Common Sense Media’s recent study of over 1,000 adolescent boys (ages 11-17) across the United States revealed important information about how their identity is impacted by online exposure. The study found that their identity around masculinity, their emotional well being and their self esteem are significantly influenced by social media platforms and gaming communities. Here…
Despite the decline in divorce rates, emotional disconnect, lack of emotional safety, and unresolved conflict (including chronic bickering) remain leading contributors to relationship breakdowns. What remains consistent is the impact. Couples always have a choice in how they navigate the deconstruction of their unions, a layered onion involving complex emotions, behavior choices impacting children, social…
Key Takeaways Most relationship struggles stem from a lack of emotional safety, not just communication problems. Emotional availability — being open and responsive — can’t exist without safety first. Constant bickering often masks deeper fears of rejection, neglect, or feeling unlovable. Assessing respect, trust, empathy, and love levels helps reveal hidden emotional gaps. Rebuilding emotional…
Some days, my goal is simply to put one foot in front of the other consistently enough to make it through to the end of the day. I’m in a life stage where it is easy to feel out of control, with two young kids and a full plate of activities (on top of work…
Building a strong emotional connection with your partner is crucial for a fulfilling relationship, but it’s not always easy to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of building a strong emotional connection, the key elements of a strong bond and how to know if you have them, common signs of…
“It feels like we’re just roommates.” As a sex therapist, that is one of the most common concerns I hear from couples. They’ll explain that their relationship started out with chemistry and sparks and a strong physical connection during the “honeymoon phase,” but then gradually, the fire faded and now they feel a million miles…
You still love him, but you don’t feel close to him. Perhaps your lives are busy with kids, activities and work. You might feel like you’ve lost the connection you initially had. You’ve reached a point in your relationship where you realize that you no longer know his thoughts and feelings, and you are quite…
Sexuality Changes across Lifetime Stages Most of us assume that dramatic sexual shifts are reserved for menopause or “old age.” But in reality, changes can happen at any stage of life. Sex is not static. Just like our body, our desire, and our relationship, sexuality ebbs and flows. To oversimplify, during the teens and 20s…
Pete was worried stiff. Daisy, his wife, had not been herself for the past few weeks. She didn’t talk much and seemed lost in thought. He couldn’t think of anything he had done to upset her, so he decided to prod. “You loathe me, Pete!” Daisy cried. “You talk to me like I’m a clueless…
What Is Love? Love is a feeling that can be expressed in many different ways. It can be communicated through words, actions and behaviors. It is a deep feeling of affection and caring for another person. It is a necessary part of relationships, but in and of itself not enough to sustain relationships through the…