The short answer is yes, according to relationship experts — Here’s a common romantic myth: in a satisfying relationship with the right person, you should never feel attracted to anyone else. But according to Relate, the UK’s largest provider of relationship support, it’s perfectly natural — and inevitable — to find people other than your partner attractive from time to…

Relationship experts explain the psychology behind infidelity — Many of us like to believe we’re not the ‘type’ of person who would ever cheat on a partner. But according to psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel, many straying partners don’t fit the stereotypical ‘cheater’ profile. Not all people who cheat do so out of a…

Everyday compassionate acts can boost relationship satisfaction — Falling in love can be an incredible experience. Many of us start relationships on a hopeful, optimistic note, high on the euphoria that accompanies newfound love. But according to positive psychology expert and well-being consultant Suzann Pileggi, mere feelings aren’t enough to keep a couple happy together over years and…

Does your new partner need to know about your guilty secrets? — Is it possible that someone could love the real me? — Lillian B. Rubin, Intimate Strangers So you’re in a new relationship. You haven’t been together long, but things are going pretty well. Except… there’s a persistent worry in the back of your mind about something your new partner doesn’t…

Signs you’re more than ‘just friends’ with someone outside your relationship — Is there such a thing as ‘emotional cheating’? How does it differ from a physical affair? And what are the warning signs you’re becoming more than ‘just friends’ with someone other than your partner? What is an emotional affair? “An emotional affair is an intense, secret relationship that competes with and undermines your primary relationship,”…

The crucial conversation many couples neglect — In a committed relationship, what is considered ‘cheating’? Are all transgressions easy to define? Or, when it comes to acceptable behavior, are there gray areas that vary from couple to couple? For insight, I turned to the work of psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel. A well-known…

As well as 5 “love languages”, there are 5 “apology languages” — So you messed up. You made a mistake. Inadvertently, you ended up hurting the person you love. Slip-ups are human. What’s done is done. Now, you’ve got a choice about how to act next. What’s the best way to apologize, and show your loved one you’re genuinely sorry? The words “I’m sorry” aren’t always enough When one…

Simple, inexpensive, yet effective ways to connect — What are some great ways to say “I love you”, without using those specific words? Though candle-lit dinners and flowers may automatically spring to mind, relationship experts believe that small, day-to-day shows of affection may actually be more impactful. Expressions of love don’t have to be “grand, over-the-top gestures”, says…

Tips to help long-term couples maintain an erotic connection — How do successful long-term couples maintain a satisfying sex life? For some tips, tricks and strategies, I turned to the work of pioneering sex therapist and author Jack Morin, Ph.D. By the time he died in 2013, Morin was a nationally recognized expert on the psychology of desire and arousal. …