What Are the Non-Negotiables for Your Relationship?

by Marianne Marlow, MA, LMHC | Feb 10, 2023 | Marriage, relationships

Compromise is always important to a healthy relationship. But what happens when compromise feels wrong, and you no longer want to negotiate? What are the non-negotiables for your relationship, and how do you talk to your partner about them? What Are Non-Negotiables in...

My Partner Has Stopped Meeting My Needs

by Marianne Marlow, MA, LMHC | Jan 27, 2023 | Marriage, relationships

“My partner is withdrawing emotionally and physically and no longer seems to be interested in meeting my needs. I want our relationship to be close again. I have no idea how to navigate this situation.” Most healthy relationships include five core elements: open...

Does Marriage Have to Be Hard?

by Marianne Marlow, MA, LMHC | Jan 13, 2023 | Marriage, relationships

I realize that when I fully commit to anything in life, it will not necessarily be easy-peasy, but should my marriage be this hard? Successful marriages and long-term commitments require action from both partners, and sometimes it seems like work. Should it feel like...

The “Sometimes” Abusive Partner and Ignoring Red Flags

by Marianne Marlow, MA, LMHC | Sep 30, 2022 | Abuse, Relationship, relationships

Nobody wants to experience abusive behavior in a relationship, but when it happens infrequently, or when it feels not so severe, it is common for the person on the receiving end to make excuses, find reasons to justify the behavior, deem it less important, blame...