by James Robbins, M.A., LPC The vast majority of romantic relationships are transactional. Consider the most traditional marital “transaction.” The male is the sole breadwinner. He provides financially for the family, keeps everyone physically safe and protects the family from the stresses “out there.” In turn, the female addresses challenges closer to home, the “in […]
How to Win Arguments — Or At Least Lose Them More Effectively
A certain amount of arguing is essential to the health of any long-term relationship. If you’re not arguing with your significant other from time to time, your relationship may not be growing. At the same time, daily arguing about the same pet topic accomplishes nothing. How can you trade-in negative fighting with positive growth? Take a look […]
Couples Tension Areas – Sex & Money
Does Having Children Increase Marital Satisfaction?
Not usually. The majority of studies indicate that marital satisfaction significantly declines for most couples after having children. This is truer for women than men. In Dr. John Gottman’s well-known research at the University of Washington, 67% of women reported declining satisfaction with their marriage after having children (Journal of Family Psychology, 14, 59-70). Although […]
Top Ten Slightly Offensive Tips for Couples
In my twelve years counseling couples, the same issues and patterns come up time and time again. Take a look at my tips below to find out what I’ve said hundreds upon hundreds of times: You’re not “better at relationships” than your partner. If you were, you wouldn’t be with that partner. Divorce rates […]
