Relationships

How often are you getting into your partner’s world? One of the simplest but most powerful ways to strengthen your relationship is to show genuine interest in your partner’s world. This doesn’t mean you need to become an expert in every detail of their passions, but it does mean making an effort to learn, listen, […]

How curious are you?  We don’t usually think of curiosity as a relationship skill. It’s what kids use when they ask a hundred questions about dinosaurs, or what we use when we Google “Why do dogs tilt their heads?” at 2 a.m. But curiosity is actually one of the most powerful tools we have for […]

I had a Sean Show family member request this on the text line: Sean, could you do a tune-up about dealing with a narcissistic sibling?  First off, I want to say that the term narcissistic is thrown around a little too loosely these days.  It’s an actual personality disorder with 9 diagnostic criteria.  So, I […]

We’re Not Meant to Be This Wired and Tired Ever notice how easy it is to get sucked into chaos? One minute you’re checking the weather, next thing you know you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of doomscrolling, hot takes, and celebrity drama you didn’t even care about 10 minutes ago. It’s not just you. […]

Mental Load = A hidden cause of resentment in your relationship!  If physical labor is doing the dishes, mental load is realizing they need to be done before guests arrive. In heterosexual relationships, mental load is disproportionately carried by women. Many men want to help, but without seeing the whole picture, their efforts can miss […]

As I create this article, it’s a picture-perfect sunny day in Indianapolis. However, as summer draws to a close, the anticipation of fall excites some. Others desperately cling to the warmth of the season. A recent study delved into American cities to identify the ideal and less ideal destinations for summer enthusiasts. The review considered […]

The Alphabet Weekend: A Brilliant Idea for Date Night Exploration, novelty, and fun – those are all key ingredients in a new relationship.  And all 3 can fade overtime if you’re not intentional. I lost the name here, but a fine Sean Show family member sent this in: a date night idea that is pure […]

We’ve all heard it: Never go to bed angry. It sounds noble, like the secret to a perfect relationship. But here’s the problem… Trying to hash out a disagreement before bed often means you’re arguing when you’re emotional, defensive, and tired. And that’s a recipe for disaster.  Sleep deprivation messes with the higher functions of […]

And why it matters… It’s totally normal to vent to your best friend about your relationship now and then. Our friends are often the first ones we turn to when something’s bugging us. But here’s a red flag to watch for: If your friends know more about your relationship frustrations than your actual partner does, […]

Let’s be real—most long-term relationships eventually trade fireworks for comfort. And that’s not a bad thing! There’s something sweet about knowing your nightly ritual: dinner, a shared show, maybe some scrolling or snuggling before bed. Rinse and repeat. But if every day starts to feel like a rerun, even the coziest love story can start […]

Some people turn into a stand-up comedian the second things get serious.  I’ve seen this in my therapy office.  Moving in together, money, big emotions – and people are using humor to deflect.  On the surface it can seem harmless (or even charming)…but in reality, it’s an unhelpful defense mechanism.  It can feel safer to […]

The raised voice about recycling?  Cranky over cluttered counters?  They’re rarely about trash or dishes.  They’re about something deeper: unmet emotional needs. One woman said it like this: “It’s not just the male piling up. It’s that I hate clutter. It makes me feel overwhelmed and unseen.” She wants more than tidiness. She wants support. […]