Why Accepting Influence Is So Important

Healthy relationships aren’t built on one partner leading and the other following. They thrive when partners are equals, each with valuable thoughts, feelings, and needs. Gottman research has shown that relationships flourish when partners accept influence from one another, meaning they are open to their partner’s opinions and perspectives. What Accepting Influence Really Means At […]

Building a Partnership That Lasts

Maybe you’ve been together for months, or even years, but something feels uncertain. You love each other—that much you know—but love alone doesn’t guarantee a successful relationship. The truth is, the strongest partnerships don’t happen by accident. They’re built with intention, care, and yes—a plan. So many couples drift through their relationships hoping things will […]

Can You Have a Committed Partnership With a Friend?

All people have a basic need to be loved and cared for. But more and more Americans are living alone, according to the U.S. Census—often not by choice—and that’s creating a loneliness epidemic that can hurt our health and happiness.   While many of us consider family or romantic partners our first line of defense […]