Subscribe to our Blog - Learn new stuff!

In couples, sideways communication often shows up as sarcasm, tone shifts, deflecting, joking, silence, or emotional distance. One partner senses something is wrong. The other feels confused or blamed without knowing why. Both leave the conversation feeling more alone.

Expressing concerns in a way that feels supportive instead of accusatory. You know that feeling when you’re trying to bring up something important to your partner, but it comes across as an attack? You’re not alone—this is a problem many of us face in our relationships.

Instead of: “Don’t text me after 10 p.m.!” Try: “I really need my sleep, so I won’t be answering texts after 10 p.m.” Notice how the second version is all about you? That’s the difference between controlling someone else’s actions (“Don’t text me!”) and setting your own boundary (“I won’t respond if you text me late”).

Financial conflict isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values, trust, and security. Here’s how ongoing money disputes can harm a relationship

I see all kinds of ways couples handle disagreements. Some of these styles build closeness, while others leave you feeling miles apart.

Knowing the difference between rules, agreements, and boundaries is one of the most powerful ways to improve communication and emotional safety in your relationship. When you can name what you’re asking for, it becomes easier to express your needs without controlling your partner or feeling controlled yourself.

If sex has ever felt overwhelming for you, you’re not alone—and there are ways to make it a more enjoyable, comfortable experience.

A concerning trend has emerged: teens are using these bots to create explicit or sexual stories.

“Why can’t I stop needing their approval so much?” Attachment Theory vs. Differentiation: Finding Balance in Romantic Relationships.

People with ADHD often face unique challenges, including difficulty being alone. When left alone, a partner with ADHD might exhibit behaviors such as restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty focusing on a single task, and mood dysregulation.

When a person experiences trauma, they may struggle with a range of emotions and symptoms that can make it difficult to form and maintain healthy relationships. These can include feelings of anxiety, anger, and sadness, as well as difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in intimate situations.

In romantic relationships, anxiety can create a cycle of worry and insecurity that can be difficult to break. For example, a person with anxiety may worry that their partner will leave them, which can lead to constant reassurance seeking or clingy behavior.

A 2022 research study found that couples with one spouse with ADHD had higher levels of conflict, lower marital adjustment, and poorer conflict resolution styles than those without ADHD