Let's Talk Relationships (Page 4)

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Posted:

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:

91.
What Are Dating Dealbreakers? Understanding What Makes or Breaks Relationships
Emma Estrada

Emma Estrada

Everybody has things they can’t stand in a potential partner. On a first date, certain pet peeves may make you want to give up before you’ve even started. Sometimes, these red flags are hard to spot.  The significance of dating dealbreakers cannot be understated. If you can know your dealbreakers early on in the dating timeline, you’ll be better off down the line and more protected from getting hurt or...

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92.
10 Best Relationship Authors for 2024
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

My mom is a school counselor and a big believer in affirmations. She has an app on her phone that sends her a written affirmation every morning, and in the days before smartphones, she kept an affirmation calendar pad on our kitchen table. As a teenager, I thought affirmations were strictly corny. As an adult, I’m an affirmation reader and repeater. The words we read have the power to stay with us and impact...

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93.
Lemarc Thomas Matchmaking Agency Goes In-Depth With Clients for Conscious Introductions
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Lemarc Thomas Matchmaking Agency offers a bespoke matchmaking experience for successful professionals who yearn for partnership amid their busy lives. Lemarc Thomas is a global introductions agency based in Sweden that serves clients across the globe. Elin Ribjer is the agency’s Matchmaking Director. She talked to us about Lemarc Thomas’s approach to conscious matchmaking and how the hands-on...

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94.
What Are Serious Relationships? (And Why They Matter)
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

From being called a best friend to a girlfriend, titles have always been very important to me in relationships. I guess you can say I felt this way because the role of girlfriend makes me feel legit and secure in a relationship. A guy can always express fondness or show interest in me, but it doesn’t count as anything serious until they ask me to be their girlfriend. That’s when I know we are seriously...

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95.
Momental Designs Crafts Hand-Painted Wedding Stationery as Unique as Your Love Story
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Momental Designs creates custom, hand-painted wedding stationery that leaves a lasting impression. The studio, founded by lead artist Kristy Rice, offers bespoke watercolor stationery infused with personal details. Kelley Nudo is Momental Design’s Operations Director. She talked to us about the studio’s approach and offerings and gave couples some tips about how to handle the stationery and...

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96.
Struggling in Your Relationship? Couples Retreats can be a Game-Changer … and a Vacation
Emma Estrada

Emma Estrada

The Short Version: Not everyone is ready for couples therapy, but everyone could use a vacation. This realization led couples therapist Marissa Nelson to begin her work on IntimacyMoons, her transformative couples retreat program. Marissa helps couples improve their sex lives, communication skills, and emotional intimacy, all while having a wonderful time away from home. “We had the best sex of our life. We went...

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97.
What Is an Open Relationship? The Types, Benefits & Challenges
Cassey Ashley Sua

Cassey Ashley Sua

You may have heard of open relationships before. But how different are they from your classic monogamous relationship? Is your person still your person? An open relationship is like a dating buffet  — you've got plenty of options on the table, and you're free to sample every single one. In an open relationship, both (or all) parties agree to have romantic connections and sexual activities with others outside of...

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98.
The Essentials of Serious Dating: Definition, Characteristics & Impact
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The rise of dating apps and sites has brought with it a lot of new dating terms. And everyone seems to have their own definitions and biases. With all these shifts in how people approach their dating life, it can be tough to know where you stand. When does a friend with benefits become a situationship? When does a steady hookup become exclusive? And what is serious dating?  Serious dating means looking for a...

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99.
Survey: Is Having an AI Boyfriend or Girlfriend Cheating?
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Not long ago, many folks were worried about robots taking over the planet. Now, some people are genuinely open to the idea of dating an AI boyfriend or girlfriend, with 31.26% of people who took part in our survey saying they’d be open to an AI bot ‘dating’ their partner.  What’s changed? And what does this mean for the future of traditional relationships?  In 2024, people are beginning to accept AI...

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100.
Dating Support for Christians, from the Early Stages of Dating to Marriage
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Marriage Sharing is a robust online resource for Christian singles and couples who want to improve their relationships with themselves, each other, and God. Chaplain Felice Mathieu is a Christian Marriage Coach and the person behind Marriage Sharing. Felice talked to us about the website and his coaching offerings, plus gave Christian daters some tips for navigating the dating scene with...

