According to psychologists, it's a phenomenon called 'mate choice copying' and it's something that's developed throughout human evolution, meaning people don't just randomly choose to break up happy couples. Multiple studies have observed how people and animals, such as fish, birds, and primates, seem more desirable to others when they've already been chosen by a mate. Women were more likely to experience mate choice copying because of the evolutionary pressures of mate selection and the drive to have children.
When we think of healthy relationship skills, we tend to focus on the usual suspects: communication, conflict resolution, trust, and emotional intimacy. But there's one less-known, foundational skill that rarely gets talked about - one that often determines whether a relationship deepens over the years or slowly drifts. This is the ability to witness your partner's growth without fear. It sounds simple. But in long-term relationships, it can be one of the most emotionally complex experiences.
Are you consistent in how you love people? Probably! Maybe you're aware of it or maybe it's known only by the people you love, but chances are you tend to love people in a certain way. We all do. Our ways of loving might echo how we moved through childhood and early adolescence; they may align with our personalities and goals; they might respond to our cultural context. Critically, the way you love is no accident. It is a reflection of who you are.
Sex remains a vital part of my happiness, yet balancing motherhood with self-care makes it challenging to find the mood for intimacy. Scheduling intimate moments aids in rekindling desire.
'You know everything, inside and out, about your favorite car. All the things that you truly care about, you know all the details,' Mila recalled thinking about him. 'But when it comes to basic necessities like getting groceries, buying stuff for our child, remembering things about us, you act as if you're incompetent.'
Your boyfriend's insecurity about your increased income reflects selfishness rather than support. He seems unable to handle your success, indicating deeper issues in your relationship.
In the last year, sexual intimacy has drastically declined, with only occasional handjobs due to her ongoing struggles with perimenopause and the complexities in the relationship.
Throughout the first half of Season 3, Carrie has emphasized two particular things within her home: the glass dining table she found on 1stDibs, which she thought represented her and Aidan's relationship, and the unique glass window that Aidan accidentally shattered when he was throwing rocks at her window, completely fumbling his surprise romantic gesture.
Financial issues are one of the top complaints that couples have. Our attitudes to money can vary widely, and often a 50/50 split is attempted but fails in real life.
While both partners have stable jobs and savings, the reluctance to move out indicates a deeper issue that might need to be addressed for personal peace.