Ever feel like you and your spouse are carrying a heavy load, juggling work, family, and all of life’s demands? There’s actually a name for the toll that ongoing stress can take: scientists call it “allostatic load,” but you can think of it as your shared stress load. It’s what happens when day after day, the pressures keep adding up, and both of you feel the weight.

Too much stress can leave you both feeling tired, irritable, or even disconnected from each other. But when you recognize that you’re in this together, you can start to support one another, finding ways to lighten the load, take breaks, and reconnect. Facing life’s challenges as a team doesn’t make stress disappear, but it can make the weight feel a little lighter for both of you.

Maintaining a strong and loving relationship requires intentional effort and care. One of the key pillars of a healthy partnership is cultivating fondness and admiration. These concepts, introduced by Dr. John Gottman, focus on the importance of cherishing and respecting your partner. By regularly expressing appreciation and highlighting the positive aspects of your relationship, you can create a deeper sense of connection and trust. Explore how couples therapy in Plano can help you and your partner develop these skills to strengthen your bond and build a lasting, fulfilling relationship.

Start the year with a fresh perspective on your relationship by discovering Dr. John Gottman's Love Maps. These are a powerful tool to deepen your bond and ensure you and your partner feel truly seen and understood. By updating your Love Maps, you can nurture a stronger connection and create a foundation for lasting joy and intimacy throughout the year. Learn simple, practical steps to make this resolution a reality!

Planning your year together as a couple can be a transformative way to strengthen your bond and align your priorities. Just like businesses set goals to drive success, couples can benefit from reflecting on their past achievements, defining shared ambitions, and creating a roadmap for growth. This guide will help you approach your relationship with intention, focusing on communication, connection, and a shared vision for the future.

Yes, you’ve had a long day and you care about your partner. Engage and connect with them and discuss the highs and lows of the 9-15 hours spent away from you. Just sit and intently listen.

Depression can impact a good relationship, family, and friends. If your relationship is struggling under the weight of depression, it may be time to take action.

When your marriage or relationship encounters difficulties, it makes sense to pause and ask, is it me or is it us?

When your partner is sad, you experience their sadness also. You want to help and may not know where to start. When you're unsure where to turn, seek professional help.