21 Couples Therapy Worksheets, Questions

Seeking suggestions from your associate on what you are doing right or mistaken in a relationship will show you how to hold a person accountable. Holding somebody accountable for hurting you also helps you understand if their words and actions impede or enhance the relationship. How usually you follow via in your commitments to yourself and your associate will decide whether or not you can be trusted.

You turn out to be the writer of your individual emotional story, quite than a character being tossed about by the plot. As we draw this journey to a detailed, let’s take a second to reflect on the larger image. Embracing emotional responsibility isn’t just about enhancing your relationships or reducing battle (although those are unbelievable benefits).

Role-reversal workouts can be particularly useful for couples who’ve hassle communicating or understanding one another’s points of view. With this exercise, couples can higher comprehend one another’s experiences and really feel nearer to at least one one other. As a method to encourage better communication patterns, assertiveness coaching is frequently utilized in couples counseling strategies. Any relationship will inevitably experience battle, however discovering a constructive strategy to deal with it can be difficult. Couples that interact in conflict decision actions report improved communication and more practical problem-solving.

If you’re feeling like you want to stroll on eggshells to avoid your spouse’s anger or disapproval, you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship. While forgiveness can’t be compelled, withholding it as perpetual punishment sabotages reconciliation. Unwillingness to even think about it lengthy after remorse and efforts to rebuild intimacy becomes resentful and unhealthy. But with an abuser sharing your emotions, it’s actually offering them a list of tips on how to manipulate you better. Elsa, a member of the Betrayal Trauma Recovery neighborhood, shares how she learned tips on how to set boundaries with her emotionally abusive husband. We’re all human, and we’ll all have moments where our emotions get the better of us.

Our outpatient program close to Ventura supplies construction, flexibility, and expert help to help couples strengthen recovery while sustaining every day duties. The boundaries you set together with your husband ought to align together with your individual needs and preferences. They could embody defining personal area, communication expectations, monetary obligations, privacy, and emotional help. Relationship counseling could be a helpful tool for couples fighting placing effort into their relationship. Couples can learn efficient communication expertise, battle decision strategies, and methods to raised perceive and meet each other’s needs by way of counseling. Spending high quality time collectively is essential to building intimacy and sustaining a healthy relationship.

While it’s pure to feel responsible, it’s important to behave from a place of genuine care and dedication, not just obligation. Share your thoughts and experiences willingly, even if they’re uncomfortable. This openness helps your partner feel included and valued in the therapeutic course of. It’s easy to focus in your partner’s emotions, however neglecting your personal can result in resentment.

Couples counseling focuses on rebuilding trust by establishing open and sincere communication. The counselor guides couples in creating efficient communication strategies, such as lively listening, expressing emotions constructively, and practicing empathy. Through improved communication, couples can start to rebuild belief and strengthen their relationship bonds. Couples counseling plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process after infidelity. It offers a protected and supportive environment for couples to deal with the impact of infidelity, discover the underlying issues, and work in the course of rebuilding trust and a more healthy relationship.

Regularly complimenting each other may help boost self-esteem and emotional intimacy. Whether it’s praising your partner’s look, effort, or qualities, sincere compliments could assist promote optimistic emotions and appreciation inside the relationship. It can be a easy but efficient way to present love and improve the emotional closeness between companions. Couple’s yoga involves poses that require cooperation and communication, which may help partners really feel extra in sync. By doing yoga collectively, couples may enhance their physical health and emotional bond, making a stronger relationship dynamic. Many married couples discover that life’s demands create distance, making it tough to remain related over the lengthy run.

Having a licensed professional was different from simply discussing the issues with our friends. Our associates might pay attention and provide emotional support however might be biased or may even get sick of constantly supporting us. If I had combined emotions about persevering with the connection, it would most likely have been finest to end the connection. Maybe my betrayed companion could have said she was not capable of forgive me, the disloyal particular person, and we might simply decide to stroll away from the relationship. When my partner continually turned away from constructing a connection, I developed a extremely poisonous behavior—negative comparisons.

