The causes of modern social problems, from divorce to homelessness and obesity, are often thought to be based in areas such as poverty, stress or unhappiness. But researchers suggest we are overlooking something crucial: friendship. ...  Read more... »

My friend Richard shook his head as he told me the story of his latest visit with his mother, Harriet, now in her late 80's. "I'd really like to see Mildred," she said. "So why don't you ...  Read more... »

You know there's a new nonfiction genre by the titles alone -- Blink, Nudge, Predictably Irrational... and now Sway. This book is probably best compared with Dan Ariely's Predictably Irrational, but to me the Brafman ...  Read more... »

It's a silent problem. While newspapers and TV news shows regularly highlight stories of child physical and sexual abuse, the companion problem, child neglect, hardly gets a mention. Neglect, unless accompanied by pictures of squalor ...  Read more... »

You and your partner have decided to live together. Whether you see it as an alternative to marriage or as a temporary arrangement, it's important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. You may see ...  Read more... »

A willingness to be vulnerable is a significant feature of lasting relationships — ones in which partners are allies, not foes. The need to form a mutually protective alliance is innate, according to psychoanalyst John ...  Read more... »

Maybe you've been together for a number of years and moving in together seems like the next logical step. Maybe it's a matter of saving money. After all, why pay rent at two places if ...  Read more... »

One of the most important wellness tools for many people is spending time with people you enjoy. They have found that regular contact with family members and friends who are supportive keeps them well. They ...  Read more... »

Tia and Miles met when they were each new grad students at the local university and have been together ever since. Now, with each of them close to graduating, they are talking about getting married. ...  Read more... »

Some mornings are like this: “Come on! Get out of there. I’ve got to leave for work in 10 minutes.” My daughter has been trying to get into the bathroom for the last half hour. “Cool your ...  Read more... »

Here's an important rule for life: It's not all about you. To develop a thick skin you must first remember that you are not the center of the universe. Yes, sorry to say, you are ...  Read more... »

Roger and Robin have been married and fighting for 8 years. They both say they don't like it. They both claim it's the other's fault. They both say they love each other but they can't ...  Read more... »

For some people, this is a truly radical idea: There is no need to fight with your partner. Ever. Accusations, recriminations, character assassination, threats, name-calling, and cursing, whether delivered at top volume or with a ...  Read more... »

It's almost Valentine's Day! Do the following exercise to learn where your relationship could use a boost. Along with the usual card or flowers, consider giving your sweetheart the gift of efforts ...  Read more... »

Another embattled couple has just left my office. They say they don’t like the fighting. They realize that the constant arguing is now affecting their kids. They tell me they like and love each other ...  Read more... »