Getty Images | Rebecca Drobis “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage” is a book about betrayal, heartbreak and loss. But for women, the financial lessons in it are paramount. In her bestselling memoir, author Belle Burden recounts the deeply personal dissolution of her marriage after her husband admitted to an affair and left her abruptly in…
Many people assume emotional security means never feeling jealous, arguing or questioning where they stand. But couples in emotionally secure relationships can navigate discomfort without losing trust in each other. As a psychologist who studies couples — and as a husband — I’ve seen that emotionally secure partners consistently act in ways that reinforce safety,…
Habits shape how we work, how we manage stress, and how we relate to others. They determine whether we move closer to our goals, or repeat the same mistakes. The same is true in our romantic relationships. Our satisfaction, stability and sense of connection are directly related to the behaviors we default to every day. …
Dating is full of tiny money moments: choosing a restaurant, talking about travel, splitting a check, and deciding whether a gift is “too much.” You don’t need to ask someone how much they make, what their net worth is, or how much student loan debt they carry to learn how they approach money and what…
Building a healthy romantic relationship takes time and intention. Over time, meaningful experiences, personal disclosures and authentic conversations create closeness and intimacy. To genuinely know someone, you must understand what matters to them — their likes and dislikes, passions, limits — and respecting those traits even when they differ from your own. In fact, many…
This is the season when everyone’s planning for next year. When it comes to money, I can assure you that the secret isn’t in some fancy investing tactic, hot stock tip, or obscure cryptocurrency. If you and your partner set just one money resolution for 2026, make it this: You both stay actively involved in…
Engagement season is upon us, with December being the most popular month to propose worldwide, according to The Knot. And while traditionally men have been expected to shell out for that diamond — as Beyoncé put it in 2008, he should’ve “put a ring on it” — many women are changing their expectations around who…
As a relationship counselor with over 10 years of experience, I’ve learned that even the strongest couples face conflict. What sets emotionally intelligent couples apart is their ability to stay connected, even when disagreements arise. I’m often more concerned about couples who never fight, because avoiding conflict entirely can hide unresolved hurts. After all, the…
As a clinical psychologist, I often have to caution clients to examine the sparks that they feel for a new romantic prospect. You want to be excited about someone new and feel a deep connection to them. But many of us carry old wounds from our childhood, previous relationships, or formative experiences. If your past…
It’s important to build resilience, but how do we actually do it? I’ve spent 15 years researching happiness, and I’ve interviewed thousands of people about what makes it possible for them to thrive. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s not even about bouncing back, a concept that often does more harm…
