In reality, most couples DO need to talk long before “The Talk,” and bonding questions for couples are a great way to start a dialogue. A robust and evolving communication strategy can lead you to a healthier place as you blend your lives together throughout various phases of a relationship. [Side Note: You might consider the Couples Communication Course. In this online course, learn healthy communication skills and build the intimacy you’ve always wanted in your relationship....

We’re not talking about S.M.A.R.T. goals here since that’s more an approach to goal-setting than a specific goal type. The goals listed in this article target different areas of your life or fit different time-frames. Some goals you’ll have for years, while others you’ll slay in a matter of months or weeks — or even days. But all the goal types described below are indispensable to your continued growth and to the impact you’ll make on the lives of others....

It’s a minefield that can leave you feeling drained and defeated, especially when trying to maneuver through a one-sided relationship. “Is he really into me?” “Should I keep trying, or should I let it go?” If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, chances are he’s just not that into you. While we often see red flags at the beginning of a relationship, sometimes they are a bit more subtle and difficult to spot....

Maybe you feel like you are really good at reading people or you simply have an inclination toward being empathic. If so, you might be an intuitive empath. Being an intuitive empath means you have a high sensory perception and can be impacted by other people’s energies. You have an innate ability to perceive those around you. But, being an empath is more than just being an especially sensitive person, and it isn’t limited to simply feeling and expressing emotions....

Or maybe you’re looking for ways to get to know your boyfriend a little better? Either way, this list of flirty questions to ask guys will open up doors in your relationship, no matter what stage you’ve reached. Asking these questions can help you gain a deeper understanding of him as a person, while also developing your bond. Knowing him better will give you a new appreciation for his strengths and a better understanding of his point of view....

But it’s not quite enough. Because those thoughts are still there, and until you address those, you’re not likely to feel better anytime soon. Ask yourself, “What is good for calming anxiety?” and it’s too easy to think of solutions that have nothing to do with the thoughts in your head. Then, in your search for real help, you find this post on anxiety affirmations, which are potent phrases that help reduce anxiety....

You might be over them, or you might wish you were back together. Either way, our relationships can be as complicated as our emotions. For any number of reasons–and whether it’s been a week or a decade since you split–you might find yourself wondering how to tell if your ex misses you. Does My Ex Miss Me? 25 Sure Signs He Does While it can be difficult to decipher the meaning behind your ex’s actions, there are clues they might be missing you....

When your love relationship is unhealthy and unhappy, it infects your entire life and your mental health. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and options to help couples in an unhealthy relationship — from courses to counseling. But sometimes we don’t recognize the signs of real trouble, even though we feel deeply unhappy, lonely, or confused. It can also be hard to admit to ourselves and others that our relationship is anything less than perfect....

Thanks to adult coloring books, you don’t even need to be an artist to turn line drawings into colorful works of art. And since most high-quality coloring books for adults have single-sided pages, you can easily turn a finished project into an artful wall-hanging — if only to remind you to take time out for yourself. To help with that, here are the 33 best adult coloring books for your enjoyment and stress relief....

With or without the advantage of wealthy parents or some other leg up, those who experience true success have to pass through fire first. This is not to prove their worthiness but to forge them into someone who can rise from the ashes and transform their emotional pain into character. The following quotes about overcoming adversity celebrate true resilience and reveal the mindset behind it. How These Positive Work Quotes Can Inspire Success Our minds direct our moods....

Many moms have all the material things they need, so you may want to offer something more meaningful than another scarf or “World’s Best Mom” mug. That’s when heartfelt Mother’s Day quotes can come in handy. This special occasion gives you the opportunity to show mom (or other mother figures in your life) just how grateful you are for everything she has done for you. Whether she’s your birth mom, a step-mom, a grandmother, or any other woman who supported you throughout your developmental years, this amazing woman will cherish your recognition of her efforts....

Even if you love one another to the moon and back, you’re still bound to face difficulties with your husband over the years. But sometimes, your husband can say and do deeply hurtful things. By ignoring or neglecting you, your husband shows he’s taking you for granted. Over time, his neglect can leave you brokenhearted and numb. It’s hard to express how profoundly it hurts when your husband doesn’t respect and cherish you....

Black and White. Dark and Light. There are two sides to every coin and to every personality. Have you ever wondered about your other side? The dark, unexplored side of your being? The one lurking behind the veil of acceptable social conduct? Perhaps it’s high time you met your shadow. Although your first instinct may be to suppress the darkest side of yourself, the truth is that shadow work allows you to embrace yourself fully and completely....

Because our Type A friends are most often credited with all of the achievements in life (due to their ambition and organizational skills), we think that it’s time to bring to light the reasons why people with Type B personalities are great. In fact, Type B’s are just as likely to succeed in life as their high-strung counterparts — but for different reasons. 27 Reasons To Be Thrilled You’re A Type B Personality 1....

Maybe you’ve been holding on by your teeth and just don’t have the strength to go on. But you do. You do have the strength when you muster just the tiniest seed of inspiration and hope. The poetry of hope we’ve curated below just may be that seed, motivating you to find your footing and envision a better tomorrow. 11 Powerful Poems About Hope We know that optimistic poems alone aren’t going to change your life or circumstances....

And what does that even mean? Maybe specific characteristics come to mind when you think of bubbly people, but you’re not 100% sure you understand this personality, even if you have it. Whether you have a bubbly character or you know someone who does, you want to know once and for all: Is it good to be bubbly? And what aspects of this personality are worth emulating? 11 Signs Of A Bubbly Personality Has anyone asked you, “How often are you bubbly?...

Dealing with a narcissistic partner deserves special attention because narcissists are skilled in manipulating their partners, especially those who want to leave. Luckily, if you are wondering, “What is the best way to leave a narcissist?” there are steps you can take to make the break easier for yourself and make it stick. How to Get Out of a Narcissistic Relationship Not all abusers are narcissists, but all narcissists are inconsiderate, selfish, difficult, and frustrating to be with – if not totally toxic and undeniably abusive....

Traditionally, North American culture frames sexual intimacy as a dirty, shameful, politicized act — which is too bad. Because sex between consenting adults is one of life’s more pleasurable things, not to mention elemental to our species’ existence. Besides, sometimes, the best spiritual sex is with yourself. So pull up a chair if you’re interested in exploring sacred sexuality more. No need to blush; you’re in safe, non-judgmental company. What Is Spiritual Sex?...

But there are some benefits to it, too. For example, you get to spend more time with yourself. And that can be a good thing because it allows you to explore your interests and figure out who you are without the distractions of a partner. Plus, when you’re single, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, without having to consult anyone else or compromise. So take a little time and start working on being in a relationship with yourself....

So what’s next? Yes, send flowers (unless your partner is allergic). Yes, make the necessary behavioral adjustments. And yes, apologize profusely. But don’t just say “sorry” and call it a day. If you’re genuinely regretful, write a letter to apologize to your girlfriend. Let her know you understand how you messed up. Are you terrible at expressing yourself eloquently? Fear not — because we’re here to serve as your Cyrano....