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101.
This Therapist Helps Couples Renew Trust and Connection After Betrayal
Jordan Sprogis

Jordan Sprogis

The Short Version: Infidelity is at an all-time high: Around 44% of unmarried couples and 18% of married couples say they have had a physical or emotional affair. Although cheating is one of the leading causes of divorce, some couples make the courageous decision to remain together. This isn’t an easy choice to make, but it is possible to rebuild trust after betrayal, especially with the help of an experienced...

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102.
What is Intimacy? Types, Challenges & Ways to Express It
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

People from all over the world ponder what love really means to them. What’s the magic that brings two people together? And what keeps those people happy and healthy over an extended period of time? Intimacy, according to psychologists, is a key aspect of a healthy relationship.  Plenty of us have associated this term with knocking boots, getting jiggy with it (I can’t believe I just typed that), or indulging in a...

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103.
Pride Across America: 3 in 5 Wish Their Community Was More LGBTQ+ Friendly
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

LGBTQ+ visibility is reaching new heights every year. Gay culture in the U.S. is undeniable and nationwide. While some feel comfortable being out and proud wherever they are, others are struggling with safety concerns.  What’s it like to be an LGBTQ+ American in 2024? Do they feel safe in their communities? We surveyed over 1,000 LGBTQ+ Americans across the nation for their perspectives on where they live...

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104.
Relationship Expert Paula Quinsee Provides Tools to Help Couples Overcome Everyday Conflict 
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Conflict is an inevitable part of being in a relationship – but that needn’t be a bad thing. Renowned author and relationship expert Paula Quinsee challenges couples to rethink their approach to disagreement. Instead of seeing conflict as a villain to be defeated, think of it as a vital force for fostering growth and understanding. With her wealth of wisdom and years of experience, she highlights...

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105.
John Kenny Helps Singles Break Negative Relationship Patterns and Find Secure & Loving Companionship
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Patterns can be hard to break, especially when they appear in our relationships. Relationship coach John Kenny talked to us about negative relationship patterns, why they manifest, and what people who are struggling with them can do to break free and discover more positive dating experiences. John discussed attachment styles and how relationship beliefs can have a huge impact on the trajectory of a...

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106.
Unlocking the Secrets of Self and Love Through Dream Analysis 
Cassey Ashley Sua

Cassey Ashley Sua

The Short Version: Dream analysis shines a light on the perspectives of those healing from trauma by inspiring heartfelt dialogues of their unconscious. Daniel Boscaljon and Angela Amias are on a mission to help individuals forge a path to personal growth and develop deeper and more profound connections through Alchemy of Love. When we talked with Daniel, he underscored the importance of understanding and addressing...

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107.
The Top 9 Most Common Ways Cheaters Get Caught
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

For obvious reasons, the exact number of cheaters was once unclear. But that was before we conducted a revealing study. We surveyed more than 1,000 people in a relationship to discover not so much whether they’ve cheated — but how they or their partner got caught red-handed. What we discovered was mind-boggling: 83% have been involved in a cheating relationship, with the stats climbing to a staggering 93% among...

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108.
How Do You Know When He’s A Keeper?
Lauren Sanders

Lauren Sanders

How do you know if a man is a keeper? What are the hallmarks of a healthy relationship? Many women wonder what qualities a man should exhibit if he’s marriage material. We’re here to shed some light on that topic. Here are some undeniable must-haves for the ideal mate. 1. He Treats You Well The most obvious sign that the man you’re dating is a keeper is if he treats you well. Is he consistently kind? Is he...

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109.
What Does “Gaslighting” Mean in Relationships? Tactics, Blame, and Your Self-Esteem
Karen Belz

Karen Belz

"Gaslighting" is a popular term when it comes to relationship issues — but this buzzword can be misunderstood and misused. Gaslighting isn't merely lying to or disagreeing with a partner. Gaslighting is psychological manipulation meant to make someone doubt their life experiences and question their thoughts. It's a form of abuse that can lead to anxiety, depression, and extremely low self-esteem. The term...

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110.
What Does Courtship Mean?
Karen Belz

Karen Belz

Dating has gone through some changes over the last few decades. Nowadays, it's not a requirement for men to pay for dinner dates, individuals usually meet each other at a set location instead of being picked up, and if a relationship blooms, it's pretty common for a couple to live together before tying the knot — if they choose to tie the knot at all.  But while "courtship" may have faded out of your...

