283 articles
The hard part is not getting there.
Long-term relationships fail less often from dramatic betrayal than from accumulated small neglect. Gottman's observational work identified turning toward bids for attention — the tiny, unremarkable requests for connection that occur dozens of times a day — as one of the clearest behavioural differences between couples who last and couples who separate.
The predictable pressure points are well documented: the transition out of infatuation, the arrival of children, unequal division of household and emotional labour, financial conflict, and the slow decline of intentional intimacy. None of these is fatal, and all of them are worse when unspoken.
This collection covers maintenance rather than romance: the conversations worth having on a schedule, how couples divide invisible labour fairly, how desire changes over decades, and the evidence on when counselling helps.
Marriage & Long-Term
March 2021 brought continued shifts in daily life, making compromise more vital than ever for married couples. This piece delves into why compromise isn't about giving in, but…
Summary of The Gottman Institute · 10 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
March 2021 saw a continued emphasis on equitable partnerships. This article underscores the vital role of shared responsibilities in fostering a balanced and fulfilling marriage…
Summary of Cosmopolitan · 8 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
In the relentless pace of modern life, finding dedicated time for your partner can feel like a luxury. This article emphasizes the necessity of 'we-time' for maintaining a healthy…
Summary of Elle · 9 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
Rituals, big or small, can become the glue that holds a marriage together. This article explores how establishing shared rituals can deepen connection and create lasting memories.
Summary of Vogue · 14 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
Economic uncertainty can strain marriages. This article provides actionable advice on how couples can work together to create a unified financial plan and achieve fiscal harmony.
Summary of Verywell Mind · 11 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
For couples navigating long distances, February 2021 presented unique challenges. This article offers strategies for maintaining a strong and connected long-term relationship…
Summary of The New York Times · 6 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
In February 2021, the pressure to achieve idealized relationship goals remained high. This article challenges the notion of a 'perfect partner' and advocates for embracing…
Summary of Glamour · 14 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
With the stresses of the past year, intimacy in long-term relationships may have taken a backseat. This article offers practical advice on how to reignite that spark and foster…
Summary of Psychology Today · 19 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
In any long-term partnership, compromise is inevitable. This article delves into the nuances of effective compromise, offering strategies for navigating differences constructively.
Summary of The Atlantic · 6 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
The world is constantly evolving, and so are relationships. This article explores how couples can build resilience to navigate future challenges and strengthen their long-term…
Summary of Harvard Business Review · 17 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
The past year has reshaped our lives, and potentially, our marriages. This article explores how to proactively realign expectations with your partner as you step into a…
Summary of The Gottman Institute · 6 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
In the often individualistic landscape of modern life, maintaining a strong 'we' in a marriage is crucial for long-term happiness. This article from The Atlantic explores how…
Summary of The Atlantic · 14 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
Trust is the invisible glue that holds a marriage together. This article from Verywell Mind explores the multifaceted nature of trust and provides actionable steps for couples to…
Summary of Verywell Mind · 6 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
The start of a new year is prime time for goal-setting, but what happens when your relationship becomes intertwined with your resolutions? This article explores how couples can…
Summary of Psychology Today · 13 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
The year 2021 saw an unprecedented shift towards remote work, profoundly altering the landscape of long-distance relationships. This article explores how couples adapted and…
Summary of The New York Times · 13 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
The start of 2021, with its unique travel considerations, presented an opportunity for couples to re-evaluate their vacation habits. This article from Cosmopolitan explores the…
Summary of Cosmopolitan · 9 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
As couples settle into the new year, it's a good time to assess the long-term viability of the relationship. This article outlines important red flags that could indicate…
Summary of Healthline · 7 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
The early part of 2021 was a time of ongoing adaptation. For long-term couples, mastering the art of compromise is essential for navigating challenges and fostering a resilient…
Summary of The Gottman Institute · 7 min read
Marriage & Long-Term
Money is often a major source of stress in relationships. This article from The Guardian provides guidance for married couples to have open and productive conversations about…
Summary of The Guardian · 10 min read
Surveys consistently point to gradual erosion — lack of commitment, persistent unresolved conflict, and growing apart — rather than single dramatic events. Infidelity appears frequently but often as a symptom of a relationship that had already disengaged.
Yes. The neurochemistry of early infatuation is not sustainable and typically settles between one and two years. The transition to companionate love is not a failure; couples who expect it navigate it far better than couples who read it as lost love.
Earlier than most do. The commonly cited figure is that couples wait around six years after problems surface. Counselling is most effective before contempt has set in, and treating it as maintenance rather than a last resort substantially improves outcomes.