All articles tagged with #relationship dynamics
Research from Binghamton University reveals that individuals with dark triad traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—often use physical touch manipulatively in relationships, with notable gender differences, highlighting the importance of understanding touch's dual role in intimacy and control.
A body language expert analyzed Selena Gomez's wedding photos with Benny Blanco, suggesting Gomez exhibited more leading and controlling gestures, such as adjusting Blanco's bow tie and placing her hand on his chest, indicating her dominant role in their relationship, while Blanco appeared more reserved and less expressive.
Research shows that scorekeeping in relationships, where partners track and compare their contributions, can significantly decrease satisfaction and cause long-term damage, especially if it persists over time. Most couples tend to abandon this behavior as they mature, recognizing that love thrives on generosity rather than fairness, but those who cling to scorekeeping may experience increased unhappiness and resentment.
Research shows that individuals with childhood trauma tend to experience more negative and fewer positive emotions during sexual disagreements with partners, primarily due to attachment anxiety, which influences emotional responses and can affect relationship dynamics.
Positive support from partners in a relationship has been found to significantly reduce stress, as indicated by cortisol levels. The study of 191 married couples revealed that individuals felt more validated and cared for when their partners provided positive support, leading to lower cortisol levels. The research underscores the importance of how support is perceived, showing that those who generally view their partner as supportive experience lower stress levels. The study also suggests that the way support is communicated may be more impactful than the content of the communication, highlighting the role of communication in managing stress within relationships.
A woman seeks a name for a new sexual position she and her boyfriend have pioneered, involving her lying on top of him while he fingers her until she squirts. The columnist suggests terms like "reach around fingering," "hand shower," "squirtle," and "tactical formation squirting" to describe the position, while also exploring the dynamics of their sexual exploration.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas reportedly adjusted their romantic dynamic after their children moved out, with the couple now pursuing individual hobbies and projects to avoid getting on each other's nerves. They have also agreed to stay away from heavy topics that might lead to arguments, as they navigate this new phase of life as empty-nesters.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas reportedly experienced a significant shift in their romantic dynamic after their children moved out, with the couple now focusing on individual pursuits and hobbies to avoid getting on each other's nerves. They have also agreed to steer clear of heavy topics that might lead to arguments, as they navigate this new phase of their relationship as empty-nesters.
A recent study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior explores the link between different types of pornography use—alone versus with a partner—and various sexual behaviors, as well as their impact on relationship dynamics. Findings indicate that joint pornography use is more consistently associated with a range of sexual behaviors compared to solitary use, with both positive and negative correlations to relationship outcomes. The study sheds light on the nuanced ways in which pornography consumption can influence intimate relationships, emphasizing the importance of context and behavioral patterns.
Clay Gravesande from Love Is Blind started as a problematic character but evolved into a complex depiction of Black masculinity and generational trauma. His rejection of his fiancée at the altar revealed his internal struggles and unresolved issues stemming from his father's infidelity. The aftermath of his decision led to a transformative conversation between his parents, shedding light on the impact of their marriage on his life. The episode provided a raw and unfiltered portrayal of relationship dynamics and generational pain, making Clay one of the most compelling figures in reality TV.
Peacock's new reality dating show "Couple to Throuple" follows four couples exploring polyamory with the help of a sex and relationship expert, leading to drama, jealousy, and provocative challenges. The show has drawn criticism for its portrayal of a specific type of polyamory and unbalanced relationship dynamics, but it also delivers the addictive, trashy appeal of classic reality TV dating shows.
The author shares their love for splitting meals at restaurants, emphasizing how it brings down the bill and fosters closeness with dining companions. They believe group ordering solves dining complications, offers an economical hack, and even reflects relationship dynamics, suggesting that sharing dishes can be a way to ascertain or change the dynamics of a relationship.
Our attraction to certain people is influenced by both conscious and subconscious factors, including unspoken desires and hopes for fulfillment. Often, we are drawn to those who can help us heal unhealed childhood wounds and enhance the quality of our lives. The process of healing involves bringing loving awareness to our inner wounds and accepting support from others. In a loving and trusting relationship, past unacknowledged wounds can surface and be transformed through compassion and acceptance. Ultimately, the journey of healing within a relationship leads to greater autonomy as individuals and a deeper bond as a couple.
A man on Reddit asked for an open marriage because he felt the spark was gone from his 19-year marriage, assuming no one would want his wife while he could have all the dates he wanted. However, it backfired when his wife ended up having many dates while he struggled to find any. He even lost his job after asking a colleague out. Now, he wants to go back to monogamy, but his wife refuses. Therapists suggest that jealousy often arises in such situations due to a fundamental inequality in the relationship. The key to successful open relationships is motivation based on hope and commitment, but in this case, the couple lacked these qualities.
Resurfaced photos from celebrity photographer Manny Hernandez's new book, Candids Miami 2, reveal the early dynamics of Melania Trump's relationship with Donald Trump. The pictures, taken in 1999 when Melania was still dating Trump, show her in a reserved and shy manner, sitting on a couch with crossed legs and arms while holding a copy of Ocean Drive magazine. The photos capture Melania's youthful glow and give no hint of her future as the first lady. Hernandez, who was familiar with Trump at the time, describes him as a big mogul from New York who would work the room and make his way into all the pictures. The images suggest that early on in their relationship, Donald Trump held a dominant role. However, with their separate lives now, Melania appears to have found her voice and is no longer the meek young model sitting on a Miami couch.