Elizabeth Laura Nelson

As a person who writes about relationships for a living, I might be one of the people least in need of all this well-meaning advice, which usually amounts to clichés and can even veer into the territory of outright insults. What I need – what most of us need – is for people to hear me, and to trust me.

Researchers say that the average relationship hits the ‘comfort zone’ phase after 11 months and 24 days.

Yes, a lot of parents are assholes. But you know what? A lot of people are assholes; some of them happen to have kids, some don’t. I can’t speak for all parents, and I wouldn’t want to try. But speaking as one particular person with kids, here’s what I wish my childfree friends would understand…

In a marriage, should you really feel lonely that much of the time? And if so, then how lonely is too lonely?

The elephant in the room is my mental illness. Do my anxiety and depression make me unworthy of love?

Honesty is supposed to be the cornerstone of a healthy relationship, and lying, an automatic dealbreaker. But should it be?

A relationship with a narcissist may start out with butterflies and fireworks...But don’t be fooled: it’s not about you. It’s about them.

No regrets about having kids? Maybe it’s time we all came clean.

Real self-care: Forget pedicures and bubble baths.

If you constantly find that you’re rubbing people the wrong way, take a look at this list and consider if you’re doing any of the following seven things.