Let's Talk Relationships (Page 2)

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Updated:

Relationships have incredible upsides, in fact too many to list here. But they can also be a lot of work if we’re being honest. We know the dynamics of romantic partnerships can feel somewhat like a mystery, especially if it’s your first or your first serious one in a while.

So to ease things up, our experts have agreed to provide key insights into navigating the ebbs and flows of relationships, and how they can add value and joy to our lives.

Our expert-backed content provides readers with the advice to approach relationships with intention, effort, and understanding. Whether you’re in a relationship or dating to find one, our experts want to guide you to take healthy steps toward meeting your goals.

We’ll recommend the best dating apps and sites for getting serious and discuss the steps you should take to settle down and commit. Our authors also cover the five love languages, attachment styles, codependency, and more helpful tips, so you can love better and live fuller.

1118 Results

What Our Experts Say:

31.
Survey: 59% of People in a Relationship Say Their Routines Change When Their Partners Aren’t Around
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Every couple who lives together has periods of time when one is home while the other travels. Whether it’s holidays, work trips, or vacations with friends, these periods of separation create extra solo time. And we wondered: Do people behave differently when their partners are away? We surveyed over 1,000 Americans in long-term relationships about how their routines, behaviors, and moods change when their partner...

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32.
What Is the Sidewalk Rule? And Why Is It Controversial?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Something old is new again. The old-fashioned “sidewalk rule” is still widely practiced around the world, even though the conditions that necessitated it are long gone.   The sidewalk rule dictates a social expectation that when a heterosexual couple walks together on a sidewalk, the man should walk on the outside near the traffic, and the woman should walk on the inside near the buildings.  This...

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33.
Neurodiverse Couples, Embrace Your Differences With These Communication Tips
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: If you’re neurodivergent, then you understand just how challenging it can be to explain your perspective to others. Benjamin Meyer, a licensed clinical social worker, couples counselor, and fellow neurodivergent individual, told us how couples can overcome communication barriers and sensory issues when one or both people are neurodiverse.  “The other kids just know how to fit in. Why can’t...

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34.
A Therapist Reflects on Relationships in 40 Years of Couples Counseling
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Linda Bloom LCSW has been helping couples lead healthier relationships since 1975, and while a lot has changed, relationships are facing many of the same stressors they did nearly five decades ago. Linda filled us in on the changes and how modern couples can seek closer connection.  Don’t tell my parents, but the 1980s were 40 years ago. And a lot has changed since then. My parents are...

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35.
Never Fear: A Therapist’s Advice For Decision-Making In Relationships
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Fear can turn decision-making into an impossible process, especially when your relationship is on the line. Nicole Richardson, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Marriage and Family Therapist, told us how the best ways to overcome fear is to gain insight into our motivations and accept the outcomes of our choices.  Some call it caution, some call it common sense, but the most...

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36.
What Is Monogamy & Is It Realistic In Modern Dating?
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

If you’re a ‘90s kid like me, monogamy has been imprinted in your mind just as much as a love for Jim Carrey and the lyrics to Britney Spears’ hit classic “Baby One More Time.” The concept — which has traditionally been defined as “the state or custom of being married to only one person at a time” — was the only relationship model depicted in the songs, movies, and other media of old. Monogamous precepts were the...

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37.
Having Relationship Problems? Focus on Friendship First
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: If your relationship problems have become too overwhelming, it’s time to focus on friendship with your partner. We talked to Michael McNulty, Ph.D., LCSW about how focusing on friendship can help couples get back to basics, work on their relationships, and rediscover intimate connection.  The Gottman Method remains one of the most popular and effective therapy modalities for married couples. The...

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38.
What Is a Remote Relationship? Love in the Age of Technology
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

If love is a battlefield, then long-distance relationships are the trenches — and my aunt and uncle were the toughest soldiers on the field. I’ll never forget the Christmas we sat on the couch next to the glow of the fireplace, and I listened to them tell me the story of their love.  They met during senior year of high school, in a small town in Kentucky, then ended up enrolling in colleges on complete opposite...

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39.
What is Codependency in Dating and Relationships?
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

From afar, Kate and Andy looked like the perfect couple. He was a "golden boy" college hockey player, and she was a soft-spoken childhood education major. As Kate’s roommate, I knew her relationship made her happy. But something felt off. Kate was always quiet, but around Andy, she was practically silent. Meanwhile Andy was loud and proud about his feelings. He loved PDA (public displays of affection). They seemed...

