The direct experience of mutuality is a critical aspect of a peaceful and conflict-free relationship. It is the sense of being in the relationship, rather than just being our individual selves. In fact, “rather than” is the wrong connector here; …

Why Mutuality is Important in a Successful Relationship Read more »

In last week’s blog post we discussed the importance of truly recognizing that in any relationship, there is a person other than one’s self present: “We feel that to truly develop a successful intimate relationship, you have to acknowledge and …

Communication and Individuality in a Relationship Read more »

Phil: I want to write about how we create these blogs because it illuminates the way we are together. We usually talk about topics until one appears and feels fruitful, explore it some, then go off and write separately. When …

The Paradox of Union and Separateness in a Relationship Read more »

Mature love is union under the condition of preserving one’s integrity, one’s individuality…. In love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two. Erich Fromm In our interviews with couples, we have found that there is …

The Paradox of Intimacy and Separateness in a Relationship Read more »