Can Compassion towards Yourself Make You a Better Relationship Partner?

 Can Compassion towards Yourself Make You a Better Relationship Partner?

Is it possible that practicing self-compassion in your relationship is related to both you AND your partner being more satisfied with your relationship?

On Valentine’s Day, I zoomed into the studios at Good Day Chicago to speak about a new research study on this topic…

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You Want to Work on Your Marriage but Your Spouse Doesn't

You Want to Work on Your Marriage but Your Spouse Doesn't

It’s not uncommon in long-term relationships for one person to want to work on their relationship, while the other one doesn’t. And at time stamps like the new year and anniversaries, this may feel particularly frustrating. As part of my ongoing “How to Have Hard Conversations” series, I answer a question along these lines.

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Gen Z is Sex-Positive but Relationship-Negative?

Gen Z is Sex-Positive but Relationship-Negative?

More than any prior generation, Generation Z seems to embrace sex positivity — that is, embracing sexual variety and various relationship forms. As long as the people involved are adults and consenting, Gen Z is less likely to judge their choices and actions. But while Gen Z seems to be more sex-positive and open-minded, they seem to be more relationship-negative…

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Why You Should “Bonjour” the H*** out of Your Partner

Why You Should “Bonjour” the H*** out of Your Partner

“You Americans are so self-involved and rude,” the Parisian said to me from behind his counter. He could have been plucked from the "indignant French hotelier" category from central casting.  My eyes widened and my cheeks grew hot. I was 28 years old and in Paris for the first time. I had celebrated the 2001 New Year…

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Permission to Embrace a New Facet of You

Permission to Embrace a New Facet of You

I have always loved Halloween and the excuse to dress up in a costume. This photo is from a party earlier this month with the theme of Glam Rock. This idea of dressing in costume and trying on a new character is related to my work in the intimacy and relationship field in multiple ways. The most obvious is role-playing…

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10 Relationship Questions for Your Wedding Anniversary

10 Relationship Questions for Your Wedding Anniversary

If you have an upcoming relationship or wedding anniversary, check out this list of relationship questions. I was talking to a couple recently about their upcoming 5-year wedding anniversary, and I suggested a reflection and growth activity for their anniversary dinner. We then brainstormed a list of 10 questions, with the intent to cultivate…

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