The Archives

Stepping Back to Save My Stepfamily

Real Relationships

All of the constructs I grew up with and believed I would carry on in my own family had to be thrown out the window. As much as I would like one, there is no guide on how to be a stepfamily—we are all too different.

How to Prepare Your Relationship for Military Deployment

The Gottman Institute

Geographic separation, whether it is for 6 weeks, 6 months, or longer, is inevitably difficult. The key to a successful deployment for any couple is to learn together all you can in order to prepare for your time apart.

Outlawed Grief

Jonathan Trotter

Allow grief, in your own heart and in the hearts of others. Don’t send it underground.

I Met The Woman of My Dreams, She Lives 2,400 Miles Away

Real Relationships

Thanks to a combination of sobriety, introspection, therapy, and Kate’s support, I’m feeling more comfortable showing up authentically both inside and outside this relationship.

I Found Myself When I Lost My Ideology

Real Relationships

Everything I thought I knew about myself, my faith, my friendships, and my family was put on tilt when I decided to be true to who I am and pursue that woman.

Betrayal Trauma in Addiction

Anna Aslanian

Betrayal trauma hits the foundation of the person and the relationship—trust.

My Marriage Beyond the Binary

Real Relationships

Sometimes, we are a hetero couple, sometimes a gay couple,.

Sleeping With the “Enemy”: Navigating Relationships in the #MeToo Era

Nicole Schiener

Identifying what I needed helped release and transform vicarious trauma into post-traumatic growth.

Weathering the Winter of Our Marriage

Kristen Manieri

Commitment doesn’t inoculate us against marriage atrophy. In fact, some would argue that it’s the cause of it. But it’s the thing that keeps us in and has us weather the droughts that are an inevitable part of a long marriage.

I Fell in Love With My Best Friend

Real Relationships

I found myself feeling like there was a different kind of connection forming, beyond best friendship. Could this be?

Do Trial Separations Work?

Terry Gaspard

Can a relationship benefit from taking a break? It all comes down to outlining clear intentions, communication, and goals.

Wake Up Before Your Wake-Up Call

Toni Parker

To wake up to the messages life is sending us and avoid crisis, we have to be tuned in to what’s happening right in front of us and not numb out.

A Happier Relationship Starts Today

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