Relationships

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. […]

The Power of “Tell Me More” in a Relationship If there’s one phrase that can quietly transform your relationship, it’s this: “Tell me more.” Happy couples don’t just love each other—they stay interested in each other. They stay curious about what lights their partner up, what challenges them, and how they see the world. And […]

Why Curiosity Might Be the Most Attractive Trait in 2025 First dates in 2025 are flopping—and a psychologist at Northwestern says it’s because curiosity is dying. Two big reasons: First, I’d suggest that people are more self-focused than ever and aren’t practicing how to ask good questions. Second, thanks to social media, we often show […]

Every couple has a beginning—a moment, a spark, a shared laugh or glance that set everything in motion. Revisiting that story, the story of how you met, isn’t just a sentimental trip down memory lane. It’s a powerful way to reconnect. My husband Andy and I met 9 years ago Sunday.  And do you know what […]

The Face Tells the Truth: How Contempt Can Quietly Kill a Relationship If you want to know how your partner really feels about your relationship, skip the phone check and check their face instead. According to researchers—including Drs. John and Julie Gottman, who can predict divorce with up to 93% accuracy—one of the most dangerous […]