Read more about the article Am I Ready for Marriage? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Married

Am I Ready for Marriage? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Married

When you're thinking about marriage, it can be easy to focus most of your attention on the person you're planning to marry. Is this the right person for me? Will they be a good husband or wife? Do they have the qualities I'm looking for in a spouse? There is another person you need to evaluate just as honestly: yourself. Have you thought about what you need and want from a marriage? Are you aware of your own flaws and limitations? Are you honest about your ambitions and the kind of life you want to build? Most importantly, have you…

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Read more about the article Dating Someone with Narcissistic Traits? Why Your Own Relationship Patterns Matter 

Dating Someone with Narcissistic Traits? Why Your Own Relationship Patterns Matter 

When you're dating someone with narcissistic traits, it can become very easy to identify everything they're doing wrong.  They don't take accountability. They turn the problem back on you. They minimize your feelings. You find yourself having the same conversations repeatedly without getting anywhere.  Those behaviors matter.  But there is another question that can be much harder to ask:  Why did I choose this person, why am I continuing in this relationship, and have I experienced this pattern before?  As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have met with couples where one partner demonstrates narcissistic traits and has significant difficulty…

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Read more about the article Premarital Counseling in Staten Island: 12 Essential Conversations Every Couple Should Have Before Marriage

Premarital Counseling in Staten Island: 12 Essential Conversations Every Couple Should Have Before Marriage

By Kelly Gorsky, LMHC, CCP, CAMS-I, Divorce Mediator Most couples spend months planning their wedding. They choose the venue, sample the food, create the guest list, and think about every detail that will make the day memorable. Yet one of the most important parts of getting married often receives the least amount of attention: preparing for the marriage itself. A wedding lasts one day. Marriage is something you build every day afterward. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I've worked with many couples who deeply love each other but have never had honest conversations about topics like finances, parenting, intimacy,…

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Read more about the article Are Sex and Intimacy the Same Thing? A Therapist Explains

Are Sex and Intimacy the Same Thing? A Therapist Explains

By Kelly Gorsky, LMHC, CCP, CAMS-I, Divorce Mediator Quick Answer: Are Sex and Intimacy the Same Thing? No. Sex and intimacy are not the same thing. Sex refers to physical sexual activity, while intimacy involves emotional closeness, trust, vulnerability, and connection. A couple can have sex without intimacy, and intimacy can exist without sex. Understanding the difference between sex vs. intimacy helps individuals and couples communicate their needs more effectively and build stronger relationships. Many people use the terms sex and intimacy interchangeably. While they are often connected, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between sex vs.…

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