Hugging, while it's usually regarded as a simple and everyday act, has been found by scientists to radically alter one's outlook for the better and affect the way our brains work in the long term. According to a study from PLOS One, after social and/or relationship conflict, giving and receiving hugs with the other person will increase good … [Read more...] about The Surprising Science of Hugs
Relationship Tips
Is an Open Relationship Right for You? Listen to Clinton Power on ABC Radio
I recently spoke with Melanie Tait on the ABC Radio Nightlife program about open relationships. This was a fascinating discussion with some interesting callers on the talkback sharing their experiences. In this interview I answer the following questions: How common is it for couples to have an open relationship? How have relationships … [Read more...] about Is an Open Relationship Right for You? Listen to Clinton Power on ABC Radio
How to Fight Fair: The Pros and Cons of Conflict
All couples experience conflict, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The goal of a successful relationship is not to eliminate conflict, but to repair effectively after conflicts occur. This takes relationship skills—which can be learned! Let’s discuss some of what argumentative couples have in common. Why is relationship conflict so … [Read more...] about How to Fight Fair: The Pros and Cons of Conflict
Desire Discrepancy: The Real Reasons You’re Not Having More Sex in Your Relationship
No two people in a relationship are going to have the exact same sex drive, but when it becomes a chronic problem in how they interact, it might be time to seek help. The most common myths about desire In our culture, sexual education is spotty at best. Many of us get a lot of our ideas about sex from movies and pornography, and those aren’t … [Read more...] about Desire Discrepancy: The Real Reasons You’re Not Having More Sex in Your Relationship
How to Decide if a Significant Relationship Commitment is Right for You
There comes a time in every relationship when you need to make a significant decision or commitment together. You might be considering increasing your relationship commitment, or making a decision together which requires a big emotional, financial, or psychological commitment. Some significant relationship commitments you might make together … [Read more...] about How to Decide if a Significant Relationship Commitment is Right for You
How to Stay Connected as a Happy and Healthy Couple
Couples are stressed out more than ever It’s not easy being in a relationship these days. With so many competing stresses including managing your work, personal life, family, and relationship, it’s no wonder so many couples are stressed out. And when you’re stressed out, it can negatively impact the connection between you and your partner over … [Read more...] about How to Stay Connected as a Happy and Healthy Couple
5 Ways to Help Your Depressed Partner Rediscover Happiness Again
Are you feeling dragged down by your depressed partner? When one or both people in a relationship are dealing with depression, it can cause the dynamic to shift significantly. Depression is a challenge to a relationship—like any illness— but it doesn’t mean the relationship is to blame and it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You and your partner … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Help Your Depressed Partner Rediscover Happiness Again
STUDY: Holding Hands with Your Partner Syncs Brainwaves and Calms Pain
How much touch do you have in your relationship? An interesting study from the University of Colorado Boulder and University of Haifa found that when you hold hands with a loved one in pain, your breathing and heart rate synchronise with theirs and your brain wave patterns will couple. This study was recently published in the Proceedings of the … [Read more...] about STUDY: Holding Hands with Your Partner Syncs Brainwaves and Calms Pain
Warning: How to Avoid a Nightmare Holiday with Your New Partner
Don't let your new love interest ruin the holiday of a lifetime Scenario: you’ve just met a wonderful new love interest and things are rolling along so well you decide to take a holiday abroad together. But how’s it going to go, when you’re thousands of kilometres away from home? There are certainly risks when traveling with a new … [Read more...] about Warning: How to Avoid a Nightmare Holiday with Your New Partner
Couples: Are You Failing to Know When Your Partner is Sad or Feeling Down?
New research says couples do poorly at knowing when their partner is sad or feeling down Reading your partner’s feelings and good communication is important to the health of your relationship—this should come as no surprise. A recent study found that couples can read each other’s feelings well when the emotion occurring is happiness, but not as … [Read more...] about Couples: Are You Failing to Know When Your Partner is Sad or Feeling Down?