Live Bold and Bloom Relationships Category

Is Sex The Only Way To Be Intimate With Your Partner? 17 Non-Sexual Intimacy Ideas You Should Know

Way back in 1986, R&B sensation Jermaine Stewart told the world that “we don't have to take our clothes off, to have a good time, oh no.”

Instead, he urged everyone to “dance and party, all night, and drink some cherry wine, a-ha.”

We agree with Jermaine that intimacy can take several shapes, not all of which are sexual.

Although non-sexual intimacy may lead to sex, it doesn’t always have to.

These emotionally-driven activities can simply be ways to bring you closer together.

So today, we're talking about non-sexual acts of intimacy in which couples can engage.

Words Of Affirmation Love Language: 65 Statements To Show Your Love With Affirming Words

by Barrie Davenport

happy multi ethnic couple words of affirmation love language

Did you know that about 90 percent of couples don’t speak the same language?

It’s true!

But we’re not referring to national tongues; instead, we’re talking about “love languages,” a proven romantic framework that helps people better navigate relationships.

The good news is that love languages are easy to learn, and couples that make an effort report significant communication gains.

So today, we’re exploring the whos, whats, and whys of love languages and handing out 65 love language affirmations for your communications quiver.

Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll use these ideas and examples to love someone with words of affirmation.

61 Devastating Signs Of Emotional Abuse In A Relationship

by Barrie Davenport

unhappy couple, signs of emotional abuse

Do you know the signs of emotional abuse in relationships from a spouse or romantic partner?

If not, you need to take an emotional abuse test or review the emotional abuse checklist below to see if you may be in this destructive type of relationship.

Nothing is more damaging to your confidence and self-esteem than being in an emotionally abusive relationship.

Unlike physical abuse, which rears its ugly head in dramatic outbursts, emotional abuse in a relationship can be more insidious and elusive.

In some cases, neither the emotional abuser nor the victim is fully aware that the abuse is happening.

The commonly assumed scenario for emotional abuse in an intimate relationship is one in which the man is an emotional abuser and the woman is the victim.

However, a variety of studies show that men and women abuse each other at equal rates.

In fact, mental abuse signs can be evident in any relationship — between parent and child, in friendships, with relatives, and at work.

97 Fun Icebreaker Questions For Dating

by Barrie Davenport

Maybe it’s your first date or third.

Whichever the case, you’re in the market for conversation starters to avoid awkward silences.

We understand!

Dead space is disconcerting during the early dating days.

So to help you get over the hump, we’ve curated a list of fun and flirty icebreakers for dates.

Is Your Marriage Over? 9 Clear Signs It’s Time To Move On

by Barrie Davenport

You roll over in bed in the morning and look at the person lying next to you.

Is this the person you thought you married?

Do you feel anything close to the connection and intimacy you felt when you were first together?

Perhaps now all you feel is angry or irritated.

Maybe you're hurt, bored, or unfulfilled.

Worse yet, maybe you feel nothing at all.

You wonder, “Is my marriage over? Is there anything worth saving here?”