To heal, the sufferer should have his or her wants for reassurance and to really feel safe and comforted be prioritized immediately after disclosure to counteract their natural insecurity ensuing from betrayal. Slowly regaining that trust by doing what we say reinforces and rebuilds those foundational blocks. Equally importantly, the victim’s trauma is swept underneath the rug, compromising reconciliation by trivializing the gravity of such a situation. In the identical line of argument, unhinging, when it occurs, additionally permits feelings to rise and fall, thus serving to them clear away and evolve into one thing that cleanses and heals. BTR.ORG supplies this content material for instructional and informational functions solely, primarily based on information out there to us at the time of publication. We do not guarantee the applicability of any statements to individual circumstances.

This could imply having a date evening and a development evening, the former for having fun and the latter for speaking about what’s feeling good or not so good within the relationship. Those early days of your relationship are a whirlwind of butterflies, sweet intoxication, and an emotional depth that makes you think of your special someone in any respect hours of the day. This “honeymoon stage” is pure bliss, however over time both parties fall again into their ordinary step—completely with life’s stresses—and that feeling of closeness could fizzle just a bit. Pursuers may also expertise burn-out; they really feel they have tried to get their companion to see what they’ve seen for so lengthy that they provide up. It could feel like change has occurred in the relationship when really, it hasn’t.

Start your journey at present or explore more assets to find out how this compassionate strategy might change your relationship for the better. EFT requires each companions to interact authentically, sharing their ideas, emotions, and efforts. The therapist ensures a secure and supportive setting, guiding both companions to actively participate at a pace that feels snug for them. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. Rooted in attachment concept, EFT helps couples acknowledge and restore unfavorable cycles of interplay, changing them with a protected emotional bond.

When confronted with failure or discomfort, directing blame outward can feel safer than turning inward to face vulnerability, inadequacy, or private limitation. This deflection could offer temporary protection, but it finally avoids the emotional discomfort required for significant progress. In sidestepping accountability, blame becomes a recurring barrier that shields against extra profound emotional truths.

SoFi provides private on-line student loans with low charges and versatile repayment options. Consider exploring their choices together and finding an answer for each of you. By sharing financial info brazenly, couples can work by way of difficulties together, tackle potential disparities, and work towards widespread goals. To illustrate attachment patterns,  Bowlby borrowed a schema from the biologist Waddington’s theory of epigentic developmental pathways (Simpson For example, if one associate consistently fails to specific gratitude or acknowledge their partner’s contributions, it could possibly point out an absence of effort in appreciating the relationship.

Unresolved private trauma can significantly affect a person’s ability to take accountability. When somebody has been harm, betrayed, or emotionally uncared for up to now, they could develop defensive patterns that protect them from feeling vulnerable again. While accountability strengthens relationships by way of mutual respect and understanding, blame creates resentment and division.

Self-care and self-reflection are important for your well-being and the well being of the connection. The bottom line is that you just have to be willing to rebuild your relationship. To heal from infidelity, your former marriage must be left behind so that a model new, healthier foundation may be created. Rebuilding trust requires openness—whether it’s about daily activities or deeper emotions. Small, constant acts of honesty can go a great distance in easing anxieties.

After three classes of couple remedy, having obtained their stories of the couple’s difficulties and started work on developing their genograms, there have been two particular person periods with both companions separately. Numerous insurance suppliers do present protection for couples rehabilitation near Cypress, notably when each people qualify for treatment providers. Admissions specialists assist with profit verification and coverage clarification processes. Should emotional or physical abuse indicators exist, scientific groups close to Cypress conduct thorough assessments to find out joint treatment appropriateness. Individual safety and private restoration take priority, with separate remedy pathways recommended when needed. Program length varies according to particular person wants, though most couples rehabilitation programs close to Davidson County span 30 to 90 days.

Each of you have to complete these questions beneath privately.“What I need to really feel safe is ….” “I fear…” You should take turns to share your responses. Your listening partner’s role here is to grasp and not to solve or defend. This chosen train for active listening will help you and your companion to truly hear each other without being defensive. In this exercise, one particular person is allowed to speak for five minutes about their feelings ( not accusations) utilizing the “I” statements.

Programs for couples close to Los Angeles welcome any dedicated companions, together with those that are married, engaged, residing together, or in long-term relationships. Mutual dedication to therapeutic and supporting each other through restoration serves as the primary criterion for admission. With a dedication to honest communication, understanding of each other’s perceptions non-judgmentally, and studying from errors, many couples work their method through the devastation wrought by infidelity.

