mental illness is something that commonly gets romanticized in literature and the media — perpetuating the idea that a handsome guy can somehow cure depression and anxiety disorders. they may feel like this person understands them in a way that others might not, or that it’s easier because they don’t have to worry about facing judgment based solely on their diagnosis. whatever the reason, it’s definitely possible for two people with similar, or even very different mental diagnoses to have …

dating someone who struggles with their mental health issues may be challenging, but it is possible to construct a healthy relationship with a solid effort and the proper boundaries. it can be difficult to avoid frustration and remain patient with the other person when the factors of mental health and dating collide. being in a relationship with a partner who understands that mental illness may affect actions, words, and feelings can be a relief for the person who is struggling …

what if you followed through on that pact and actually married your best friend, not because of a ticking clock or because you actually fell in love, but because you realized that they would be the best person to grow old and raise a family with, even though you had no romantic or sexual feelings towards them at all? “platonic marriages are when people that are friends who are not sexually involved decide to make a commitment in marriage for …

the effectiveness of this model is being studied in a randomized clinical trial. even if jennifer is talking about the love she had for anthony, it’s important that sam regain his role as confidante, and it’s even more important that jennifer be completely transparent about what happened. all of this lies in the atonement phase, which is a working through of anger, fear, guilt, and shame. sam and jennifer will want to create a fresh, enlivened relationship where both can …

a lack of intimacy can bring problems for a couple, particularly if it was once an important role in the relationship or if one partner is more intimate than the other. if you know you can give your partner a ‘knowing’ look from across the room, and that they’ll respond with that special wink or smile, then you’ve developed an emotional intimacy in your relationship. it’s very common for one type of intimacy to be more important to one partner …