A Marriage of Equals

How to achieve balance in a committed relationship

Catherine Aponte Psy.D.

Do Men Outsource Virtues to Women?

Are there male and female virtues?

Giving Your Child a Better Childhood Than You Had

"I'll never be like that."

How to Enhance Intimacy in Your Relationship

What are the components of intimacy?

10 Proven Ways to Balance Family and Work

Creating family and work balance is a big deal.

How to Evaluate Your Marriage

How do you feel about your marriage? A look at assessing gender roles in heterosexual marriages.

When Your Spouse Is Mentally Ill

What to do with a mentally ill spouse.

The Dynamics of Dating and Marriage—We Can Do Better

Neither dating nor marriage is now dictated by hard and fast rules—young men and women are making it up as they go along. 

"Can't Live With Them, Can't Live Without Them"

What is benevolent sexism, and what are its effects?

How Important Is Self-Awareness for Men?

Why self-awareness is the new buzzword.

Autonomy and Collaboration--Not Mere Buzzwords

In marriage, collaboration is about negotiating on what you each need to flourish.

Choosing Fidelity in Your Marriage

The "new monogamy" is about negotiating honesty or openness, outside relationships, and sexual fidelity.

Do Women Really Talk More Than Men?

What's the evidence?

Communication Competence in Your Marriage: The Basics

Here's how to communicate clearly and avoid misunderstandings.

The Male Libido: An Impediment to Equality in Marriage?

Is male libido a boon or an impediment in marriage?

Re-Think What Commitment Means!

"Til death do us part" is just the beginning.

10 Upfront Conversations Before Getting Married: 6 thru 10

Here is a handy guide to the things you should discuss with the love of your life—before your throw a mega-party for all your friends and family.

10 Upfront Conversations Before Getting Married: 1 thru 5

Here is a handy guide to the things you should discuss with the love of your life—before your throw a mega-party for all your friends and family.

What You Can Learn From Rats About Your Insecurities

How to recognize and manage your insecurities

Vetting your wants and desires

Vetting is not just a political process.

Your Emotions Are Not "Things" in Your Brain

When you react emotionally, recognize your personal take on the situation.

The Myth of the Biological Clock

Be cautious about metaphors like the “biological clock”—don’t take them literally.

Beware These 5 Gender Traps

Despite your commitment to gender equality...

Trust Is a Process, Not a Personal Trait

You and your partner can cultivate trust in your relationship; it's not a character trait.

A Note on Pornography

Is pornography adultery?

People Are Not Toxic, But They Do Behave Badly

Give up labeling people as "toxic."

Interact, Don't Transact, with Your Spouse

Marriage is not a business transaction.

Disagreements Are Not Conflicts

Learn to describe not characterize your partner's actions

Selfishness in Marriage: "I Need ___"

A committed marriage requires a collaborative environment for the negotiation of individual and joint wants.

The Right Way to Negotiate with Your Partner

Collaborative negotiation can help your marriage be fair and equal.