How We Love Insights

Last Wednesday afternoon I started one of my therapy sessions hoping to help a couple with their problems, but instead they ended up helping me far more—by getting me to the hospital.

How many times have you heard someone reflect on a painful or difficult childhood experience and then given one of the following responses: “But that experience made me who I am today.” “Anyway, I’ve forgiven my parents for what they did,” or “It happened. I can’t change it, so I’ve moved on.”

We’re continuing to confront some difficult topics. This week, I want to answer a question that so many people struggle with alone: How does a relationship heal after betrayal?

With Valentine’s Day just behind us—and all the cultural pressure that often comes with it—let’s tackle a difficult but important topic: sexual abuse and its impact on sex and intimacy.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had an “undo” button so we could quickly go back and fix mistakes—or a time machine so we could avoid traumatic events or change outcomes we wish turned out differently.

Ever wondered if there’s a tipping point in a relationship—the moment that determines whether it will deepen or slowly fade? Romantic relationship moves through predictable stages, whether we’re aware of them or not.