Relationships

“Monkey branching” describes a dating behavior where someone continues to pursue other potential partners while already in a relationship, often without the knowledge or consent of their current partner.  The term comes from the image of a monkey swinging from one branch to another, never fully letting go of the…

Friends make up a huge part of most peoples’ lives, but over time, friendships can fade and drift apart if they aren’t maintained. Fostering and putting effort into friendships is key to making sure those relationships stay strong and close.  That being said, it can be hard to know where…

Dating someone with depression can be rewarding, but it may also require you as a partner to offer emotional strength and support in unique ways. Though depression doesn’t always create barriers to romantic relationships, depressive symptoms can affect the way your partner is able to express their emotions both verbally…

Despite what it sounds like, sleep divorce doesn’t always spell the end of a relationship. It’s what happens when one or both partners decide to sleep in separate beds. As controversial as it sounds, it’s actually pretty common.  But does sleep divorce truly spell the end of a relationship? And…

Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and not all are monogamous. While most people are only familiar with monogamous relationships, polyamory involves multiple nonmarital relationships between partners.  Polyamory isn’t about being able to do whatever you want with other people, while still reaping the benefits of going steady with…

Codependency is a bit of a buzzword—a term we hear mentioned frequently but may not quite understand. Perhaps you think you know: It’s when two partners can’t function without each other, right? Not quite—and it’s not the same as relationship anxiety.   Understanding codependent behaviors starts with examining how they can…

As the adage goes, opposites attract… or do they? From horoscopes, classic rom-coms, and even our dating app preferences, many of us seem almost obsessed with our personality types and who we are (and aren’t) compatible with.  Now consider an unlikely romantic relationship between two people with personality types that…

Every person has challenges. As does every couple and every family. Together, that’s a lot of challenges! Which is why marriage and family therapy exists.  Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals who are trained in psychotherapy and family systems. They’re able to help people through the…

Grief is something most people would rather avoid. But inevitably, the emotional whirlwind of grief and bereavement is a process each of us goes through in our lifetime. Grief is about loss—a loss of any kind, whether it’s the death of a family member, pet, the end of a relationship,…

Narcissists are extremely self-centered. These are the people that make everything about themselves—the ones that brag every chance they get and truly think they’re better than others.  Some narcissistic individuals have their egotistical tendencies under control, but others have a more serious problem: a disorder rooted in their narcissism. When…

Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue within the United States, and is a form of mistreatment and control that can be inflicted physically emotionally, sexually, verbally, and even financially. Domestic abuse is typically committed by an intimate partner, roommate, or relative. Domestic abuse is often a cyclical process that affects…

Q: How can I cope with my spouse who has an alcohol abuse problem? It is hard seeing it every day and not knowing if he will ever seek help. A: Hi there, We’re so sorry to hear that you’re struggling — we know it’s so difficult to cope with…