Gone are the days when you had to take pop quizzes and standardized tests, and you couldn't be happier. The last time you remember using a pencil to fill in a little circle on paper was when you asserted that yes, you are over 18 and (unlike the tanning mom's daughter) old enough to use a tanning bed.
People often joke that, despite our best efforts not to, we grow up to mirror the habits and behaviors of our parents. Unfortunately, this age-old concept now stretches even further, and it may be affecting romantic relationships.
When you're trying to build- or rebuild- trust in your love relationship or marriage, how far should you have to go? Is there a way to be transparent enough so that your partner won't spy? If your partner is jealous no matter what you do, what steps can you take to improve the situation?
"I know what's coming when Robert says that we need to sit down and have a talk," Maryann told me in our phone session. "He wants to tell me everything that is wrong with me. It's not about talking - it's about wanting to have control over me. Last time he did this it was all about how I spend money, even though I make my own money and take care of all my own expenses. The time before it was about our sex life.
Jenny is irritated and worried. It seems that her fiance, Nick, has been ignoring her for the past several weeks. Sure, he talks to her and shares meals with her, but he seems distant and far away. He forgot their dinner date the other night which he's never done-- ever. Jenny is aware that the past few years have been difficult for Nick. His father's health swiftly declined and he died two years ago. On top of the grief about losing his father, Nick has spent a lot of time helping his mother transition to her new life as a widow.
When we take the 1550s English Proverb “practice makes perfect” to heart, we put unnecessary pressure and unrealistic expectations on ourselves. It can also keep us locked into our comfort zones and afraid of trying something different for fear of failing. Love relationships give us vast opportunities to practice communicating openly, expressing ourselves, allowing our partner to be and do what’s best for them, being open to how our relationship unfolds, etc.
Was it just me or was "The Five-Year Engagement" a lot heavier than the trailer led us to believe? The trailer makes it seem really funny, with a lot of slapstick humor. But the movie was more... real than that.
Another lie. Another disappointment. Another broken promise. If your relationship is struggling, you might be looking for some glimmer of hope that everything will be okay. You may be searching for some sign that you and your partner will work things out, despite your history of conflict, arguing, jealousy and maybe even cheating.
My boyfriend had plans to go to a celebration party for one of our friends. His mother called him and said one of his friends was moving out of state on Monday, this was a Saturday. He never told his mom that he had plans at 3pm and he was wanted to coming over to his moms at 1:30. He told me an hour would be plenty of time to visit and say goodbye.
![Can A Compliment Improve Your Relationship? [EXPERT]](http://images.tangomag.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/node-full/image_blog/flower_1.jpg "Can A Compliment Improve Your Relationship? [EXPERT]")
Ever wonder if you can really change your partner? Well, screaming and yelling sure won't do it. In fact, he/she may become resentful. Just as with children, we need to be praised for the good things we do.
Revenge is sometimes said to be sweet. If you're dealing with the anger, outrage and hurt that can occur after your partner had an affair, you may be craving that purported “sweetness.” In fact, the idea of acting out in a revenge-ful way may even seem to make you feel less helpless and more powerful.