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40.
5 Experts Pick the Best Dating Sites for Relationships[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

If you feel like everyone online is looking for sex, chances are, you’re swiping in the wrong places. Tinder with its superficial swiping might not be right for you. Instead, you need a serious platform full of singles ready to find long-term love. But where do you go? We sought advice from five trusted experts in the dating field. Their recommendations for the best dating sites for relationships could change the...

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41.
Survey Reveals the Christmas Gifts Women Would Hate to Receive
Jon McCallister

Jon McCallister

Christmas is a time for giving, receiving, eating, and rejoicing. Yes, this is the time of year when people go the extra mile to make each other happy, cooking epic feasts, serenading them with carols, and, of course, choosing that one perfect gift that will make their partner love them even more than they already do.  Or is it? Let’s face it, there are always going to be some gifts that get received with a...

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42.
A Therapist’s Unique Approach to Couples Counseling Involves a Weekend Getaway
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Every couple encounters obstacles in their relationship. Why not face them on a weekend getaway? Dr. Dana McNeil offers Therapy Getaway Intensives through her practice at The Relationship Place. When you’re away from home, you and your partner can address your problems and receive important conflict resolution tools from Dana.  Dr. Dana McNeil helped people overcome different types of...

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43.
What Is Active Listening? And How Can It Fix Your Relationship?
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

I’m coming in hot with a story to start us off. On the way to get tacos, my ex and I once got into an argument about an encounter we had with his friends a few weeks before. Over drinks, these friends had launched into a discussion about someone who had hooked up with “a lot of fat women.” Except it wasn’t just an observation — they were shaming this person for their dating habits, and it came across very fatphobic...

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44.
A Relationship Coach’s Guide to the End of the Honeymoon Phase
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Relationships face their first real test at the end of the honeymoon phase. Will your love grow, or will it fade? Men’s relationship coach Emyli Lovz gave us tips on how to overcome common post-honeymoon relationship hurdles, from a flagging spark to ineffective communication.  I didn’t know I was in the honeymoon phase until it ended. My first real boyfriend and I were trying to decide on...

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45.
The Go-To Educational Resource Created By The Ethical Non-Monogamy Community
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: If you’re new to the ethical non-monogamy community or simply want to learn more about it, Nonmono is a go-to educational resource. László Ágoston, Nonmono’s founder and ENM community member, dispelled misconceptions, opened up about his personal experiences, and shared important lessons.  Too often, non-monogamy lurks in society’s shadows. But in bars, clubs, hotels, and homes in your own city,...

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46.
A Psychic May Help You Discover Insights on Love, Life, & Relationships
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Have a love question you’ve been dying to ask a psychic? Sarah Kramer talked to us about how you can make that happen with AstroInner. AstroInner virtually connects you with psychics for meaningful readings and fresh perspectives. During one college fall break, I decided to go home with my roommate instead of paying my family a visit. My roommate was from Brooklyn, and the offer was...

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47.
How Young Couples Are Navigating Social Media & Romantic Relationships
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The way people “launch” or announce their new romantic relationships online has evolved, especially for younger generations. While Facebook Official was once the way for many new couples to announce their relationship status, it has now been dubbed "outdated." Our survey of 1,000 millennials and Gen Zers found that many now prefer a more subtle approach to sharing personal details about their love lives...

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48.
What Are the 5 Love Languages? Tips for Improving Relationships
Anggi Pradhini

Anggi Pradhini

Falling in love at first sight is all too easy. Staying in love is another matter entirely. A healthy relationship requires lifelong effort from both partners to keep the connection going strong. Much like those flowers you got for Valentine’s Day, a beautiful love can wilt if you don’t regularly work on your relationship. That initial desire can fade, and before you know it, what was once a whirlwind romance can...

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49.
Ordering Takeout Might be the Reason You’re Single! New Survey Finds Cooking Can Improve a Relationship
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Dating in today’s world has become somewhat of a mystery, and I know I’m not the only one who is getting confused. With all the trends on social media telling you what to do and what not to do, how’s a girl supposed to know what to expect? Finding someone who matches your freak and lets you go into goblin mode is harder than it looks, and thanks to the recent season of “Love Is Blind,” a new controversy has come...

