Tag: couples

  • Spotting and Solving Relationship Addiction

    Spotting and Solving Relationship Addiction

    Before you can solve a problem such as relationship addiction, you must first be aware that it exists in different forms. So the big question is, what does it mean?

    According to RelationRise, relationship addiction is when your brain is wired to depend on your romantic partner. This could include seeking emotional needs, happiness, or being unable to function without them being in the picture.

    Spotting Relationship Addiction

    People who are suffering from relationship addiction may not even know it. But the general characteristic is feeling awkwardly scared of being alone. It almost equates to being ashamed of your single nature, which would lead you to latch on to another for self-worth easily.

    The moment you find it difficult to draw the line when being gaslighted, easily give in to control, and tie your self-worth to another, then you may be exhibiting relationship addiction.

    This would mean you can easily use relationships as an escape route from personal struggles. You would likely become antisocial and relate solely to your romantic partner, and lie to yourself that you can come up with a long list of red flags.

    Solving Relationship Addiction

    This problem can be a consequence of childhood trauma or neglect and emotional instability. If you want to combat it, first be self-aware that you have a problem.

    The methods of fighting this form of addiction are derived from problems. Put a stop to whatever you are doing. Create healthy boundaries and have deal-breakers in your relationships. Have a community you can fall back on, meaning you can discuss your problems with friends or family. If all these do not work, be sure to visit a therapist who will offer professional advice.

    Breaking free from relationship addiction will help your mental well-being, plus you will experience a natural glow and growth in your lifestyle.

  • Who Should Take Charge of Paying the Bill on a First Date?

    Who Should Take Charge of Paying the Bill on a First Date?

    On the first date, when you’re still all lovey-dovey and trying to get to know each other while leaving a lasting impression, you also intend to learn about the person sitting across from you—their favorite things to do, their love language, and maybe even their life goals. But have you ever considered talking about money?

    It may sound cliché, but finance is critical to every romance. While the euphoria of a first date can numb you to this topic, if you want to further the relationship, it’s essential to have that uncomfortable conversation about money.

    So, when does finance come into play?

    Even if you intend to avoid the money talk, you must consider it on the first date. This is because you and your partner will likely visit a place together, and whatever plan you make will likely involve parting with some money. But the question is, whose purse should it come from?

    Who does the paying on the first date?

    After understanding how imperative the money talk can be, the next step is communicating about it. Before diving into debates, be sure to share your payment plan with your date.

    The article from Harvard Business Review does not deny that traditionally, the man is seen as the provider and is expected to settle the first date bill. However, times have changed, and most believe both genders can handle finances, especially on the first date.

    But before assuming that your date is ready to foot the bill, speak up. Before stepping out on the first date, have this conversation so it doesn’t feel awkward.

    Once you move past the assumption phase, try to understand the other person’s perspective. For instance, if you intend to pay and quickly grab the check, how will it make your partner feel? Be empathetic and avoid coming across as proud.

    In conclusion, you don’t have to break a sweat if you believe in going Dutch on a date. If you don’t have enough money to cover the entire bill, discuss it with your potential partner and offer to pay for what you ordered.

  • Balancing Opposite-Sex Friendships and Romance: Insights for Couples

    Balancing Opposite-Sex Friendships and Romance: Insights for Couples

    They say love is blind, but does it turn a blind eye when opposite-sex friendship affects romance? Best believe that when you become committed to your partner, their happiness depends on your actions and vice versa. Being in a monogamous relationship means you have pledged loyalty to each other, but does that stop you from friendship with the opposite sex?

    If you are not in an abusive relationship, dealing with opposite-sex friendships must arise. Both parties may already have opposite-sex co-workers, groups of friends, or acquaintances, and dating would not be a reason to forgo such ties. This leaves you wondering how to maneuver opposite-sex friendship in a relationship. Here are some tips from The Guardian.

    Opposite-Sex Friendship is Healthy When:

    • You create healthy boundaries and do not compromise on them.
    • Your lover is acquainted with your friend.
    • Rather than share secrets with this opposite-sex friend, make your partner your best friend forever (BFF).
    • Never opposite-sex friendship override the love you have for your partner.
    • Know when to turn down outings from the opposite sex, especially if your lover is against it.
    • During the downtime in your romance, do not always run to friends of the opposite sex for consolation.

    Once you get familiar with how to balance your romance and an opposite-sex friendship, you will experience a seamless relationship. At the same time, these are vital factors to help you police your friendship with the opposite gender:

    Leave once you notice that :

    • You rely on your friend of the opposite gender for romantic advice.
    • You begin to catch feelings for someone you call “just a friend.”
    • You have drawn up a comparison checker, including your friend and lover.
    • You have shared intimacy.