The triangle is the “basic constructing block” (Bowen, 1978) of the family’s emotional system. In times of stability and calm, a two particular person system can remain comparatively stress free. A triangle is fashioned when anxiousness or emotional rigidity threatens the couple relationship and one or each partners involve a 3rd particular person, exercise or dependancy.

emotional accountability in couples

Furthermore, common financial evaluations enable couples to adapt to changing circumstances, similar to shifts in revenue, bills, or financial goals. This flexibility helps them to make informed selections and regulate their financial plan as wanted, fostering resilience and adaptableness. Planning for the sudden is crucial to the financial safety of any couple. While predicting each curveball life could throw is inconceivable, having a robust emergency fund can soften the blow of surprising bills. Thus begins the primary work of remedy which is making shifts in one’s place especially through taking duty for self and using “I-statements”. An “I-statement” is a complete and interesting assertion of one’s ideas , emotions and wants on a subject that’s spoken nicely and actually.

Healing trauma inside a relationship can feel daunting, but it is absolutely possible. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy provides an evidence-based, compassionate framework to assist couples break free from unfavorable patterns and construct a secure emotional bond. EFT doesn’t simply focus on the survivor—it brings the companion into the therapeutic process, enabling a joint effort towards emotional understanding and support.

Over time, you would possibly end up doing belongings you don’t wish to do just to keep away from conflict or disappointing them. Life transitions and stressful occasions, such as job loss, childbirth, or relocation, can strain relationships, making IBCT a valuable useful resource during these times. Residential remedy services close to Santa Ana usually prohibit youngsters and pets on premises. Nevertheless, our employees assists with coordinating exterior care preparations and provides steering for managing family duties throughout remedy.

When you’re attuned, you reply with care and consideration, making a secure house for emotional expression. Relationships that survive emotional cheating don’t go backward – they evolve. With help from an professional couples therapist, many couples uncover deeper emotional intimacy and higher communication than they ever had earlier than. The betrayal hits in another way as a end result of emotional affairs undermine the foundation of trust and emotional safety. For many, emotional cheating feels even more painful than a one-night stand.

By taking action, you show your companion that you’re committed to the connection and prepared to do the work essential to make it thrive. Being accountable in a relationship means keeping your word as a companion. Being capable of take responsibilities in a relationship for your deeds motivates your partner to be utterly honest and susceptible. Doing so will encourage them to be more open, candid, and genuine with you and lead to trustworthy, significant conversations.

Refusal to get help is also not an acceptable various in a healthy marriage. But when one associate frequently escalates—gets impatient, makes use of a harsh tone, overreacts to on a daily basis problems—and then expects every thing to be forgotten by morning, the dynamic turns into rather more difficult. Lisa Zeiderman is a Managing Partner of the regulation agency Miller Zeiderman, LLP., who focuses her legislation apply solely in matrimonial and family law.

But with effort, patience, and the right support, it’s possible to rebuild something stronger. Fear of one other betrayal can result in controlling behaviors or constant suspicion. While it’s pure to feel cautious, trust-building requires letting go of worry and embracing vulnerability. Small gestures of affection and understanding may help reignite closeness.

Couples are led by way of varied exercises in dance remedy classes that assist them join on a bodily and emotional degree. Instruct them to imitate each other’s strikes, alternate leading, and following, or improvise collectively. Through these actions, couples can communicate nonverbally and improve their emotional instinct. Workshops aimed to educate couples on new expertise and methods to strengthen their relationships may be taken throughout a couple’s retreat. Exercises in communication, methods for resolving disputes, and instruments for strengthening emotional bonds might be lined in these workshops.

Blame-game and angrily lashing out doesn’t resolve something,” says Pooja. To have an upper hand, we focus all our energies on proving ourselves proper and shifting the blame onto the opposite particular person. This is when we have to ask ourselves, “What is extra necessary, the ability sport or the connection itself? ” Giving up your ego for the well being of your bond with your SO is considered one of the many examples of accountability in relationships. Accepting accountability basically means acknowledging and taking full accountability for your actions. Sometimes, in the heat of an argument, we don’t settle for our mistakes, despite the fact that, deep down, we all know that we might be wrong due to an absence of acutely aware self-awareness.

