We’ve talked about several of the core foundations of love and intimacy, that I have outlined in this series: vulnerability, trust, courage, self-awareness, and kindness. However, one more remains to complete the solid foundation for the basis upon which we can expand our ability to experience the many benefits of being in a loving ...read more
The Core Foundations of Real Love and True Intimacy – Part 5: Kindness
Ok. You might be looking at the title and why I am highlighting something that should be obvious – we need to be kind to one another. And you would have a point. It should be obvious but you might be surprised to learn that so many partners have actually lost sight of just how important kindness is. Here’s why. We’ve talked about ...read more
The Core Foundations of Real Love and True Intimacy – Part 4: Self-Awareness
Have you ever been in a relationship, but wanted something more? Your partner may have all the boxes checked when it came to height, looks, education, income, and all the other things that we initially may find important. But then at some point, you may start to get the sinking feeling that you’re settling or you begin to realize that ...read more
The Core Foundations of Real Love and True Intimacy – Part 3: Living Courageously
Do you know that feeling when you are so vulnerable and scared about something, you can barely bring yourself to even look at your partner in the face? This situation can be very painful because we may be locked into feeling shame, guilt, embarrassment, fear, sadness, or anger. And we feel that we have to keep it inside because if we talk about it, ...read more
The Core Foundations of Real Love and True Intimacy – Part 2: Trust
There are those moments in every relationship when you may be looking into your partner’s eyes and wondering if you can trust them with your inner world. The ability to trust ourselves and our partner is the true cornerstone - and most important pillar - upon which to build a foundation of love and intimacy. The ability to experience trust in ...read more
The Core Foundations of Real Love and True Intimacy – Part 1: Vulnerability
In relationships, we talk about taking them to another level. Maybe it’s the first time you say those three special words, maybe it’s when you take your loved one to meet the parents over the holidays or maybe it’s moving in together. No matter what phase of your relationship you’re in, you can always take it to another level of depth and ...read more
The Core Foundations of Real Love and True Intimacy – A Six Part Series: Introduction
Having been in private practice for over 25 years, I have met hundreds and hundreds of individuals and couples who are struggling in their relationships…or lack thereof. Their challenges are many and as diverse as the people I work with. Each person and situation is unique. Having said that, I have learned – and, really, my clients ...read more
Navigate Valentine’s Day With Ease
I may be dating myself a bit, but raise your hand if you remember the song, Love is a Many Splendored Thing? Anyone? It was from the 1955 movie of the same title and written by Paul Francis Webster, music by Sammy Fain. It’s been covered by tons of people – from Nat King Cole to Frank Sinatra to Jeff Lynne as recently as 2012. It’s a ...read more
Three Phases of Romantic Love
People often ask in one way or another, “Should love change over time?” My response is always, “I certainly hope so!” Why do I say this? It’s fairly simple. I see far too many couples who settle for so much less in their love life. They may have initially fallen in love but after a while, it doesn’t seem to progress much beyond that. People ...read more
Can It Be? Is Love at First Sight Real?
It seems like such a wonderfully romantic notion. And it absolutely can be. An accidental encounter. Seeing someone from across the room and immediately feeling the electric connection. Just reading this sounds like a scene out of the latest romcom or Netflix release. You may have even daydreamed the possibility of it happening to ...read more
Is It Too Soon to Know If I’m in Love?
Have you ever wondered how long it takes to fall in love? I was recently interviewed by Elite Daily on this topic. It’s particularly important if you’re starting to get feels pretty early in a relationship, you’ll definitely want to read up about the right time for you to share those feelings with your partner. I have worked with hundreds of ...read more
Why Your Texting Style Matters in Relationships
It’s amazing how much time we spend on our personal glowing rectangle devices, otherwise known as our phones. Sometimes, I don’t know what we did without them! Can you even get to an unfamiliar place without the use of your phone? Obviously, the main reason we use our phones is for communication and most of that time is spent texting our ...read more
You Don’t Have to Go Home for the Holidays: How to Keep Your Sanity in Check When You Come from a Toxic Family
You may cringe every time you hear Andy Williams sing the classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” You’re not a Grinch if you feel this way. You just may be dreading going home for the holidays. If you come from a toxic or abusive family, the feeling of obligation to spend time with them over the holidays can be enough to ...read more
Do You Text Your SO Too Much?
When digital dating happens with a swipe, one can easily rely on texting as a relational crutch. But how do you know if your level of texting with your loved one is healthy or potentially crossing over the digital divide? I was recently interviewed by Elite Daily about warning signs that may be applicable to the way texting plays out ...read more
Coping with the Holiday Season When You’re Feeling Down
Holiday parties every weekend, traveling long distances, preparing for Thanksgiving. Christmas lists from the kids to Santa, Hanukkah presents for eight nights, extra time with extended family. Colder, winter weather (well, as cold as it can get in Southern California!) and endless sweet treats when we’re trying to follow a healthier eating ...read more
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