    In all you do, know when opposite-sex friendship affects your relationship/romance. Apply preventive measures immediately it gets to that point.

  • Can Match-Making Your Single Mutual Friends Go Wrong?

    Can Match-Making Your Single Mutual Friends Go Wrong?

    While dating apps, offices, and other random places can be great places to meet the knight in shining armour, getting your forever bachelor or unmarried woman friend as a partner can be a magical power only you possess.

    Experts believe pairing your single mutual friends is an exciting dating idea that can lead them to a fairytale romance together.

    Most friends are like-minded; that is how they have remained friends. So, pairing a duo who shares your ideas and goals might be the perfect match. But before the prince finds Cinderella’s glass slippers, you must host a ball.

    Everything You Need to Know When Matchmaking Your Single Mutual Friends

    Despite what may be a flawless connection, anything or everything can go wrong when matchmaking your single mutual friends. But there are ways you can handle the situation before it gets out of hand.

    First, you must know your friends’ likes, dislikes, and potentials when setting them up with that person. An expert in couple matters, Lee Philips, maintained that knowing your friends’ “types” is non-negotiable when committed to the pairing business.

    Note that you must also take things easy and know when to accelerate. However, you should take the back burner once you set up your single mutual friends on a date.

    Let the two consenting adults decide on the next date, especially after their first. Also, do not be quick to suggest when you see that one person is not really into the date. Note that not every first date leads to a love relationship.

    In your desperation to pair your single mutual friends, remember that they may not work out, but you may still need to keep your friendship with both parties. It may seem awkward for some time, but that is one of the risks you may be willing to take.

    Also, remember, if they ever get married, you will forever be credited for their happily-ever-after romance, and that’s quite a reward.

    So the choice is yours!

  • Sex Therapist Reveals She Engages In Intimate Relationships With Clients To Repair Troubled Marriages

    Sex Therapist Reveals She Engages In Intimate Relationships With Clients To Repair Troubled Marriages

    Olivia Bentley, a sex therapist, adopts a hands-on approach by engaging in intimate relationships with her clients, claiming to have positively impacted marriages and transformed lives, per The Post

    “I get physically involved with the majority of the people I see, I think that’s part of the appeal,”

    the

    “veteran”

    sex worker told Kennedy News. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Bentley revealed that women have approached her to demonstrate

    “demo sex acts”

    on their husbands, while certain wives give their partners a

    “hall pass”

    to seek Bentley’s services.

    “Some ladies say, ‘I don’t always want to be involved in this but I want to know who you are, I want to approve of you and I’m going to let him come and see you,’”

    the 46-year-old sex educator, who makes $500,000 annually for her services, stated. When she’s not in the bedroom, Bentley, who has a client load of up to 10 per week, provides emotional support to her customers and offers advice on how to maintain a satisfying sex life.

    “People are usually nervous so I have to do my job at making them feel very comfortable and easing them into it, I’m kind of like the guide,”

    noting that she wants the women to

    “feel very confident and comfortable,”

    she told the outlet.

    “I’m very affectionate physically and emotionally towards the wife always. If she’s feeling very good, then the mood is elevated and we have a really good time and the husband is very grateful for the experience.”

    Although Bentley may not possess formal

    “counseling qualifications,”

    she holds a master’s degree in education and gained knowledge about intimate techniques during her employment at Nevada’s Moonlite BunnyRanch, a licensed brothel. As a self-proclaimed sex therapist, she criticizes women who deny their partners’ sexual needs, deeming it unfair.

    “I know there are a lot of sexless relationships out there and there are a lot of unhappy men,”

    she said.

    Bentley claims that her male clients have expressed that their sex lives have gone,

    “out the door,”

    after a few years of marriage.

    “It’s not an option to get married to a man and then turn around and say, ‘Oh, sorry, I’m not into sex anymore, too bad for you,’”

    she said.

    Additionally, Bentley advises her clients to keep it

    “spicy”

    outside of the bedroom by maintaining a fit physique which contributes to a fiery sex life. She believes that physical fitness has the potential to enhance libido.

    “The more athletic you are, the more sex you want to have — you feel more confident and aroused,”

    explained Bentley, a fitness enthusiast herself.

    “Couples who have sessions with me are the coolest in the world because they understand the importance of sexuality in their relationship as a part of maintaining a healthy marriage,”

    Bentley said applauding her clients for their

    “bravery”

    in establishing a healthy sex life. 

    #Clique, what are your thoughts?