentionally or unintentionally. Everyone expects to be treated well by their…

Reading Time: 8 minutes In the summer of 1973, a bank robbery occurred in Stockholm, Sweden where four bank workers were taken hostage for six days. Over that period, it’s said that the workers began to develop a bond with the robbers which grew so strong that one of the captives told the Swedish Prime Minister she fully trusted her captors but feared the police might kill her if…

Reading Time: 5 minutes The end of a relationship is understandably a challenging time, especially if one partner wanted the break-up and the other did not. Emotions run strong, and if you don’t know the reason for the breakup, it can be difficult to move forward. Closure from an ex can make it easier to process feelings of grief when a relationship ends, and there are psychological reasons for…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Communication is key to a harmonious and healthy relationship. All too often, couples have difficulty expressing how they feel, which can lead to misunderstandings, disagreements, and even toxic behaviors. Understanding how to improve communication with your partner is not only helpful for those whose relationship is under strain, but can protect an otherwise healthy relationship from problems later on, too. In this article, we will…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Sexual behavior and activity vary from person to person. Some people wait to have sex, whereas others may be on the asexual spectrum. Those who have sex or are curious about the health benefits of sex, however, might wonder what the advantages of sex are and how they work. So, how can sex benefit your mental health, and how do you establish a healthy sex…

Reading Time: 6 minutes If you ask a group of people whether they would want to stay friends with their exes, you’ll likely get answers at both ends of the spectrum. For some, staying friends with an ex is an absolute no-no, but for others, being friends after a breakup can be the healthy next step in your changed relationship. In this article, we will look at when and…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Emotional affairs are on the rise in the USA. In the past, affairs were conducted in person or during snatched moments on the phone. Today, technology makes it easy to meet someone virtually, or communicate discreetly with someone you know in real life. Unlike a sexual affair, your partner could be sharing themselves with someone else at any time of the day or night, even…

Reading Time: 7 minutes As we connect on web platforms around the world, we get the opportunity to interact with people we might never have gotten the chance to meet pre-internet. When it comes to bullying, that’s both a blessing and a curse. While connections made across the web can foster a sense of community and combat loneliness, they can also create breeding grounds for cyberbullying. Bullying can happen…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Knowing someone with an emotionally sensitive personality can allow you to have one of the deepest and most meaningful relationships or friendships you’ll ever experience. However, their sensitivity can also lead to some challenges. Here we will look at how to have a healthy relationship with someone who is emotionally sensitive, in a way that will ensure you both remain happy and understood. What’s Great…

Reading Time: 4 minutes When we think of love, we think of the heart, but love really happens in the brain. As you go through the stages of love, certain neural activity occurs. Love is very much a process, but interestingly, the process differs slightly between men and women. How men fall in love is not the same as how women do. And that’s what we’ll be looking at…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Feeling lonely is normal because social connections are one of many intrinsic human needs. When you are physically or emotionally isolated from others, you are likely to crave companionship. Although everyone experiences loneliness from time to time, it is a passing feeling that one can overcome. But when it becomes chronic and interferes with your ability to go about your daily life, you should do…

Reading Time: 4 minutes When someone you know receives a difficult diagnosis, it can be hard to know how best to support them. Here are our simple but effective steps to supporting someone during this challenging time. The Difficult Diagnosis Many of us will be faced with the upsetting situation of finding out that a family member, friend or coworker has been diagnosed with a serious health condition. The…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Love is an intense feeling. If you’ve been in love before, you can attest to the fact that it seems like a roller coaster ride. One day all you want to do is to stare into the eyes of your significant other, and the next, you’re afraid of life without them. Unfortunately, sometimes love comes with disappointments and ultimately heartbreak. Going through these intense feelings…

Reading Time: 5 minutes We learn to tell untruths when we’re as young as two and begin to lie regularly at around the age of three when we understand that adults don’t actually know everything. Dad said I could. If you let me (blank), I’ll never ask you for anything again. He started it! We begin to tell “white” lies at around the age of seven. These are lies…

Reading Time: 8 minutes No one deserves to be abused or threatened. Yet, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in three US women and nearly one in four US men have experienced violence at the hands of a partner. While there is a global predominance of male perpetrators of abuse against female partners, the truth is, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can…

Reading Time: 5 minutes We all need to feel heard, especially by those we love. So, when your partner goes quiet and refuses to acknowledge what you say, it hurts. Stonewalling can be intentional or unintentional. Either way, it is hurtful to the recipient and may severely damage a relationship in the long run. What Is Stonewalling? The term “stonewalling” was popularized by John Gottman, a relationship researcher. It…

