Discussing boundaries with your partner By Sammi (Orenda.) While it's no secret that understanding boundaries is a key factor in any healthy relationship, openly discussing them with your partner can sometimes feel awkward, especially when you're having the initial conversation about what is and is not okay with you. Questions may run through your mind such as "Is my partner going to be disappointed if I say I'm not comfortable with this?" or you might face concerns about whether or not...

Maintaining effective communication with your partner By Sammi (Metanoia.) One of the most common pieces of advice people offer when a new relationship starts is to communicate with your partner about topics such as boundaries and expectations. During those beginning stages, it's common for couples to talk about everything, big and small. However, as relationships progress, those open conversations often start to dwindle, especially regarding the more mundane topics like little annoyances....

Inexpensive date ideas By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~) When you are in a relationship, or are simply getting to know a special someone, it’s fun to go on dates. However, dates can be expensive. Dinner and a movie can end up costing quite a bit of money and if you are on a tight budget it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do those types of dates very often. Coming up with the money for dates can be really stressful and it can take the pleasure out of dating. This article is going to ...

Valentine's Day gift ideas By Cassie (Cassado) and Nicole (eumoirous) Valentine's Day is about showing your love for the important people in your life. While love is shown all year around, Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to spending time with your friends, family, or partner. You don't have to be in a relationship to join the fun and celebrate! It can be hard to choose what you want to give as gifts sometimes. Here are some crafty do-it-yourself gift ideas. List the reasons...

The difference between loving someone and being in love By Nicole (eumoirous) Many couples wonder when they transition from just loving each other, to actually being in love. While this line between them is not concrete, there are some differences that can alert you to whether you actually are in love with a person, or whether it’s just lust, infatuation, or general affection. These are general ideas of the concepts between the two, however it is up to you to decide what you are truly...

Getting back together By Nicole (eumoirous) No matter how long you were with your partner before the breakup, going your separate ways will always be tough. It’s very natural to miss each other, especially at first, however sometimes things change and it may seem like giving things a second chance is reasonable. Getting back together with an ex is a very delicate process, and it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many things you should consider before you and your...

Dating a person with a mental illness By Nicole (Pug Princess) Dating a person with a mental illness can be challenging for various reasons, however it can still be a very rewarding experience. You’ll need patience, empathy, and a positive attitude to make it work. There’s a balance between helping take care of them, and treating them like they can’t help themselves. Finding this balance and knowing how to cope can help ensure that your relationship is still healthy even if their mental...

The Single Life, Part Two By Dave (dr2005) and Katrina Questions and Answers Thus far, we have conjoined our thoughts and views on each of the above issues presented. However, to give readers a more comprehensive look, we have chosen to answer each of the following questions separately. In doing this, readers are given a male perspective as well as a female perspective, each from different countries, backgrounds, and upbringings. Question #1: “I’ve been single forever. Where do I...

The Single Life, Part One By Dave (dr2005) and Katrina As one enters adolescence, the pressures of being in a relationship are intensified, perhaps by the social networking relationship statuses open for the public to see, or the tendency to feel as though all of one’s friends are in relationships. As we’ve all seen in the movies, teenaged relationships can grow into marriages of “high school sweethearts,” and others still can turn into long term relationships stretching into the twenties....

Is your relationship healthy? By Ada (you'rebeautiful) and Robin (PSY) There are many reasons for a person to seek out a romantic relationship. For the sake of both people involved, however, it is important to ensure that the relationship is a happy and healthy one. Many people fail to make a distinction between the two. For example, one can be happy with their relationship, but exhibit signs of co-dependence. Relationships can also be fun and passionate, but lack the necessary components...

February 14th: Just Another Day By Cheyenne (Come As You Are) Valentine’s Day is the bane of many a single person’s existence. The sudden influx of roses, chocolates and love songs is enough to do anyone’s head in. Many, myself included, argue that Valentine's Day isn’t even a real holiday. It’s an excuse for Hershey’s and Hallmark to charge unreasonable prices for their wares all in the name of romance. As you can probably see, this isn’t an article about what to get your girlfriend for...

Technology in long-distance relationships By Traci (Coffee.) Technology has affected the way that we communicate in a variety of relationships. From reconnecting with old friends on Facebook to making new friends around the web, technology has changed the way that we interact. Technology allows long-distance relationships, from two lovers split apart by necessity to a couple that met over a dating site, to survive just as a normal couple would. Which apps are best for you and your partner?...

Taking a break in a romantic relationship By Robin (PSY) Taking a break in a romantic relationship can either help or hinder a couple's ability to work through conflict; therefore, it is important to approach a break in a healthy manner, regardless of whether or not the decision to take a break is mutual. Various events can lead a couple to consider taking a break, such as a major life change or hardship (e.g., moving to another state or losing a loved one), an ongoing issue (e.g., an...

Coping with jealousy in relationships By Traci (Coffee.) Regardless of your particular romantic relationship, from different sexual orientations to having a long-distance relationship, you are bound to deal with jealousy, defined as an uneasiness or suspicion of unfaithfulness. In small amounts, jealousy is healthy, showing a love for that person and desire for mutual love, affection, and commitment. But if jealousy in your relationship is impeding you or your partner’s relationships...