This includes not solely sharing ideas and feelings but additionally lively listening. Open communication, energetic listening, and respect for boundaries are essential. Trust is the lifeblood of relationships, shaping the emotional landscape. It types the premise of intimacy, fostering a way of safety and understanding.

You’re exhibiting your associate that you simply value the relationship greater than being proper. Remember, every relationship is exclusive, and the journey to rebuilding belief will differ for each couple. Be patient with yourselves and one another, and celebrate the progress you make alongside the way in which. With dedication, open communication, and support, you presumably can rebuild belief and create a extra related and fulfilling relationship. Regular check-ins with a therapist can provide ongoing help and steering.

Although you will want to be open to feedback and alter, it is hard. Nobody likes being accused or attacked, and we naturally protect ourselves. Of course, we get irked when our partner points out our failings, but when defensiveness becomes ordinary and unyielding, it’s a problem. Every step you take in path of emotional duty is a step in the path of a better you and a greater world. So take a deep breath, feel your emotions, and set sail on this unbelievable journey of self-discovery and growth.

Trauma can cause individuals to enter a survival mode where self-protection overrides emotional openness. Accountability, which requires vulnerability and self-examination, could feel unsafe or even threatening. Rather than viewing a mistake as a momentary lapse or a learning opportunity, the particular person internalizes it as a private flaw. When each partners respect these boundaries, it shows a dedication to the relationship’s health and every other’s happiness.

The listening partner will practice non-judgment, and easily acknowledge the disclosure. After each of you have shared, then talk about how one can handle similar situations any time it comes. Finding LGBTQ -affirming therapeutic help and constructing a powerful support community of understanding associates turns into essential.

These conversations of our sexual wants gave us the spark we needed to reignite the passion in the bedroom without being hindered by my previous mistakes. Gottman’s method was helpful as a end result of these conversations slowly mended and deepened our emotional connection. We would have fun, lighthearted talks about our sexual preferences and the way we may meet each other’s needs. Partners aren’t going to have much satisfying sex if they have a tough time talking about their desires.

In this example, the contextual remedy approach facilitates a deeper exploration of particular person experiences, encourages empathy and validation, and promotes a extra balanced understanding between partners. By advocating for the principle of fairness, the therapist establishes trustworthiness. The couple learns that the therapist’s partiality to one associate is adopted by an try to elicit a different, often opposing place from the opposite partner. Each position represents the relevant associate’s expertise of reciprocity within the explored relational context, encompassing justified claims and indebtedness. Acknowledgment or reparative motion becomes the trust‐building response.

And when the borders finally opened and we moved , we had no concept of the influence it will have on my daughter. Then, he started to really just harass me lots via the parenting app. So they’ll determine something he does as an extension of the addiction. He’s not in recovery.” Rather than, “He’s abusive.” Which is a completely completely different factor for a lady to hear. After we married, I seen he was extra contemptuous after I brought things to him. And that’s once I started to have some questions and feel fairly out of sorts as a outcome of it felt like such a change from when we were dating.

Let’s take a look at how that interprets into everyday actions with these tips on tips on how to present you’re accountable. Forgiveness is integral to resolving conflicts and maintaining accountability in a marriage. It requires letting go of past grievances and focusing on the longer term.

They might really feel regretful and anxious in regards to the harm they’ve triggered to someone they care about. This internal conflict can cause them to feel they’ve let themselves down as nicely, further compounding the emotional complexity of the situation. Selected amenities near Newport Beach provide optionally available religious counseling alongside complete approaches together with meditation and mindfulness techniques. Treatment remains individually centered, with faith-based components supplied in accordance with personal preferences and specific requests. Emotionally immature people have a mental and emotional rigidity; they battle to course of adverse emotion.

When conflict arises, they often shut down, withdraw, or turn into overwhelmed by intensity. Couples therapy provides a framework for companions to discover their very own feelings and their partner’s feelings in a structured, secure setting. Contextual remedy emphasizes exploring the assets within deserted and cutoff relationships and is driven by various motivations, with the social dynamic of justice at its core. The consideration of couples inside their very own contexts, without imposing the therapist’s biases, is a vital aspect of its attraction, even for those of minoritized status or victims of discrimination.

