5 signs you're in a band-aid relationship
Being single when you rather be with someone is difficult. Coupled friends may invite you to join them but it can leave you feeling like the third wheel at a table set for four. To avoid these feelings many singles, divorcees, and widowers date people they get along with but don’t love. They describe this type of relationship as a band-aid for the real thing.
Restoring intimacy in a relationship inside & outside of the bedroom
When one partner begins blaming the other in the bedroom or withdraws from intimacy, very rarely do couples look at what is going on outside the bedroom.
Relearning how to love your marriage when the last kid is gone
Divorce has gone down, except in one category. That category is empty nesters. It’s common for couples to experience anxiety prior to their children leaving. In fact, many couples go through a transition period, similar to what their child goes through, three to six months prior to them moving out. They don’t sleep well, feel more stressed, and worry about their future. There are uncertainties...
Ask Mary Jo: How to grow personally & dealing with unresponsive people
Thanks to social media and popular parenting apps, stay-at-home parents can connect and find activities, which helps them feel more connected and supported from home. Here are my other suggestions that will help you continue your personal growth.
Have a family fun day before sending children back to school
August brings the reminder of new beginnings and transitions. Although you may be feeling lethargic from the heat and still cleaning sand left over from June and July’s vacations, your children are very aware their life is about to change.
Ask Mary Jo: Scheduling time for intimacy & types of love languages
My wife and I have completely separate schedules and two small children, so it’s tough to find time for intimacy. Is it or can it still be romantic to schedule time for intimacy in our marriage?
Is your relationship problem sleeping next to you?
I was recently asked to contribute to an article for the New York Times about whether or not spouses should sleep in the same bed. Sleeping next to each other can enhance your marriage; however, how many sleepless nights should you suffer through before talking to your partner about changing your sleep style at night?
Ask Mary Jo: Opening up to a friend & forgiveness from spouse
How do you open up to a friend about something deep that you need to share with them?
Ask Mary Jo: Mother's Day
What is a gift I can give to my mother that will be meaningful for Mother’s Day? She has done so much for me; I want to show her I really appreciate that.
Ask Mary Jo: Dating as a single mom & being a good parent
What advice do you have for single moms who are just getting back into the dating scene?
Are you trying to outsource your relationship?
When we hear the word outsourcing, we usually think about business practices.
Top resolutions for couples to ring in the new year
2019 provides the perfect opportunity to focus on your partner and your investment as a couple this year. It's time to begin asking and identifying things you wish you could do more as a couple. Ask your partner candidly--what’s going well and what’s a specific behavior that you would like to do more of this year?
Holiday depression and how you can help your loved ones
Holidays are usually a time for celebrating with family and friends and feeling connected with those closest to you, but that’s not true for anyone. For some the holidays expose raw, hurtful feelings and memories, such as painful childhood, bad relationships, or the loss of a loved one.
Ask Mary Jo: How to deal with disapproval of interracial relationships
Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini discusses some top questions from our viewers--on interracial relationships and shifting from mom mode. Check out her answers below!
"Relationship shopping": The problem with online dating
Online dating is fast, convenient, and offers unthinkable amounts of variety. However, with all that swiping, it’s created “relationshopping,” in which we’ve become consumers, picking up and discarding people much like shopping. More than half of all online dating users have referred to online dating as a marketplace.
"Stashing" the latest dating trend — how to spot it
Recently, I received an email from a woman asking for relationship guidance. She said she was enamored with a man she met, and they could talk about anything. Their dates were fun, they were intimate together, and they seemed to understand each other well. However, she noticed that her boyfriend never invited her to spend time with his family or best friends.
Relationship problems millennials face
Relationships are difficult for everyone, but for millennials, it’s even more complicated. This is the first generation who has grown up with social media being the primary source of meeting potential dates. Now that there are dating apps for almost every interest or personality type imaginable, commitment is especially challenging for millennials; they were exposed to excessive choice.