A New GPS for Intimate Relationships

Relationships

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on May 6, 2024

The quality of care we provide ourselves is crucial to our self-esteem, the esteem we receive from others, and how well we adapt and perform under varying circumstances.

Relationships

Our Biggest Relationship Sin

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on March 26, 2024

To combat taking one another for granted, we should ratchet up our everyday considerations, especially our simple "please" and "thank you" exchanges of respect and kindness.

Confidence

Self-Confidence Despite Our Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on January 24, 2024

The extent to which we know, accept, and manage ourselves, our strengths, and our weaknesses make us more likable to others and ourselves.

Mating

Choosing a Partner: The Hows, Whys, and Whats of Our Search

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on December 11, 2023

Online dating has advantages and disadvantages. The choices of potential partners are vast, but what traits should be sought, and which ones would ensure mutual happiness?

Sex

A Powerful Aphrodisiac for Her

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on November 17, 2023

A female or female-identifying partner's sex life can be fragile and easily extinguished—ironically, by the very selfless behaviors that often make her most loveable.

Forgiveness

The Power Apology: It Can Repair the Damage

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on October 6, 2023

Some apologies are better than others. Which are the best? Can we improve the quality of our apologies? Can they be improved upon with learning and practice?

Persuasion

Benevolent Control: A Better Way to Exert Influence

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on September 1, 2023

A partner's maturity, as expressed in the healthy management of their personal needs, can be positively "contagious," influencing similar behavior in their partner.

Relationships

What's Your Intimacy IQ?

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on June 15, 2023

Having a good intimacy IQ can help you navigate the rigors of our most complex relationships—intimate relationships.

Relationships

What Character-Based Love Is

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on March 29, 2023

How people explain, and to what they attribute, their affection for a partner.

Relationships

The Best Reasons to Commit to an Intimate Relationship

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on February 12, 2023

What is the best reason for being a part of an intimate relationship? What reasons are most resilient and sustainable?

Relationships

Learning Self-Compassion

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on January 5, 2023

Personal Perspective: Loving oneself well is a precondition for loving others.

Blaming's healthy substitute: Effective need management

Leadership

From Partner Blaming to Partner Respect

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on December 21, 2022

Do you sometimes resort to blaming your partner? If so, how would you assess your own need management skills? Addressing this in therapy can lead to a turnaround.

Relationships

Why Relationships Fail

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on October 30, 2022

Why intimate relationships often fail and what can be done to help.

Relationships

Intimacy's Extraordinary Ability to Reveal Who We Are

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on October 6, 2022

What makes the intimate relationship a unique vehicle for helping us achieve emotional maturity.

Relationships

The Myth of Compatibility

Robert N. Johansen Ph.D. on September 28, 2022

By prioritizing how we love our partners over the conventional priority given to who we love, we untether from emotional dependency on shifting perceptions of compatibility.