We not only crave—but absolutely need—secure attachments with others from the time we are born and throughout our lifespan. Hopefully, our parents were able to adequately fulfill their role as our first healthy attachment figures. Deep down, we need to know that we are loved, accepted, heard, and that our needs will be met. As we grow up,

Valentine’s Day often makes couples take stock of their relationship. Were you excited to make plans? Or were you less enthused than you have been in the past? Perhaps one or both of you were fine to let the day slip by with few festivities because communication has been a bit strained lately. Whatever the case, it’s always good to examine the

“We are, at last, building a science of intimate relationships. We are mapping out how our conversations and actions reflect our deepest needs and fears and build or tear down our most precious connections with others.” Dr. Sue Johnson (Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love) Creating a lasting, loving relationship isn’t

What do you do when your mind gets stuck on repeat? When you just can’t move your thoughts forward or stop a cycle of disturbing memories, deflating self-talk, or inhibiting fears. Rumination can make living well nearly impossible if you don’t have a daily strategy for stopping the mulling, brooding, and obsessing that keeps you from where you

What were your visions of romantic love before you became a couple? You likely had grand expectations of a coupled life. Most of us do. Generally, those ideas are fueled by one's values, dreams, experiences, and desires. Yet, the realities of true partnership when love does come along can punch a few holes in some of our most cherished

Money is one of the most common issues couples fight about, even before marriage. But once you share finances or have to talk to each other about them, things can start to feel pretty tense.  While there are plenty of old stereotypes and tropes about “money fights,” they’re no laughing matter.  Knowing how to talk about your finances

A healthy and harmonious family is happy, strong, and at peace. Unfortunately, many people today have to contend with unsound family life, strife, and discord within a group that should provide safety. Though perhaps your family is enjoying a measure of harmony and wholeness, at least in some aspects. And you may want to continue strengthening

When couples feel disconnected, it can be difficult to feel like there is a strong emotional bond. Each partner feels insecure about whether the other truly cares about them. If you believe that your partner doesn’t care about you, then you may wonder about their feelings about the relationship. It’s this kind of questioning that can weaken or

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (NIV)  This simply means that we can take control of our thoughts; God has equipped us. What we put into our minds (scary movies) or what we

Premarital counseling isn’t necessarily for everyone. But it can be very beneficial for some couples who are getting ready to make a lifelong commitment. Knowing whether you will benefit from premarital counseling can help you to make an informed decision about seeking it out.  Chances are, you’ve been so caught up in the bliss of the