Real Time

11 New Year’s Resolutions for Couples

As the holiday season wraps and the New Year begins, about 50 percent of the U.S. population sets a New Year’s resolution. But by Valentine’s Day, the vast majority calls it quits on these promises. How can you succeed? Making…

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Why We Rarely Double Date

Phil and Sarah are two of our favorite people in the world. Marc and I love spending time with this couple. They’re funny and intelligent, they love food and are always open to exploring new things — just like us….

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How to Stay Connected as a Couple Through the Holidays

This story was originally created for The Gottman Institute Blog and has been republished here with permission. When my kids were younger, one of our favorite summer activities was to have leaf races in the rushing streams near our North Carolina summer…

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Creating the Date Night Habit

We humans live a well-worn path, often living the same life over and over, day after day. It takes true effort to blaze a new trail because we’re simply not wired for change; we’re wired for habit. Our brains like…

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We’ve Started Renewing Our Wedding Vows Every Year. Here’s Why

This story was originally created for The Gottman Institute Blog and has been republished here with permission. I recently read a statistic that the average couple spends between 200 and 300 hours planning their wedding. A few of those hours…

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The 15-Second Date Night: Thoughts on Liftoffs and Landings

It doesn’t take much to throw off a good date night routine. Marc and I can be on a roll for months… keeping to our weekly quality time like a paperboy does his Sunday route. But, then, a few schedule…

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Play and Do Nothing

Recently I read the book Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Brigid Schulte. Anyone who feels time-starved or overcommitted can immediately relate to Brigid’s story. Two kids, busy job, somewhat helpful spouse, and the…

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One Little Relationship Upgrade That Makes a Huge Difference

If I could have more of anything it would be more connection. Feeling close to and available for the people I am sharing my life with—friends and family—is my personal barometer for good living. With that aim in mind, my…

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30 Self-Care Rituals for Couples

Life is busy with tons of priorities… work, kids, friends and, of course, your relationship. Sometimes we’re so scheduled with demands that we fail to include time for self-care. It’s often undervalued but self-care benefits the mind, body and soul….

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11 Savvy Ways to Save Money When Dining Out

Who doesn’t enjoy dining out, especially on date night?! You get waited on, and someone else handles both the cooking and the clean-up. You simply have to delight in the company and dishes set before you. According to a Zagat…

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Dream Big Together: Adventurous Couple Ideas for Relationship Growth

As the year ends and the holidays wind down, our minds turn to the New Year. Resolutions, goals and epic lists of things to do flood our thoughts as we reflect on the past 12 months. But there’s nothing wrong…

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The Gift of No Gifts… Because Presence is The Best Present

It’s wonderful to see a person’s face light up thanks to a gift you bestowed. I do love giving gifts, and I love receiving gifts – within reason. But have you ever analyzed why you buy so many Christmas gifts?…

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The Friendship Dating Game: Desperately Seeking Mom Tribes, Gal Pals and Lifelong BFFs

The friendship dating game is pretty similar to the traditional dating game of seeking a romantic partner. And it can be especially tricky, yet essential, during certain periods of life when true friendships matter most. For example, being a new…

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How to Have Date Night on the Family Vacation

When you have a family, it’s not always easy to secure a couples getaway. Even though you’re parents, it’s still very important to have couple time (without the kiddos) and, ideally, get out for date night on a regular basis….

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Epic Ways to Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

Ah, the achievement of reaching a milestone anniversary. So special, right? Surprisingly, many couples let milestone anniversaries slide by without much fuss. But, to the contrary, I think anniversaries should be celebrated and cherished! In fact, in addition to the following,…

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12 Simple Ways Every Man Can Make His Woman Feel Loved

Attention gentleman… Actions speak louder than words… as they say. So, a simple yet sincere gesture by a man can remind a woman just how much she’s loved. And the element of surprise doesn’t hurt either when displaying such devotion….

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No More Parental Guilt: How to Achieve Kid-Approved Date Nights

By Karen Duncan We are social creatures. We live to connect with others, to love and be loved. We develop our first meaningful relationships with our families and then move on to friends as the world opens up to us….

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How to Chronicle Your Love Story with a Couple’s Journal

Perhaps your “Dear Diary” days are long behind you but before you toss the concept of journaling aside once and for all, consider how grown ups are using the practice to release and record our deepest feelings, chronicle travels and…

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How People Express Love Around the World

Love is the universal language, so they say. Yet, how love is communicated varies greatly throughout the world. From classic trinkets to sappy love letters and beyond, love speaks volumes in many forms. I am blessed to have a melting…

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Who Should Plan Date Night in Your Relationship?

I’m a planner… maybe to a fault. You see, I like to keep a busy schedule to experience life to the fullest. But, admittedly, also because I’m a “Type A” personality – i.e. ambitious but impatient. My planning often maximizes…

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