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...

Why the First Year of Marriage Is So Hard – And How to Get Through It Together

by Marianne Marlow, MA, LMHC | Nov 18, 2022 | Life Changes, Life Events, Marriage, Relationship

You have married your special person and now your life together feels incredibly hard. You may wonder what is wrong with your marriage, “We have not even been married a year yet!” You may be concerned about stirring up more conflict with your spouse, so you avoid...

Why Does She Always Need Space?

by Marianne Marlow, MA, LMHC | Oct 28, 2022 | Balance, Communication, Relationship

We’re in that mode again. My partner tucked herself away with a book and I am feeling fidgety. I need someone to talk to. Why does she always need space? It is not uncommon for a relationship to involve one partner that needs frequent quiet and alone time, while the...

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...