What are some emotions/states of being people commonly experience after a breakup? When a couple breaks up, it can stir up all kinds of emotions from anxiety and stress to feelings of total abandonment or the stages of grief that feel on par with the death of a loved one. Would you say there are different stages of a breakup, similar to how there are different stages of grief? Or are they one and the […]
How To Survive A Breakup Read More »
What is your name & role at The Relationship Place?
Hi! My name is Bianca Cordero, I’m an office manager at The Relationship Place and the executive assistant to Dr. Dana McNeil.
February Spotlight – Bianca Cordero Read More »
The status of the relationship can impact the appropriateness of the gift and often creates a desire to symbolize a partner’s role in someone’s life with a token of affection.
How does relationship status factor in when you’re gifting for Valentine’s Day? Read More »
Usually, no. Someone with true narcissistic personality disorder rarely sees themselves as a narcissist, because their self-centered way of thinking and behaving feels normal to them; it’s how they have always viewed themselves and the world. Some people with narcissistic traits do have moments of insight, especially when relationships or work start to suffer, but most don’t connect their problems to their own behavior. If you’re wondering whether you’ve been accommodating a narcissistic partner, these
Does A Narcissist Know He’s A Narcissist? Read More »
The signs of an invalidated childhood often show up in adulthood: pushing people away, needing constant validation from others, feeling it’s wrong to be vulnerable, having been told you’re “too sensitive,” parents who didn’t show up, being mocked as a child, perfectionism, dismissing your own accomplishments, chronic self-doubt and parents who played favorites. These patterns come from growing up in an environment where your feelings and experiences were repeatedly dismissed, and they can be healed.
10 Signs of an Invalidated Childhood and How to Heal From It Read More »
To handle stonewalling in a marriage, first recognize it for what it usually is: a partner who has become emotionally overwhelmed and shut down, not one who simply doesn’t care. Don’t push harder or chase them for an answer. Speak gently about how you feel, agree on a signal for when either of you needs a break, take at least a short time-out to calm down, and come back to the conversation when you’re both
Stonewalling in Marriages: 4 Constructive Ways to Handle It Read More »
What Is the Sound Relationship House? The Sound Relationship House is a foundational theory introduced and developed by Dr. John Gottman. It says that a foundationally strong relationship is like a house. It contains weight-bearing pillars and floors that help couples establish a strong link. This structure, called the Sound Relationship House, has provided numerous couples with the foundations they need to have happy, healthy relationships that last. It also underpins Gottman Method couples therapy,
7 Ways to Practice the Sound Relationship House in Marriage Read More »
To explain polyamory to a monogamous partner, start by reassuring them that you value them and the relationship, then explain what polyamory means to you and why you’re interested, speaking from your own feelings rather than criticizing the relationship. Pick a calm, private moment, expect surprise or resistance, and give your partner time to think and ask questions rather than pushing for an answer. Be honest about your motivations first; these questions for deciding whether
Explaining Polyamory to Your Partner: 9 Useful Tips Read More »
The best relationship resolutions for couples are ones you make together and can actually keep: spend more time alone together, stop telling small lies, learn each other’s love language, compliment each other more, go to bed at the same time, try one new activity a month, bring back intimacy, try couples therapy, make after-work conversations a priority and set a shared long-term goal. Pick two or three to start, make them specific and check in
10 Relationship Resolutions Couples Should Make Every Year Read More »
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.
How to Create Shared Meaning as Newlyweds or Newly Engaged Read More »