Conflict is unavoidable, whether it’s between you and your kids, co-workers, or your significant other. The higher the stakes in the relationship, the more it is likely to hurt. People respond in different ways. Stonewalling in marriage is often a knee-jerk response that individuals use to protect themselves when the emotional tide becomes too overwhelming. It’s not unlike a fight or flight response. It is an emotional escape. What Is Stonewalling and How Does It […]

When people in a relationship are used to being monogamous, getting into a polyamorous relationship is a difficult concept to grasp. There is some stigma and misunderstanding when it comes to polyamory. Many people don’t even know what being polyamorous entails, while others may be intimidated by the idea of entering an open relationship. This is why explaining polyamory to your partner can be extremely challenging. As such, it’s important for couples to understand what

As the new year rolls around, many people start to make resolutions to improve their way of living. While this is a great way to start the year off on the right foot, it’s also important to remember that your marriage should be one of your top priorities too. For married couples, there will be stages in your marriage when you’ll find it difficult to rekindle your passion and closeness with your spouse. Maybe you’re

The wonders of the holidays feel special for those who are newly engaged or celebrating for the first time as newlyweds. Couples can feel happy and potentially anxious about how to use them as a springboard to make meaningful memories and celebrate them in a way that uniquely defines them as a couple.

Our founder, Dr. Dana McNeil, was recently featured in an article written for Ask Men Magazine. Experts were asked, “What is your top way to find love in 2022?” Dr. Dana offered tip number 5. 5. Network With Dates Who Didn’t Work Out This may seem like strange advice, but according to marriage and family therapist Dana McNeil, the more you expand your social circle, the more likely it is you’ll meet someone. “If you

Our founder, Dr. Dana McNeil, chatted with Nyree host of the Stolen Our Heart Podcast, about pets and their impact on a couple’s relationship. She answered questions about resentment, sharing of tasks, boundaries, choice of pet, when is the best time to get a pet, when is something a dealbreaker, and more.

This piece was originally published on Gottman.com and is republished here with permission from the Gottman Institute. How a simple “thank you” can create connection As a couple, did you know that you’re not required to do nice things for each other? Did you know you don’t have to want to do those things? It’s true. That’s why anything you or your partner do for each other is a gift.   While many of my clients give me