It’s easy to lose yourself in a relationship—not because you’re weak or co-dependent, but because life has a way of pulling your attention outward.

I often see partners struggling not because they don’t love each other, but because they’ve fallen into patterns that quietly erode connection over time.

It usually doesn’t happen all at once. There’s no big blow-up. No dramatic betrayal. Just… a quiet drift. You go from late-night conversations to texting logistics.

In strong relationships, cherishing your partner isn’t just something that happens naturally—it’s something you choose to do.

We use the word all the time—to cherish a memory, a gift, a moment. But when it comes to relationships, cherishing isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Ever find yourself reacting in a way that feels bigger than the moment? Maybe your partner forgets to text, and suddenly you're spiraling into feelings of rejection.

How often do you feel like you’re having the same argument in your relationship, even if the topic changes each time? If your answer is “most of the time” or even “always,” you’re not alone.

Blame is tempting. It gives us the illusion of control without actually requiring us to look inward. But here’s the hard truth: blame is a losing strategy in relationships.

When we feel stuck in relationship struggles, it’s easy to zero in on what our partner is doing wrong—or not doing at all.

Friendship is crucial, providing companionship, support, and belonging. But when these bonds become codependent, they can hinder personal growth and independence.

Learn the signs of co-dependency in relationships, what happens if only one partner changes, and how couples therapy can help restore balance and connection.

Have you ever been in an argument with your partner and suddenly shut down? Maybe you withdrew completely, stopped responding, or gave them the cold shoulder for hours (or even days).

Do you ever say yes when you really want to say no? Do you feel responsible for other people’s emotions, even at the expense of your own well-being?

The truth is, when it comes to love, conflict, and connection, objective reality doesn’t matter nearly as much as how each person experiences the situation.

Have you ever felt like you’re in a relationship with someone who shuts down, lashes out, or avoids difficult conversations? Or maybe you’ve noticed these patterns in yourself.

Have you ever felt like your relationship is stuck on repeat—having the same argument over and over with no resolution? It’s like your own version of Groundhog Day.

The new year often brings with it a mix of emotions—hope for a fresh start, pressure to set resolutions, and for many couples, an unwelcome sense of strain in their relationship.

The holiday season carries a promise of joy and togetherness, yet for many couples, it can be a time of heightened tension and disconnection.

As a couples therapist, I’m often asked to help individuals and couples understand whether staying in a relationship is right for them, and it’s a question that carries immense emotional weight.

This month, let’s go a step further into the heart of the question by reflecting on some core insights that can help clarify your path forward.