There is a detailed connection between emotional honesty and resilience. Being truthful about one’s feelings, even when they are adverse or uncomfortable, cultivates internal power. It enables people to acknowledge vulnerability and settle for their imperfect selves. When people are truthful with themselves about their internal emotions, they acquire clearer perception into their emotional landscape. This readability allows for better identification of emotions as they come up, which is the first step in managing them effectively. Dishonesty or avoidance of accountability can rapidly undermine trust, resulting in suspicion and emotional distance.

Since I showed that I was less prone to cheat once more based mostly on the outcomes of the questionnaires, we determined to maneuver ahead in our journey to recovery. Since we determined that the connection is value saving, we sought out the assistance of a skilled skilled to guide us by way of these advanced points. My companion and I used a relationship counselor and it was extraordinarily helpful. Having a mediator to debate the problem at hand, without going off-topic and attacking or interrupting each other, was important to our restoration.

Partnerships thrive when Aries allows vulnerability as an alternative of management. Those who are single entice calm, spiritually aligned love somewhat than chaotic sparks. Healing comes via admitting deeper fears around abandonment and choosing partnership as a sanctuary, not a battlefield.

For example, if one associate persistently responds with one-word solutions or avoids discussing important subjects, it can indicate an absence of effort in communication. Anderson’s examine has indicated 5 or extra classes of RS program and RC program are simpler than fewer ones. However, in both studies, lower than 10 h of RS and RC applications have been more practical than 10 h and above. It seems that along with hours and periods, other factors may be associated to increasing effectiveness in MRP. In different words, the longer session or hours won’t assure the effectiveness of MRP; using useful and practical content material may be more effective than the number of hours and periods.

After a few days, my partner suggested a book we might both learn to help us navigate through the dishonest. ” by Dr. John Gottman, an American psychological researcher who did intensive work on divorce prediction, marital stability, and restoration from infidelity. Note within the third interplay above that the partner expressed the hurt causing her anger, which is apt to get a constructive response, though not with the understanding that expressing the anger will get a unfavorable one.

Within our medically supervised couples detox program, companions profit from steady scientific oversight and empathetic care particularly designed to ensure snug, successful recovery outcomes. State-of-the-art detox methodologies integrate FDA-approved medication assisted therapy combined with skilled recovery specialists. Professional help usually proves invaluable in making this assessment and creating appropriate intervention strategies. That inward turn—accountability—is the second step in our PACER model, first launched in our e-book Love.

The path ahead isn’t about demonizing AI relationships but understanding their proper place in our lives. They can provide assist and companionship, but they shouldn’t substitute the advanced, lovely, and sure, generally messy work of human connection. The rise of AI companions has opened a Pandora’s field of relationship complexities that earlier generations never imagined dealing with. These synthetic beings – able to deep conversations, unwavering consideration, and emotional help – are challenging our conventional understanding of intimacy and faithfulness. This stage includes learning new ways to speak, connect, and resolve conflicts.

It is offered freely and preemptively, where one companion senses when the other would possibly need grounding, especially in moments of conflict, stress or self-doubt. Our Accelerated Outcomes Therapy Intensives present the depth and space wanted for true accountability to take root. The partner who betrayed often feels trapped in self-hatred, afraid to level out vulnerability or make repairs. The betrayed companion may internalize the pain as inadequacy, questioning in the event that they were not sufficient.

At times, sustaining accountability could additionally be challenging, especially when facing conflicts or difficulties. However, the rewards of a robust and accountable relationship are definitely worth the effort. By staying accountable, couples can navigate life’s ups and downs together, construct resilience, and strengthen their bond. Accountability also plays a vital function in sustaining the emotional and mental well-being of each partners. It ensures that each individuals really feel heard, valued, and supported within the relationship.

Unfortunately, there is not any approach to estimate how quickly the betrayed companion is going to come back around, however you can’t surrender. Open and sincere financial communication is essential for building a powerful and resilient marriage. By understanding the impression of money on relationships, setting shared goals, and practicing effective communication strategies, couples can successfully navigate their monetary journey collectively. Our addiction and mental well being therapy programs close to Cypress might help you explore close by choices, perceive which settings best match your goals, and start your restoration journey with clarity and confidence. Relationship-centered therapeutic also tackles important dynamics corresponding to codependency issues, damaged trust patterns, and shared environmental triggers that individual therapy approaches often miss.