Reading Time: 4 minutes Although you may already know that one-on-one time is incredibly important within a relationship, you may not realize that quality time is one of the 5 love languages. Quality time is often seen as a way to strengthen a relationship. Giving each other your undivided attention can be a great way to communicate, focus on your relationship, and even avoid conflict. But when life is…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Occasional disagreements or misunderstandings are a normal part of family relationships. However, if you have a difficult relationship with one or more family members, it can start to impact your mental health. Taking steps to navigate disagreements or disputes is vital to looking after yourself. Here we will look at how to deal with difficult family relationships. What Makes Family Relationships Difficult? Human relationships and…

Reading Time: 6 minutes The harmful effects of verbal abuse can be just as devastating as other forms of abuse. But sadly, it’s not always easy to recognize. People of all ages can suffer from verbal abuse, and it can happen in any social setting, including among friends, family members, partners, peers, classmates, and work colleagues. It can have short and long-term consequences, affecting people’s mental health, stress levels,…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Being codependent in a relationship is more than being “needy.” It is “setting yourself on fire” to keep your partner warm because you believe you would not be okay without them. You probably sacrifice your comfort just to get them to stay in the relationship. Unconditional sacrifice might be your way of expressing love — and you might not know it yet but it is…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Movies and TV shows often push the narrative that a person is not “complete” until they find a romantic partner. It’s an idea that many of us grow up believing thanks to fairy tales we read in childhood. Meanwhile, being single is portrayed as a state of loneliness that must be endured until a person meets “The One”. Unfortunately, these stereotypes are extremely damaging –…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Everyone has a different way of expressing and receiving love. While some equate this feeling with spending time together, others prefer physical touch or receiving gifts. Some people, meanwhile, like it when their partner offers help in any way they can or showers them with compliments or words of encouragement. The concept described above is referred to as love language, developed by author and pastor…

Reading Time: 4 minutes When it feels like something is wrong in your relationship, it is normal to find yourself in a time of extreme anxiety, stress, and worry. A healthy relationship relies on openness, communication, and trust, and if any of these begin to dwindle then you may start to feel like a distance is forming between you and your spouse or partner. Noticing that something isn’t right…

Reading Time: 4 minutes One of the biggest challenges faced by people in relationships is how to express love in meaningful and intentional ways to those they care about. We all have different preferences when it comes to things that make us feel loved and cared for. So how to make sure that you are communicating your love in the way your partner wants to receive it? Keep reading…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Are you considering therapy for relationship issues? This guide will be useful to you. Here, you’ll learn when to seek therapy, how it’ll help, and how to find the right therapist. We also tell you about online relationship counseling, what to expect in therapy, and how to get the most out of it. Let’s get started. When to Seek Relationship Therapy When is the best…

Reading Time: 5 minutes You met someone new. You want to be with them, but they do not feel the same way. Now you can’t stop thinking about them no matter how hard you try. Perhaps your mind is filled with thoughts of your ex-lover. It gets so bad that some days, you can’t get much done. Unrequited love can be frustrating and leave us feeling pain, grief, or…

Reading Time: 11 minutes What is the average amount of sex that couples in long-term relationships are having? Sooner or later, people came to the point of discussing this question, seeking the ultimate criteria and checking whether they “hit the mark.” And that’s pretty natural. Married, cohabiting, and engaged couples notice that the frequency of sex declines with time. Many are concerned and even ashamed of this fact. They…

Reading Time: 12 minutes Relationships are an essential part of healthy living because social connections are crucial for our mental and physical health. From acquaintances to romances, relationships can enrich our lives and make us happier. But at the same time, relationships can also cause discomfort and even be harmful. Healthy vs unhealthy relationships Not all relationships are going to be perfect all the time, and we all have…

Reading Time: 4 minutes People in a toxic relationship often know that something is wrong, but they never know how serious the implications of such a union are. You might be feeling unhappy in your current relationship but keep trying to work things out because you do not want to leave. You might not define your relationship as toxic because you do not know the signs to look out…

Reading Time: 4 minutes “I hate my boyfriend.” If you’re currently feeling hatred towards your boyfriend, you may think your relationship is over. However, as many people will tell you, it happens a lot, especially if you’ve been dating for a while. Some days you love him, and other days you can’t stand him because of something he has done. However, sometimes, your feelings may be more serious. Therefore,…

Reading Time: 4 minutes People encounter different types of relationships over the course of their lives. From being in a romantic relationship to having friends or a long-term partner, interpersonal relationships are important for people’s mental health. Understand that each relationship you engage in brings with it something fresh and a chance to grow. Of course, there will be instances in those relationships when you will feel challenged, questioning…

Reading Time: 4 minutes Is being aromantic the same as being asexual? Aromanticism is often confused for asexuality, but these two orientations are not the same thing. And while someone might identify as both (an aromantic asexual), identifying as either identity doesn’t necessarily mean that you are the other. This article covers the topic of asexuality and aromanticism, explaining both concepts and highlighting their differences. We also tell you…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Every day is a chance to reaffirm our commitment and affection towards those with whom we are in romantic relationships. However, on February 14th of each year, people get a chance to honor their love for each other by sending gifts, flowers, and messages of love. The ritual of showing love and affection to those we care about has a long-standing history, originating way back…