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50.
What Our Ancestors Can Tell Us About Our Future Romantic Relationships
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Our ancestors are long gone, but they continue to inform our relationships — even romantic ones. FamilySearch, a non-profit organization that offers genealogical resources, provides insights into people’s inherited behavioral patterns. FamilySearch’s Senior Marketing Manager, Heidi Camacho, explained how our past can affect our romantic futures.  I’ve always been curious about my ancestors,...

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51.
Nearly 1 in 3 Pet Owners Love Their Pets More Than Their Partners 
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Pets are our best friends and companions, but what happens when they have competition for your affection? For some, pets are basically family, which can make it difficult to find a pet-loving partner, handle co-parenting with a significant other, or figure out pet logistics after a relationship ends.  A new survey of more than 900 Americans explores how pets impact relationships for better and sometimes for...

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52.
What Is a Situationship: Defining the New Norm in Hookup Culture
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

A situationship is like a relationship, but not quite. Situationships are sexual and romantic relationships that are undefined — you're not officially dating, but you’re engaging in many of the same activities that couples do. Gen Z has created and popularized the term in an attempt to describe the unique sort of relationships they find themselves in. Situationships are similar to a friends-with-benefits...

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53.
What Is Conflict Resolution? Its Role in Dating & Relationship Success
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

Here’s a question for everyone in a long-term relationship: What was your first fight about?  The first real conflict I had with my first boyfriend was about a weekend road trip. A blizzard was supposed to hit the same weekend, but he still wanted to go. I felt our safety was at risk; he felt that our already-paid-for weekend trip was at risk.  Conflict resolution happens when each person makes an...

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54.
Survey Reveals the Most Romantic Fall Getaway Destinations
Jon McCallister

Jon McCallister

Fall is one of the most romantic times of the year. The world outside is turning from a lush green to stunning shades of gold, red, and orange. The colder temperatures bring the promise of snuggles around the fire with a mug of hot cocoa in hand.  A fall getaway with your loved one can be awfully romantic, whether you're bundling up for a stroll through fall foliage, heading to a local farm to pick a pumpkin,...

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55.
How A Therapist Traces Relationship Issues Back To Your Brain 
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Dr. Sophia Dorton Caudle, a psychotherapist based in North Carolina, has made a career out of diving into people’s heads. She specializes in sex therapy and addiction for all ages. Dr. Sophia gave us some insight into how relationship issues can be traced back to our childhoods, and how we can heal from deeply ingrained bad habits.  The mind is a mysterious place. I can barely explain what...

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56.
The Holistic Matchmaking Approach Touting an Impressive Success Rate
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Matchmaking simplifies many aspects of dating, but it’s not a magic fix for your dating problems. We talked to matchmaker Trea Tijmens about her holistic approach and why the matchmaking process goes best when it has coaching to back it up. When you create a profile on a dating app, you have to answer a lot of questions. And some of them get personal. The last time I was on Hinge, the app let...

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57.
Inspiring Quotes About Love
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

I am a big fan of quotes. When I was in theater in high school, I loved having a Shakespeare quote or two handy.  Even before the internet — I had books of quotes at home.  (“Peter’s Quotations,” published in 1977 and “The Guinness Book of Poisonous Quotes,” published in 1991, among others)   Why do I like quotes so much? I’d refer you to the quote, “I quote others only in order the better to express myself.” —...

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58.
What Does It Mean to Commit in the Modern Age? A Marriage Expert Has the Answers
Jules Chen

Jules Chen

The Short Version: Fear of commitment is a common thread in the world, but it doesn't have to be so scary. Dr. Scott Sibley of Decide to Commit urges people to invest in love and take action to ensure their relationships last. Things couldn’t have been more perfect: I was seeing someone and starting to think that we might soon become an item. We shared similar values and interests, and over the course of several...

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59.
How a Blog Helps Singles Make Sense of the Modern Dating World
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The Short Version: Finding a date isn’t as difficult as it used to be. While online dating is an incredible dating resource, it can be a bit tricky to navigate sometimes. Platforms such as Chi Rho Dating provide insight and helpful dating tips for singles seeking a true connection. Chi Rho Dating has all sorts of newsletters, guides, and fun content to connect with its audience and change the way people...

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60.
What Is the Meaning of Romance?
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

If you’re searching for the meaning of romance, you may have a hard time finding an exact answer. What romance means to me is not necessarily what it means to you, your hairdresser, or your best friend. Someone might consider a public proposal in front of a stadium to be romantic…but for an introvert like me? I shudder at the thought.  While we may not all be able to agree on what counts as romantic, there...

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Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

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