#romantic-relationships

#romantic-relationships

At one point in evolution, they were necessary for physical survival. The situation is not quite so dire in contemporary human interactions, but we still depend on others for our connection and sense of well-being. Young children who are not touched or given the opportunity to connect with a caring adult may fail to thrive. Even our successes as adults only yield positive mental health benefits when they are supported and celebrated by those with whom we have meaningful relationships.

Phubbing is a social no-no and can have a drastic impact on romantic relationships, but with smartphones playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, we've all done it Are you a phubber? Or have you been phubbed? No, we didn't make that word up, and no, it's not to be confused with Clubber, the streaming platform for club-level GAA matches. Phubbing is short for 'phone snubbing' and is a term coined well over a decade ago that describes the act of ignoring someone in favour of your phone.

Almost every intimate bond begins with some form of companionship, shared laughter, or mutual support. When that foundation begins to erode, the romantic or long-term relationship above it also begins to crack. Relationships frequently disintegrate without causing a major rift, just as friendships can slowly deteriorate. This fading can be harder to see because love, cohabitation, or family ties create a stronger sense of obligation. The signals are subtler but no less powerful.

Taylor, raised by a young single mom, masks her emotional vulnerability with sarcasm while managing her relationship with her boyfriend and complicated friendships.

Confidence coach Regina Bonds believes that flirting in real life is a lost art, emphasizing the impact of technology on personal interactions and dating.

A set of studies from the University of Toronto's "MacLab" suggest that understanding the motivations behind romantic pursuit can help distinguish between healthy, self-driven motivations and those based on fear, pressure, or insecurity.

Research conducted by Buss and colleagues illustrates a universal preference for kindness in romantic partners across various cultures, suggesting kindness is crucial for long-term relationships.

Emotionally unavailable people keep others at arm's length through subtle communication habits such as avoiding vulnerability and steering clear of deep conversations.

In romantic relationships, fluctuations in sexual desire are often tied to changes in intimacy levels, emphasizing the delicate balance required for maintaining passion.

I thought that having a slow burn love story would be exciting, but over time, it felt more stifling than romantic.

People with higher levels of disgust sensitivity are more likely to reject potential partners for minor flaws.

We met on the (very sticky) dancefloor of an iconic Mancunian pub, The Star & Garter, dancing to You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive and clicking immediately.

Keeping balance in love prevents losing oneself; maintain connections with loved ones, nurturing personal uniqueness instead of becoming isolated in romance.