Hi there, it’s Marcus here.

I hope this post finds you in a good place in your life and, if not, that it helps you move towards one.

Today we’re going to be talking about trust – a pretty big word, isn’t it? It’s the foundation of every healthy relationship and, yet, it can be incredibly hard to build, especially when it’s been broken before.

So, how do you build – or even rebuild – trust in a relationship?
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Conflict.

It’s inevitable in any relationship.

Misunderstandings happen.

Feelings get hurt.

Fights occur.

But just because some conflict is normal, doesn’t mean you should accept a relationship filled with arguing, shouting and resentment.

With good communication skills and a dash of compassion, you can resolve conflicts before they spiral out of control.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• Common causes of conflict
• Keys to resolving disagreements
• Resolving specific conflict triggers
• When to seek help
• Tools for better communication

Let’s get to it!
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Mental illness.

Those two words are enough to strike fear into the hearts of both the sufferer and their partner.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With understanding, good communication, and access to professional support, mental illness doesn’t have to mean the end of love.

In this post, you’ll discover:
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In our journey together, we’ve navigated a myriad of topics, but today, let’s take a moment to delve into a topic that can often be a bit of a tough cookie —dealing with chronic illness as a couple.

Now, we all know life’s no picnic, right?
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As a couples therapist, I’ve seen partners wrestle with all sorts of challenges, and one of the biggest is retirement. You might think:

“Retirement? That’s the dream! Why would that be a problem?”

Well, it’s a significant life change, and like any change, it can create unexpected friction.

Let’s dive in.
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Hello, Marcus Santer here.

As a couples therapist, I’ve had the privilege of bearing witness to countless stories of love, strength, and resilience. But today, I’m here to talk about a topic that can rattle the strongest bonds and bring the mightiest to their knees…

…Grief and loss.

Loss is a universal experience, isn’t it?
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Hey there, it’s Marcus.

Let’s talk about a subject many couples often shove under the rug – finances.

You know, that thing more taboo than your aunt’s third marriage?

Yep, that’s the one.

We all love money, don’t we? It buys us our favourite foods, vacations, and those little indulgences that make life sweet. But here’s a harsh truth: a study from Kansas State University found that arguing about money is the top predictor of divorce. It’s like a pack of wolves hiding in your savings account, ready to rip your relationship apart.

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Here are 6 practical steps you can take to manage finances effectively in your relationship and make sure money stays where it should: as a tool for living, not a catalyst for strife.

Let’s get started:
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Today we’re tackling an integral aspect of family life: parenting together.

The stakes are high, right?

We’re not just talking about keeping a plant alive; we’re talking about raising well-adjusted children. This post will give you 9 actionable strategies for effective co-parenting, improving communication with your partner, and striking a balance in shared responsibilities.

Let’s get started.
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Today we’re going to tackle a toughie—long-distance relationships.

Now, I know some of you are already thinking, “Marcus, they’re like a bicycle without a seat. Hard work!” And to a certain degree, you’re not wrong.

But, like biking uphill, there’s a certain strength and endurance we can all learn from these challenges.

Have you ever pondered the nuances of maintaining a relationship where your partner is often more pixels than person? I have, and let’s be frank—it’s like trying to thread a needle in the dark.

But fear not!

With some effort, communication, and a dash of creativity, long-distance love can feel less like a mountain to climb and more like a scenic journey.

So, how can we stitch this together?
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