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Intimacy After Marriage: What Couples Should Know About the Evolution of Sex Over Time
When you’re planning a wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the big day and the romantic ideals of happily ever after. But what happens after the vows are exchanged? For couples, understanding how intimacy evolves over the course of a marriage can set the stage for a healthy and satisfying…
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How to Rebuild Trust After a Breach in Non-Monogamous Relationships
Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, but in non-monogamous partnerships, it takes on a uniquely important role. Agreements about boundaries, communication, and expectations create a sense of safety that allows partners to thrive. When those agreements are broken, the impact can feel devastating—but it doesn’t have to mean the end of the relationship. With…
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How to Fight Fair: Conflict Resolution Strategies That Strengthen Relationships
Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, but how couples handle conflict can make the difference between growth and disconnection. Fighting fair isn’t about avoiding disagreements altogether; it’s about navigating them in a way that strengthens your connection rather than eroding it. Drawing from the work of Stan Tatkin, founder of the Psychobiological Approach to Couples…
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How to Introduce Kink into Your Relationship: A Therapist’s Guide
Introducing kink into your relationship can be an exciting journey of exploration, trust, and deeper connection. Whether you’re curious about spicing up your dynamic or you’ve long felt a pull toward kink but didn’t know how to bring it up, this guide is here to help you navigate that process with confidence and care. Incorporating…
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Portland’s Best Date Night Spots for Couples Looking to Reconnect
Life gets busy—work deadlines pile up, household chores seem endless, and before you know it, date nights feel like a thing of the past. But your relationship deserves the space to breathe, recharge, and reconnect. Luckily, Portland offers a treasure trove of date night opportunities perfect for couples seeking meaningful time together. Whether you’re looking…
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Queer Pleasure: Breaking Free from Heteronormative Expectations in the Bedroom
Sexual intimacy is one of the most personal and profound ways we connect with our partners. Yet, many of us carry ingrained ideas about what sex “should” look like—ideas rooted in heteronormative narratives that often limit our capacity for pleasure and connection. For queer couples, challenging these expectations creates space to redefine intimacy in ways…
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Building Emotional Resilience in LGBTQ+ Relationships
Every relationship encounters stress, but LGBTQ+ couples often face unique challenges, including societal pressures, discrimination, and the impact of marginalization. Building emotional resilience within your relationship is not only possible but essential for thriving together. By fostering healthy coping mechanisms and drawing from the work of experts like Emily Nagoski (Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking…
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The Neurobiology of The Honeymoon Phase: What Happens When the Sparks Fade?
Falling in love is an extraordinary experience. The butterflies in your stomach, the constant thoughts about your partner, and the sheer excitement of being together—all of it feels electrifying and all-encompassing. If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, it’s because falling in love isn’t just an emotional process; it’s deeply neurobiological. This surge of intense…
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Nurturing Deeply Satisfying Sexual Relationships in Long-Term Partnerships
Maintaining a fulfilling sexual relationship in a long-term partnership can be challenging. As time goes on, the initial spark may fade, and couples often encounter shifts in desire, communication breakdowns, or the stress of daily life. While these changes are natural, they can leave partners feeling disconnected or unfulfilled. In this article, we’ll explore common…
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Supporting Yourself While Supporting Your Partner
Balancing Emotional Needs in Relationships: Strategies for Supporting Yourself While Supporting Your Partner and Nervous System Regulation In any relationship, especially couples, balancing your emotional needs with your partner’s can be challenging. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of taking care of your own well-being while also supporting your partner. However, achieving this…
