Live Bold and Bloom

The Relationship Roadmap: 5 Stepping Stones Along the Way

couple walking up steps Stepping Stones in a Relationship

That giddy, butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling of new love is intoxicating.

But how do you know if your relationship will go the distance?

While every romance travels its own unique path, researchers have identified five stepping stones that typically occur on the journey to long-lasting love.

Tracking these relationship signposts can give you insight into the health and potential longevity of your partnership.

More importantly, they give you and your partner opportunities to check in, assess your bond, and actively nurture your continued growth as a couple.

This relationship roadmap highlights major markers on the way to happily ever after.

Do You Have a Sexually Demanding Husband? 13 Expert Tips for Couples with Mismatched Libidos

by Barrie Davenport

man sitting along in bed woman crying at end of bed how to handle a sexually demanding husband

Your husband wants sex several nights a week – sometimes every night.

You? Not so much.

Love thrives in understanding, but sometimes, that very understanding might seem elusive, especially when sexual desires feel misaligned.

It’s a scenario that can rattle the strongest of marriages.

You're not alone in navigating this challenging situation, where the frequency of physical intimacy becomes a pivot for contention.

Finding mutual satisfaction should be a journey filled with compassion, negotiation and a deep sense of shared intimacy.

The last thing you want is for the bedroom to turn into a battlefield.

Freeze Out or Love Tap? 15 Clues His Block Reveals He Loves You and Can’t Handle It

by Ron Clendenin

woman looking at phone sitting down did he block you because he cares

When your ex-lover unexpectedly blocks you on social media, it can feel like a slap in the face.

But it may actually suggest the opposite of his true feelings.

Though counterintuitive, this extreme reaction often signals that he still cares on some level.

By abruptly cutting off contact, he's likely trying to protect himself emotionally and regain some control.

This could indicate regret, lingering attachment, or an inability to handle his unresolved feelings.

While frustrating, his retreating behavior suggests your connection left an impact.

With space and patience, his blockade may eventually lower, paving the way for reconciliation.

11 Assertiveness Exercises To Build Your Confidence

by Barrie Davenport

woman in group talking assertive exercises

Some of the moments when we feel the most trapped, insecure, or anxious come when we have trouble advocating for ourselves and being assertive.

Learning to speak confidently about your wants and needs doesn’t come easily to everyone.

Some people naturally develop these skills, while it takes others many years to work past the feelings of shame and guilt that inhibit them from being assertive.

Assertiveness is one of the most potent qualities we can possess, both in our personal lives and at work.

If you have trouble developing this skill, we have compiled a list of assertiveness exercises for adults to help you.

Stop Being A Pushover And Learn To Stand Up For Yourself

by Barrie Davenport

Why do you let people push you around? You’ve asked yourself this, but the story behind your “must please everyone” behavior is not something you like to think about.

You ask yourself, “How can I be nice without being a pushover?”

But every time you’re faced with an opportunity to stand up for yourself, you give in to your need to make someone else happy. And they keep letting you.

It’s time to learn how to stop being a pushover.

But first you need to understand what that is and how you got here in the first place.