A woman who teaches a pre-marriage course for couples told me she starts the program with each participant completing a questionnaire on their goals for the marriage. Each person does it on their own—without consulting their … [Read more...] about 10 Important Questions to Consider Before Making A Long-Term Commitment
communication
Q&A With Dr. Laurie: “Keeping Score”
“Keeping Score” Q: My wife and I have a good sex life, and I put a lot of effort into making sure she has a good time—I’ll go down on her, use her vibrator, give her full-body massages, etc. When we have sex, I will inevitably … [Read more...] about Q&A With Dr. Laurie: “Keeping Score”
Five Reasons Why Arguing Better Will Improve Your Relationship
Most couples don’t fall apart because they argue too much. They fall apart because they never figure out how to argue well. … [Read more...] about Five Reasons Why Arguing Better Will Improve Your Relationship
Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Left Wanting More
Left Wanting More Q: Hi Dr. Laurie. I’ve read some responses to questions about a libido gap in relationships, especially long-term ones, and in couples who are aging. I consider myself lucky that the missus and I are both in … [Read more...] about Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Left Wanting More
Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Shifting The Focus
Shifting Focus Q: In the past, whenever I had sex, I was really focused on my partner’s pleasure, and making them cum. To me, that’s what’s satisfying. But my current partner finds satisfaction the same way. They want to see me … [Read more...] about Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Shifting The Focus
The Art Of Attaching: Why Healthy Love Requires Connection, Not Distance
Somewhere along the way, we started confusing emotional unavailability with strength. Don’t get too attached. Don’t need them too much. Stay detached so you don’t get hurt. And on the surface, it sounds smart. Protective, even. … [Read more...] about The Art Of Attaching: Why Healthy Love Requires Connection, Not Distance
Safe Sex is Communicative Sex
Our education generally teaches us to abstain from sex completely to avoid STIs. The only alternative we’re given is to wear a condom the correct way every time you have sex per the CDC. It’s like saying “Well, if you HAVE to have … [Read more...] about Safe Sex is Communicative Sex
If You Stop Always Depending On Others For Advice And Start Trusting Your Judgement, It Can Improve Your Relationship
“This above all: to thine own self be true,” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, taught the importance of being authentic, trusting our judgement and not just going along with what other people tell us. … [Read more...] about If You Stop Always Depending On Others For Advice And Start Trusting Your Judgement, It Can Improve Your Relationship
A Sex Coach Speaks: The 7 Worst Sex Tips I’ve Ever Heard (And What Actually Works)
April Fools’ Day got me thinking. It’s a time for harmless pranks, playful mischief, and laughing at things that are, frankly, a little ridiculous. If there’s one place where ridiculous advice runs wild, it’s sex. … [Read more...] about A Sex Coach Speaks: The 7 Worst Sex Tips I’ve Ever Heard (And What Actually Works)
Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Boundaries Vs. Ultimatums
Boundaries Vs. Ultimatums Q: I really love my girlfriend of six months but certain behavior in our relationship has started to make me uncomfortable. For example, I live with a roommate and he’s a great guy. In fact he’s rarely … [Read more...] about Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Boundaries Vs. Ultimatums
When Fantasies Clash: How To Talk About Different Desires Without Killing The Vibe
There’s a moment that happens in many relationships that people rarely talk about. It usually doesn’t happen during a big argument or a dramatic confrontation. It happens in quieter spaces. Maybe after sex, when bodies are relaxed … [Read more...] about When Fantasies Clash: How To Talk About Different Desires Without Killing The Vibe
Podcast: The Happy Divorce
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Laurie discusses the "Happy Divorce." You'll also hear answers to listener-submitted questions, and get Dr. Laurie's take on "Sex in the News." … [Read more...] about Podcast: The Happy Divorce