People who have dated a variety of romantic partners probably recognize that relationships develop in a fairly predictable pattern. Typically, you meet someone whom you’re attracted to and start to get to know them, through informal or formal dating. If things are...
What’s Better Than A Bouquet Of Roses?
Virtually everyone in a long-term romantic relationship would admit that keeping the flame alive and deepening the relationship takes a little work. Not in the dreary sense of a job you really don’t feel like doing, but in the delightful sense of dedicating yourself...
What’s Better Than Giving Your Partner A Maserati?
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft Here’s a simple question for you: What’s the best way to express love to your spouse or partner? Many people in a long-term romantic relationship might immediately think of the amazing...
Does Your Partner Share Your Guiding Light?
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft When young (and even not-so-young) people begin dating, it’s often with someone they’ve met through a common interest. They might belong to the same tennis club, or get to know each other...
How To Avoid Traps That Can Kill A Relationship
As a Gottman-trained therapist, I find articles dealing with the Gottman Institute of particular interest and value. I advanced through Gottman Method Couples Therapy training — Levels 1, 2 & 3 — and appreciate how the training provides research-based strategies...
Better Sex At Any Age
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft A lot of older people probably identify with the playwright George Bernard Shaw’s observation that youth is wasted on the young. The older you get the more you appreciate (and long for) the...
For Couples, Six Red Lines Not To Cross
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft There may not be any research to back up this statement, but it’s a pretty fair guess that most people do not get married with the intention of getting divorced. Why, then, does the divorce...
Dormant Sex Life? Tips To Reignite The Passion.
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft We all know when we’ve gotten a little off track with our daily habits. Maybe we’ve started to have some ice cream before bed every night… and suddenly discovered we’ve added a few pounds....
Filling Your Love Bank
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft Folk wisdom can touch on all aspects of our relationships. Take the idea of a “love bank,” for example. In simpler times, wise old grandparents would often sit down with a newly betrothed...
They Look So Happy. What About Us?
Marriage Counseling Insights From Westlake Village-Based Patricia McTague-Loft If you’ve ever shopped for a new car you’ve probably experienced by a bit of both excitement and anxiety. I love the look and performance of this car — it’s going to be great. Followed or...