Does polyamory work? A critical analysis of the Deseret News op-ed claiming monogamy maximizes happiness. Examining relationship research, consensual non-monogamy studies, child welfare evidence, and methodological flaws in marriage research. Evidence-based review of what science actually shows about CNM.

From Silence and Shame to Agency and Wholeness: Healing in Christ | LDS Journey

The male loneliness crisis isn't new, but its impact is clearer than ever. Learn how patriarchy taught men to suppress emotion, fear intimacy, and what we can do to build deeper connections.

In "Bridging the Gap: Understanding Adulthood in Relationships," a marriage and family therapist delves into the challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood within relationships. This insightful post explores the societal expectations versus the reality of achieving maturity, the importance of continuous learning, and the power of empathy and support in cultivating healthy, fulfilling partnerships.

As Latter-day Saints, we can apply Carl Gustav Jung's wisdom to our relationships, seeking to enhance intimacy and personal growth by acknowledging and integrating the aspects of ourselves that we may be resisting. Resistance is a normal human response to change, discomfort, or perceived threats, often appearing as avoidance, denial, or procrastination. By resisting or suppressing the negative aspects of ourselves, we inadvertently give them more control over our lives and impact our LDS relationships.

However, embracing and confronting our resistance can lead to personal growth and increased intimacy in our relationships. By acknowledging, understanding, and accepting the aspects of ourselves that we have been resisting, we can foster self-awareness, compassion, and a deeper understanding of our true selves. Cultivating self-awareness, approaching our shadow with curiosity and compassion, discovering healthy ways to express and explore our shadow, and endeavoring to incorporate our shadow into our self-concept are some steps to welcome the shadow and nurture personal growth in LDS couples.

By acknowledging and integrating the shadow, we can transform resistance into growth, ultimately leading to more balanced and fulfilling lives and LDS relationships. As Latter-day Saints, embracing our resistance can be an invaluable catalyst for change and self-discovery in our journey to improve LDS relationship intimacy.

You’re not a failure, it’s not your fault. Even if you and your partner have seen the best relationship coaches and marriage therapists. It’s not your fault that intimacy didn’t improve or it weaned off after a period of time. It’s tempting to point fingers or take the blame. It’s not because you are your partner didn’t try hard enough or didn’t care enough. There are, of course, exceptions. But even in those few exceptions, it had little or nothing to do with trying hard enough.

"The best way to avoid divorce from an unfaithful, abusive, or unsupportive spouse is to avoid marriage to such a person. If you wish to marry well, inquire well. Associations through 'hanging out' or exchanging information on the Internet are not a sufficient basis for marriage. There should be dating, followed by careful and thoughtful and thorough courtship. There should be ample opportunities to experience the prospective spouse’s behavior in a variety of circumstances" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Divorce," Ensign, May 2007, 70–73).