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Dating

At times, dating can be an exhilarating mood-lifter; at other times, it can be extremely anxiety-provoking. When it comes to healthy dating it’s helpful to have realistic expectations, clear boundaries, and a whole lot of patience. Discussing the ups and downs as well as your dating goals with a therapist is beneficial too.

It can take several dates to know if someone is right for you. Unless there are obvious “red flags,” if you like the person and feel chemistry, it’s useful to get to know the person for a while. Know, too, that it’s OK to pause your dating search for a while. There is nothing wrong with being single, and it can take several years to find “the one.” Try not to compare your journey to that of others’.

If you struggle with mental illness, dating can be especially challenging. You may be more sensitive to the sting of rejection, or take longer to recover after a blow to the self-esteem. Being open about who you are and what you need in a relationship is vital. You don’t need to discuss your mental illness on the first date, but it’s wise to bring it up sooner rather than later. If the person you are dating isn’t OK with your mental health, they are probably not the one for you.

man yelling at woman
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Published on: 04 Oct 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

How to Communicate Better in a Relationship

Published on: 04 Oct 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byBisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Oct 04, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Even though communication is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship, it’s something that many people — and couples…
woman lying on bed with hand on boyfriend's head
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Published on: 22 Sep 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 

Dating Someone with Abandonment Issues: What to Expect

Published on: 22 Sep 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Written byElizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Sep 22, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
While it’s not unusual to be afraid of losing the people you love, people with abandonment issues might…
couple painting together on the floor
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Published on: 11 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC
  • 5 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC

7 Relationship-Strengthening Activities for Valentine’s Day

Published on: 11 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC
  • Written byNicole Hannel
  • Feb 11, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC
Updated on 5/16/2022 Valentine’s Day looks different for every couple, but whether you go all out or make…
couple looking at each other and smiling
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Published on: 03 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC
  • 4 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC

A Therapist’s #1 Tip to Foster a Lasting Relationship

Published on: 03 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC
  • Written byNicole Hannel
  • Feb 03, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Colizza LPC, NCC
As we approach Valentine’s Day, couples are busy making plans to celebrate with romantic dates and big gestures.…
couple sitting on pink couch speaking to therapist
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Published on: 06 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
  • 10 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC

How to Fix Trust Issues in a Relationship

Published on: 06 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Written byMinkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Jan 06, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
Trust is an issue in our society. According to the Pew Research Center, close to 71% of Americans…
couple arguing with moving boxes in background
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Published on: 04 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC

Fear of Intimacy: Signs, Causes, and How to Overcome It

Published on: 04 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • Written byCynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Jan 04, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
Updated on 1/11/2023 Fear of intimacy in a relationship isn’t necessarily the result of not wanting to be…
man sitting with face in his hands
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Published on: 21 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 9 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

What is Emotional Cheating?

Published on: 21 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byJill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Dec 21, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Updated on 1/11/2023 Cheating can be one of the worst of all betrayals in a relationship, and when…
couple sitting on couch smiling
Read More
Published on: 24 Nov 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 13 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

17 Communication Exercises for Couples Therapy

Published on: 24 Nov 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byElizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Nov 24, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Updated on 12/15/2022 All couples will, at one time or another, go through a rough patch in their…
Read More
Published on: 20 Oct 2021
  • 6 minute read

Dating Someone With OCD: What to Expect & How to Help

Published on: 20 Oct 2021
  • Written byCynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Oct 20, 2021
Let’s face it. Dating can be hard. There are ups and downs in any relationship, and if it’s…
Read More
Published on: 11 Feb 2021
  • 4 minute read

How to Fend Off Loneliness

Published on: 11 Feb 2021
  • Written byHannah Connors
  • Feb 11, 2021
February is here and with it comes an overwhelming slew of Valentine’s Day imagery and reminders of who…

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