Heartmanity's Blog

In a Wall Street Journal article, columnist Elizabeth Bernstein writes about the challenge of marriage between an ardent planner and a partner who prefers to be spontaneous. Perhaps you’ve known people in a marriage like that—or maybe you’re one of them! In my work with couples, I have heard many a planner call their spouse passive-aggressive or the spontaneous one refer to their spouse as a control freak. Regardless of differences, marriage conflict is inevitable!

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Long-distance relationships can be challenging and frustrating at times. They take a lot of effort to maintain genuine connections, especially with the hurdles being apart brings. However, making the relationship work is possible if both you and your partner are willing to work at it and let go of expectations.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Whether you are married or in a committed relationship, you probably want to show your partner how much you love them. But sometimes, we feel like our gestures of love or affection are unappreciated or misunderstood. You just might be speaking a different “love language” than your partner.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

“Relationships are about give-and-take.” You've probably heard this saying before; it's one of the most common relationship pieces of advice. But is it true? Well, that's a more complicated question requiring a longer answer. While it is true that relationships are about a natural flow between two people of giving and receiving, some people interpret this factor to mean that relationships should be fifty-fifty. And since that's rarely the reality, one person starts keeping score in an attempt to match up.

This article will dive deeper into this phenomenon and explain precisely why keeping [...]

Let’s face it. When you’re head over heels in love, there are way more interesting things to talk about than money. Your dreams. Your common interests. The joy that fills your heart when you look at the one you love. If you even notice any differences in how you and your partner approach finances, who cares? Love conquers all, right?

Except research shows that it doesn’t.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

It's been said that relationships are the hardest yoga. I agree that relationships take the same focus, effort, and flexibility. In marriage and other romantic relationships, as in yoga, we salute the sun each day, seeking to honor the best in ourselves, our partner, and our lives together. We bend by adapting to life's unexpected curveballs; we twist when we wrestle with conflict; and we stretch by striving to love our partner even when it's not always easy. And when we seek poise between autonomy and intimacy, it can be as challenging as a one-armed side plank.

As a couple, have you ever wondered, "Why does a relationship has to be so hard?" Do you feel sometimes like you're raising another child instead of having an equal partner? Are you exhausted from all the talking about change, yet nothing changes? Is your spouse expecting things you don't think are fair? Do you feel guilty when you take care of yourself because you "should" be...?

If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, keep reading to get off of the cul-de-sac of human drama.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

It’s that time of year again when you try to wow your partner with the most thoughtful, fitting gift you can think of. Valentine’s Day can be a point of stress for many, especially when choosing what to get for your special someone.

You want to communicate affection, attentiveness, and thoughtfulness. At the same time, you want to avoid being cheesy, predictable, or over-the-top. It’s easy to overthink the process and end up playing it safe with flowers and chocolates (yes, again).

Estimated reading time: 3.5 minutes

'Tis the month for celebrating love. It's something we all crave yet can sometimes be put on the back burner. However, cultivating healthy relationships requires regular attention, and Valentine's Day is an excellent time to jump-start these intentions. So, we've gathered some ideas for a romantic celebration, as well as ways for couples to nurture their love, not just on cupid's day, but every day.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes