Written by Kate Pauley     How to keep the passion alive in long-term relationships may be one of the most sought-after answers for couples today.  Because human beings alone are incredibly unique and complex, being in partnership with one another just makes things that much more complicated.  Because of this there is no single, straightforward, holy grail answer as to what keeps the passion alive in long-term relationships, however, there has been some research done on what contributes to sexually satisfied couples’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction.   David Frederick, Ph.D., of Chapman University was the lead researcher on one of the largest [...]

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of empathy? Some people associate it with pity, feeling bad for someone else. Others think of it as being in someone else’s shoes. Both can be close but there’s another element to add. Empathy is feeling with someone. It’s looking at their experience and taking the perspective of what it must be like for them, while still having your own separate experience. In relationships, empathy is a powerhouse of creating space for repair. The lack of empathy is a place where resentment can thrive. So let’s take a look at [...]

When we're in a committed relationship, our brains release chemicals that cause us to feel a wide range of emotions. Sometimes we feel positive feelings about our partners and ourselves, and other times we feel impartial or even destructive emotions. Part of having a fantastic relationship is being able to confide in your partner about your emotions. But the path to emotional openness is often littered with obstacles. Emotions and Openness in a Relationship When you tell someone close to you something personal, like how you feel anxious about an upcoming work project, and they show compassion, it helps you feel [...]