Reading Time: 6 minutes When you’re in the honeymoon stage of your relationship, keeping the flame ablaze is effortless. The mere sight of the person you love is enough to send butterflies to your stomach. However, love is just the cherry on top of the cake if you want a healthy long-lasting relationship. It takes time and effort to build a lasting relationship. Therefore, if you believe the person…

Reading Time: 4 minutes Relationships are supposed to be fun and relaxing, helping us to work through challenges and maintain good mental health. However, at times they can be difficult to nurture. At some stage, you could be having an amazing time and sharing wonderful moments. At another stage, little things start to annoy more than usual and arguments persist. People facing relationship crises but are still committed to…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Abuse is not just a short-term argument between two people with insulting words exchanged. It’s a regular behavior pattern by one partner used to obtain total control and power over another one. It not only ruins the relationships but has serious negative consequences for a victim. It affects a person’s health and well-being and can be really devastating for their self-esteem, independence, and dignity. The…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Personality tests have been offered for decades, and on the internet, you can access a few decent quizzes at any time. These tests are quite important as they will allow you to self-reflect. After completing these tests, you will know yourself as a unique individual and not just as a member of a community. These quizzes will also make you understand your behavior, and eventually,…

Reading Time: 4 minutes Friendships are hard to come by as we get older, perhaps because people get caught up in their adulthood responsibilities, and they can only sustain a small circle of meaningful friendships. You will realize that you are not spending as much time as you used to with your friends during your youthful days. Some friendships may grow apart and become cold, and this is just…

Reading Time: 4 minutes The idea of emotional closeness is propagated just about in every media you can think of. However, an intimate relationship isn’t just gazing into each other’s eyes and holding hands. It’s actually much more! What Does It Mean to Have an “Intimate Relationship”? If you have no idea what’s the answer to the question above, don’t worry. Instead, let’s closely examine it. In an intimate…

Reading Time: 6 minutes There is no denying the fact that separation can be bitter. That said, most of the time, breaking ups are unavoidable in relationships and can have positive effects. You may be stressed wondering whether the decision to quit was the right one. Although the step may seem scary, please know that you will be fine. It does not matter whether you have been dating for…

Reading Time: 4 minutes Most people desire to have healthy and happy relationships. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky to have fulfilling ones. Research indicates that nearly 19% of Americans are not happy in relationships but still prefer to stay longer in them. It means most people are still optimistic their unhappy relationships can turn around for the better, while others are just stuck not knowing how to handle the…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Love can’t fade away suddenly. There must have been a trigger that caused it to happen: quarrels, misunderstandings, financial problems. Usually, the main reason is the routine of family life. On the one hand, it’s good to wake up together in the morning, have breakfast, drive to work together, meet in the evening after work, and spend time together watching a movie. Of course, there…

Reading Time: 6 minutes You’re past the awkward stage where you can’t seem to figure out whether it’s too soon to call him. He expressed interest in you, and you started dating. But there’s one problem. You’re not sure if he loves you or not. If you’ve only been dating for a while, it can be challenging to know where he stands. It’s even harder if he’s not a…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Before we get started, here are our key takeaways: Moving on when you still have feelings for your ex is hard but achievable. You need a positive mind, plus time to recover and move on after a heartbreak. Moving on requires patience and dedication, especially if you had invested a lot in your past relationship. Many factors make it hard for people to move on…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Friendship is one of the most important things in the life of each person. We all need a good buddy by our side to have fun together, to cry together, to share all the good moments we experience. But who is a true friend? Is there a place in a friendship for disappointments and fights? Can a true buddy abandon you when you need their…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Relationships are always evolving. It isnt uncommon to feel that your significant others feelings have suddenly taken an about-turn for the worse. However, when that change does happen unexpectedly, you are bound to start asking some serious questions. Fear not, though. Your girlfriend might not necessarily hate you or even harbor ill feelings towards you. Hate is quite a strong word. Therefore, at this point,…

Reading Time: 6 minutes Love and sex are dissimilar things. In society, however, there are exist various perceptions of how the two relate. Some view them interchangeably and assume that love will always be present as long as sex is there. This perception can result in challenges in a relationship. Others think that the two aren’t related. They hold an opinion that even if one is absent, there would…

Reading Time: 6 minutes How do I know whether my relationship will last? Is this the real deal? At one point in life, everyone asks themselves these questions. Getting answers is hard because love is a complex emotion. What?s more, not knowing the definition of romantic attraction throws a spanner in the works. The truth is, there are many different types of attraction. However, for most relationships, romantic attraction…