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111.
Dating in 2024: Social Media Stalking & Background Checks
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The simplicity of dating has all but disappeared in 2024. People rarely walk up to someone and ask them out on a date. Instead, many look for love online, hoping to connect with someone via dating apps before meeting in person.  In a survey of over 1,000 American singles, we’re discovering more about this digital dating process, including how far some will go to learn more about a date before physically...

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112.
How Divorced Americans Navigate Dating and Relationships
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Divorce can be emotionally and mentally draining, and many divorced Americans may hesitate to jump back into the dating pool. But is the reality of dating after divorce as bleak as some people think? More than 1 in 6 divorced Americans are actively dating, and many are hopeful they’ll find love again. We surveyed more than 600 divorced Americans to understand how they handle the dating world and the challenges of...

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113.
A Celebrant Can Make or Break a Wedding: Officiant Alisa Tongg Gives Couples Tips for Choosing the Right One
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: The officiant of a wedding can have a huge impact on everything about the day, from the overall vibe to the big “I do” itself. More couples are attracted to the idea of having a friend or family officiate, and this choice comes with a unique set of responsibilities and concerns. Alisa Tongg is a Certified Life Cycle Celebrant, and she talked to us about why the right celebrant is so important and...

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114.
Cupla, the Planning App, Is the Go-To Relationship Organizer for Busy Couples
Jordan Sprogis

Jordan Sprogis

The Short Version: They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. For busy couples juggling different schedules, endless household chores, and family time, Cupla is that refreshing lemonade. This couples’ planning app lets you take control of your and your partner’s schedules and household management. Co-Founder Erika Palmer shared the inspiration behind the app and how it’s already strengthened the bonds of...

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115.
What Is PDA?
Cassey Ashley Sua

Cassey Ashley Sua

Ever noticed how some couples are all about holding hands, hugging, or stealing a peck in public? Yep, that's Public Displays of Affection (PDA) for you - the art of showing your love for someone in the not-so-privacy of public spaces. From the simple hand-hold to a full-on kiss, PDAs are the world's least subtle way of saying, "Yep, we're into each other!" Now, not everyone's on the same page about flaunting...

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116.
Intimacy Coach and Marriage Expert Alexandra Stockwell Discusses Rebuilding Intimacy in a Relationship
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: When it comes to relationships, keeping the flame of intimacy alive involves more than closeness and affection. Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a Rolling Stones, USA Today, and Fox News Intimacy Coach and Marriage Expert, believes true intimacy evolves from deliberate effort and mutual understanding. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Stockwell unveils her insights on how couples can rekindle and reignite...

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117.
What Does Polyamorous Dating Mean?
Jamie Ballard

Jamie Ballard

It’s safe to say that polyamory is having a moment. Wave-making articles in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker have talked about polyamory’s growing popularity. Plenty of people are exploring polyamory as an alternative to monogamous relationships these days, but it’s hardly a new way of conducting relationships. In fact, there’s evidence suggesting that people have been practicing polyamory as...

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118.
A Comprehensive Guide on Dating Compatibility
Karen Belz

Karen Belz

If you've ever witnessed a friend's relationship and thought, "I'd never be able to be with someone like their partner," you know why compatibility is important. Compatibility determines how well two people will get along without a huge conflict getting in the way. While it's healthy to date someone who is different from you, lacking a compatible personality or lifestyle may lead to trouble down the road in a...

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119.
14 Interesting Statistics About Age-Gap Relationships [updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Jamie Ballard

Jamie Ballard

Age-gap relationships are more common than you might think. According to the data, most marriages in the U.S. have a small age gap. Especially if it's a second marriage. I'd say that age gap relationships are nothing unexpected in today’s day and age. Look at celebrity couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z (12-year age gap), George Clooney and Amal Clooney (17-year age gap), and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds (11-year...

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120.
What Is the Swinger Lifestyle?
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The dating landscape is diverse and constantly evolving. Thanks to poly culture, people are getting to experience dating the way they want with no shame. Swingers are defined as people who are married or in a long-term relationship having consensual sex with other couples or individuals.  Let’s be real -- a swinger’s lifestyle is often misunderstood and judged. Some people will blithely pass judgment on...

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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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