Most of us weren’t handed a manual on healthy communication as kids. Instead, we absorbed our communication habits from our family of origin—our first teachers. These early interactions often shape how we express and receive love, frustration, and everything in between. With effort, you can untangle miscommunications and stitch together a more meaningful dialogue with your partner.

The honeymoon phase of a relationship lasts between 18-24 months. Then, so often, after 2 years together they start to feel the romance fade, the spark disappear and the connection fray. But there are some practical things couples can do to keep their connection strong and find meaning in the daily grind.

Fighting couples may be endearing in rom-coms, but in reality, conflicts can cause stress and heartache. Yet, disagreements are inevitable and can even be beneficial. It’s all about how you handle them. So, how often is “normal” to argue in a healthy relationship? The truth is, it varies.

When anger flares up, sometimes communication can feel impossible. Learning to express your feelings constructively when angry is essential for everyone, especially couples and couples therapy can really help to nurture this skill. Mastering this skill can transform potentially damaging arguments into productive discussions that strengthen your relationship.

Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but resolution is crucial for maintaining a healthy bond. The key lies in finding resolutions that don’t leave lingering hurt or resentment. By accepting that differences will arise, couples can focus on constructive problem-solving and effective communication to strengthen their relationship through these strategies.

Our deepest needs and longings from childhood are not romantic ones, but ones that foster a deep and abiding connection. We need it to flourish and thrive. If this connection isn’t nurtured, it can affect our relationships as we get older.

Whether it’s neglect or other unresolved issues, these early experiences often manifest in difficulties forming healthy bonds later in life. While everyone has valid needs, what happens when they’re not addressed during our crucial developmental years? Here is an explanation of how the complex interplay between past and present might affect our adult lives.

Safe base and secure attachment can still be created long after childhood, but it takes deep intentionality and safe relationships with healthy others. Many people report that they are able to heal attachment wounds through healthy romantic relationships with the help of couples therapy.

These four communication habits can predict trouble if they are left unchecked to run rampant in your relationship. Not only will we identify these four warning signs, but we will also provide an antidote. Let’s learn a little bit more about each one.

Shutting down emotionally puts up walls between you and your partner. If both of you are unable to fully express yourselves, your relationship will always rest on unstable ground. Here are some tips to help you get comfortable opening up to your partner.

How many times have you asked your partner what’s wrong and they respond with, “nothing, it’s fine”? But is it fine? And why is that a catch-all for problems going unresolved? Do you long for more than just surface level responses and catty comments from your spouse? Do you want to dig in deeper and learn how to have a healthier relationship? Then stay tuned!