…. For example, a person may feel angry in response to feeling hurt or feel fearful or guilty in response to their anger. When anger is understood as a primary response to something, perhaps mistreatment or injustice, it can be helpful. Greenberg breaks down how emotions that are “assessed for their useful information” can be valuable to us, and accessing them can even lead to relief. However, maladaptive emotions old, familiar feelings that occur…
Learn More
…you feeling loved and cared about (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Feelings of intimacy and closeness will be enhanced by your perception of your partner’s responsiveness to your wishes and needs (Algoe, Gable and Maisel, 2010). Just as gratitude inspires self-awareness and self-acceptance, it inspires those same attitudes toward your partner. Focusing on your partner’s positive qualities will also make you more attuned to your partner’s needs and wis…
Learn More
…media appearances. Here she speaks exclusively to PsychAlive on topics of intimacy, love, parenting, and more. [SlideDeck2 id=13301] Order a DVD of Dr. Pat Love’s full interview with PsychAlive, “On Relationships and Parenting“ In this DVD, Dr. Pat Love covers a variety of topics regarding relationships and parenting. She begins by defining the concept of love and what it means to be loving. She discusses values in a loving relationship and offer…
Learn More…t relationships. Questioning your actions, recognizing the sources of your fears, and separating from self-destructive tendencies are perhaps the most vital steps to achieving true intimacy. Focus on Parenting The ways people were hurt as children have a direct influence on them as parents. Even those who received optimal care are victims of the emotional conflicts and shortcomings that simply come from our parents being human. To be the best pa…
Learn More
…together. You don’t need to be bubbling with energy to express warmth and intimacy. Quiet acts of closeness go a long way to making you feel more alive toward your partner. 2. Calibrating boredom is a little less pleasant. In Goetz’s study, it was associated with “wandering thoughts, not knowing what to do, and a general openness to behaviors aimed at changing the situation.” Basically, you may be keeping your ears open for better options, but yo…
Learn More
…being is perfect, so finding someone who is approachable and receptive to feedback can be a huge asset to a lasting union. When someone is free-thinking and open-minded, it enables them to be forthright in expressing feelings, thoughts, dreams and desires, which allows you to truly know them. Their openness is also an indication of their interest in personal development and often contributes to the development of the relationship. Like perfect pe…
Learn More
…therapist can also give solid relationship advice for couples on building intimacy and strengthening their communication and conflict resolution skills. If you are having issues with your spouse, a marriage therapist can help give solid relationship advice for couples. Marriage therapy can help even the most frustrated couples learn to love again. A counselor can teach you and your spouse how to communicate, build trust, and find joy in your rela…
Learn More
…and men desire a sexual relationship that includes emotional and physical intimacy. Most men and women have a strong desire for a lasting affiliation with the opposite sex. Most women and men have a strong interest in procreation and parenthood. Most men and women have a very strong desire to be in love with each other. Do you have a sexual stereotype of yourself? Sadly, men and women buy into the stereotypic views of themselves. As a result they…
Learn More
…o notice the people who we like and care about. Acknowledging them fosters intimacy and builds trust. But when is the last time you’ve reached out to someone who may be on the margins? This activity requires intent, but could be the difference between someone deciding that they matter or not. Esteem When we acknowledge others and their efforts, we are saying that we value them. This is a natural self-esteem booster. But when we ignore their endeav…
Learn More
…behavior. Don’t let it influence you to protect yourself and retreat from intimacy. You will probably feel anxious from challenging your old ways of defending yourself, but if you maintain your behavior and sweat it out, the voice attacks will subside. Your critical inner voice will become weaker and wither, and you will triumph. It’s so easy to lose track of romance. We get busy with the everyday tasks of our lives. Everything is going along wel…
Learn More