LoveBonds

Relationships. Betrayal. Repair.

Micro-Cheating Can Present Macro-Challenges

The term "micro-cheating" implies something insignificant and minimizes its seriousness. I mean, how can a tiny thing be wrong, you might wonder. It’s no big deal, and it just doesn’t matter because it doesn't mean anything. What’s the problem? It’s not full-on cheating, so it doesn’t count, right? Micro-cheating lurks in a fuzzy, grey area. It is an interaction - either open or...

Conflict Avoidance Can Be More Detrimental to Intimacy Thax Conflict Engagement

While compromise and adjustment are required in all romantic relationships, chronic conflict avoidance negatively impacts intimacy and connection. Many people believe that a healthy relationship is one in which there is minimal conflict. Perceived indicators of a good relationship included being agreeable, cooperating, and effective problem-solving. But, of course, everyone enjoys getting along with their spouse or partner and feels challenged...

4 Small Behavioral Changes That Will Increase Intimacy In Your Relationship

To keep the embers of love burning, most people think they have to do more elaborate things like plan a regular date night or book a vacation. While those things are lovely, they are not what's most important for creating and maintaining a close, connected, dependable union.  In truth, the main task of a romantic partner is to let the other know that they are both loved and desired. You and your beloved are each other's most significant...

How to Ask Someone On a Date: According to +15 Experts

You’ve crossed paths with someone who has captured your attention: Every time they come near, you feel butterflies. It seems you can easily identify them in a crowd. Somehow, your eyes always gravitate in their direction. Thoughts of them always seem to float through. Keeping eye contact with them while speaking makes you nervous. You decide to ask them on a date and want to get it right. Perhaps you’re wondering: “What is the best way to...

Do This to Affair-Proof Your Relationship

The HuffPost article, 'This Science-Backed Trick Could Help Prevent Infidelity In A Relationship' by Brittany Wong, on February 14th, caught my attention. The post begins by asking if there's a way to reduce the temptation of cheating and suggests that a study by the Journal of Sex Research tells us how. The proposed answer is simple: just put yourself in your partner's shoes and think about how your cheating may affect them. The scientists...

Valentine’s Day is Lovely, But it’s Everyday Romance That Makes Love Last

Valentine's Day is a day for grand romantic gestures, but fleeting 'everyday romance' binds couples together for the long haul. Valentine's Day is a unique holiday with a focus on romantic love. The expression of romance flows easily and often when a couple feels secure in their relationship. Most people believe that romance is the over-the-top expression of love and affection that occurs predominately at the beginning of a relationship and...

A Relationship Resolution for the New Year: Increase Intimacy for a Stronger Bond

Being loved and cared for boosts health, increases confidence, and contributes to overall well-being. Intentionally nurturing your most important relationship is absolutely worthwhile. The new year is an excellent opportunity to prioritize nurturing your relationship in specific ways. You and your beloved will reap many benefits, though some approaches get better results than others. A well-crafted relationship resolution aims to deepen...

The Turbo Relationship with Dr. Mayi Dixon on the LoveBonds Podcast

It’s no secret that the pandemic has greatly affected romantic relationships, including new ones. The Turbo Relationship is a term used to describe new relationships that formed during the pandemic that moved quickly toward commitment. The rapid commitment speed in a pandemic environment has both short- and long-term effects on the couple, as you’ll learn from our guest on the topic, Dr. Mayi Dixon. Dr. Mayi Dixon of Innovative Counseling...

How Love Helps Romantic Partners Manage Difficult Emotions and Why it Matters

When asked what a love relationship is for, most people respond that it's for companionship, sharing tasks, and sexual intimacy. While those things are true, romantic loves serve a greater purpose. Romantic love has a very significant purpose and function. It is designed to help partners regulate difficult emotions serving as a buffer from the stresses and strains of life. Getting that functionality right is key to relationship satisfaction!...