Without accountability, it’s onerous to make significant progress because you’re not absolutely facing the issue. In a nutshell, taking accountability means proudly owning your actions, words, and behaviors, particularly when they have caused harm or negatively affected others (or yourself). Online remedy is available to people and couples dwelling anyplace in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.

A major barrier to validation lies in ignoring these variations and assuming that your perspective is the standard for all humanity. On the other facet of bids for validation, a barrier varieties when partners confuse sincere expressions of feelings with judgments and blame. A primary biological mechanism of shut relationships is emotional attunement. Unless we resist the process, emotions automatically and unconsciously attune to loved ones when in proximity. At Emergent we’re dedicated to staying on top the latest practices and we imagine in steady studying.

emotional accountability in couples

He may be combating a struggle of self-loathing, desperately making an attempt to determine how to fix one thing that feels unfixable. Many arrive confused, not sure if what they’re experiencing even counts as betrayal. But as quickly as we sluggish issues down and converse the truth—without blame, without shame—real healing can occur.

Some folks even develop what’s generally known as Battered Person Syndrome, where they feel trapped or unable to go away, even when they know the relationship is unhealthy. Withholding affection, consideration and engagement is emotionally devastating. Tim’s willingness to be introspective and apologize allows them to resolve issues as a group. Make a conscious effort to precise gratitude for your associate and show them affection – both bodily and verbally.

Utilize this device to confirm if he is really who he claims to beWhether you’re married or just started relationship someone, infidelity rates have risen by over 40% up to now 20 years, so your considerations are justified. It’s stunning how typically we receive what we count on and require in a relationship. If you count on individuals to deal with you badly or shirk their obligations, they’ll typically choose up on this and behave in the greatest way you anticipate. When something goes incorrect, it’s surprisingly easy to right away take into consideration who’s responsible, rather than how to fix it. Although it is a comparatively regular reaction, it’s rarely helpful.

So if you want to get better at changing into emotionally accountable, an excellent step in the right course is caring for your self. For instance, should you neglect a friend’s birthday or snap at a liked one when you’re feeling confused, don’t deflect with a bunch of excuses. No one is a mind-reader, so expecting different folks in our life to “know” what we want is a sure method to set ourselves up for disappointment.

When people decide to proudly owning their emotions and actions, they construct resilient bonds rooted in authenticity. By fostering a culture that values honesty and responsibility, we pave the best way for meaningful connections and a more compassionate world. Practicing self-care helps emotional duty by enabling individuals to acknowledge their triggers and reply thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. It also involves setting boundaries to forestall emotional burnout and protect oneself from harmful situations. Taking duty for one’s feelings through self-care fosters personal development and improves relationships by promoting more healthy communication and interactions.

Active participation from each companions allows mutual accountability and reinforces each other’s constructive changes. Studies reveal that couples collaborating in joint treatment programs present higher charges of sobriety upkeep, program completion, and relapse prevention. This comprehensive strategy establishes a stronger, extra sturdy base for both relational well being and particular person well-being.

And when the companion in the affair continues to be in denial or minimizing the connection, or worse, gaslighting,  it solely twists the knife deeper. At the same time, the avoidant companion must stretch toward the relationship. Saying, “I care about you—I simply need a moment,” as an alternative of shutting down fully.

Sometimes, you need help to work by way of your issues in a relationship. It’s important to acknowledge when this is the case and hunt down the help you want, whether it’s from relationship counseling, a trusted friend, or a assist group. A one that is responsible in dealing with relationships understands the must be emotionally out there for his or her partner. This may even lead to unparalleled private progress and that of the connection. Our research-and-experience-based ideas will allow you to increase intimacy and build a deeper emotional and sexual connection in your relationship. Before emotional intimacy can flourish between companions, it have to be felt within the therapeutic house.

Above all, taking accountability makes you more self-aware as you continuously replicate in your behavioral triggers and tips on how to overcome them. On the opposite hand, John feels harshly criticized and unfairly blamed by Jane, even though he’s doing his best. Overwhelmed by her nagging, John leaves residence and spends the evening out. Relationships aren’t at all times a mattress of roses, no matter how dedicated both companions are. Now, this isn’t supposed to discourage you, however that’s the character of relationships, particularly a romantic relationship.