Childhood friendships are often some of our earliest experiences with trust, loyalty, and even conflict.

They help us navigate the ups and downs of human connection at a young age, teaching us how to share, compromise, and stand up for ourselves.

Yet, these friendships are more than just fond memories or fleeting bonds; they leave a lasting mark on our emotional development, influencing how we relate to others in adulthood—especially in romantic relationships.

Unpacking this “emotional baggage” can bring valuable self-awareness to our adult relationships, offering insights into our attachment styles, our tendencies in conflict, and even our expectations for loyalty and trust.

In this post, we’ll explore the powerful effects of childhood friendships on adult relationships and how to process these influences in a healthy, constructive way.

In times of stress, even the strongest couples can slip into unconscious roles, with one partner taking on a “parent” role and the other falling into a “child” role.

This dynamic, called “parentification,” often emerges subtly. Over time, though, it can create a power imbalance, leading to resentment, dependency, and even erosion of intimacy.

Understanding how and why partners fall into these roles, as well as how to break free from them, is essential for a healthy, balanced relationship.

In this post, we’ll explore the “parentification” trap, how it can affect romantic partnerships, and practical ways couples can restore equality and mutual support.

In the world of relationships, “quality time” is often seen as moments filled with engaging conversation, shared activities, or meaningful experiences.

But for many couples, especially those who value a mix of connection and independence, there’s another way to enjoy togetherness that’s deeply satisfying.

Known as “time alone together,” this practice is a kind of adult version of “parallel play” – a term that comes from developmental psychology and describes how children often play side-by-side, absorbed in their own activities, yet comforted by the presence of the other.

Time alone together allows couples to feel close simply by sharing space, each doing their own thing. This approach, although subtle, provides a balance of intimacy and autonomy that can be transformative in relationships.

In this post, we’ll dive into what time alone together means, explore its roots in concepts like parallel play, and look at how it strengthens bonds while respecting each partner’s individuality.

When one partner sacrifices their career for the other, it can lead to unspoken resentment and feelings of loss.

While it may seem loving at first, the effects of career sacrifices can linger, affecting a couple’s connection, satisfaction, and personal identity.

This post explores how couples can address career sacrifices with empathy and respect to prevent long-term resentment and foster a healthier, more supportive relationship.

Meet Laura and Ben, a couple who faced hidden struggles after Laura made career sacrifices to support Ben’s demanding new government job across the country.

Their story, shared here, highlights the importance of discussing unspoken losses, validating each other’s needs, and reconnecting as a team.

Meet Emily and David, a couple who’ve not only built a marriage but also an impressive real estate portfolio. They own most of 2 square blocks in downtown of their small hometown in Western Massachusetts, making them known locally as the “power couple.”

David, an entrepreneur on the autism spectrum, is strategic and detail-oriented.

His wife, Emily, is a natural-born leader—a confident, dominant personality who’s decisive in both business and their relationship. Their dynamic is a fascinating balance of strengths, but it also brings challenges.

In therapy, Emily and David are seeking ways to manage their contrasting styles without letting business stress and power struggles erode their relationship.

Let’s explore the unique complexities of being in a relationship with a dominant partner, especially when one partner is on the autism spectrum, and dive into real research-backed strategies to help them—and others—find balance and respect.

Recent research has unveiled fascinating connections between dark personality traits and criminal behavior, suggesting that specific traits like Machiavellianism play a major role in recurrent criminality.

But to truly grasp these findings, it’s essential to consider them within a larger cultural context—particularly through the lens of Cultural Narcissism.

This framework sheds light on how society’s evolving values might be amplifying certain dark personality traits, leading to an environment that, in some cases, promotes manipulation, deception, and self-centered behavior.

Tilda tilted her head back and attempted to blow smoke rings.

“Daniel, Perel told me relationship expectations are a racket. We all know this. We pretend to be fascinated by each other's hobbies, last night, I feign smiles during Harry’s third retelling of whatever…, and nod sagely as he announces he’s ‘gonna cut down on his doomscrolling… this time for real.’

But underneath all the polite lies, the real foundation of any enduring relationship is a shared aversion, the virtues of grim keeping.”

Tilda barely suppressed a smile.

Enter: grim keeping, the pastime that actually keeps some couples together.

Tilda deadpanned…Love Is Overrated, But Disdain? …Now That’s Forever

In the midst of a world unraveling under the weight of war, loss, and estrangement, one phrase captures the essence of unyielding human hope: “keep the home fires burning.”

This simple yet profound exhortation has echoed through generations, carrying with it a legacy of warmth, persistence, and a quiet defiance in the face of terror.

To truly understand its impact, we must peel back the layers of its origin and explore what it reveals about the American spirit of intimacy and resilience—a spirit that endures even when marinated in uncertainty and fear.

Couples therapy can be a transformative process for relationships, providing tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.

Despite these benefits, many couples still hesitate or choose not to pursue therapy. Understanding why couples avoid therapy is essential for destigmatizing and promoting its use.

Let’s review the most common reasons, supported by social science research, and examine how these factors influence decision-making.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted societal norms, forcing folks and families to redefine what stability and satisfaction mean in their lives.

As we move through what many are calling "The Great Rebalancing," couples must adjust not only to a new normal but also to lasting changes in the way relationships function.

This post will explore how relationships are evolving post-pandemic, what “rebalancing” looks like in practice, and provide research-backed strategies for couples navigating these shifts.

How Did the Pandemic Change Relationships?

Think back to the last time you met someone who was genuinely kind—how did they look to you?

Sure, they might not have walked off a magazine cover, but chances are, they seemed to radiate a certain glow, a sparkle that made them more appealing.

Now, thanks to some intriguing new research, we know that glow is not just in your head.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Social Psychology has revealed that being kind and helpful doesn’t just make you popular at the office potluck; it actually makes you look more physically attractive.

Yes, your mom was right all along: being nice makes you beautiful. Who knew she was moonlighting as a social psychologist?

Emotions—our lifelong companions—often steer our thoughts, behaviors, and responses in ways that can feel as overwhelming as they are profound.

Happiness and joy are celebrated for their uplifting, motivational effects, while sadness and fear are typically dismissed as unwanted houseguests we’re eager to usher out.

However, new research published in Cognition & Emotion is shaking up this narrative, showing that sadness and fear may actually play an important role in enhancing self-control.