Have you ever shared a private story about your partner only to see their face fall—or worse, feel their trust in you quietly shift? It often starts innocently. You’re laughing with friends, trying to connect, and you mention something your partner did or said. It doesn’t feel like a big deal in the moment, but […]
When Sharing Goes Too Far: Protecting Your Relationship from Emotional Ruptures Read More »
Have you ever shared a private story about your partner only to see their face fall—or worse, feel their trust in you quietly shift? It often starts innocently. You’re laughing with friends, trying to connect, and you mention something your partner did or said. It doesn’t feel like a big deal in the moment, but
When Sharing Goes Too Far: Protecting Your Relationship from Emotional Ruptures Read More »
In this powerful episode of the Roadmap to Secure Love podcast, Dr. Kimberly Castelo and Kyle Benson explore one of the most delicate, yet essential, topics for couples: sexual intimacy. While many couples may believe they are aligned on this subject, the truth is that unspoken expectations and assumptions about sexual intimacy can quietly erode
The Unspoken Rules of Sexual Intimacy: What Couples Must Discuss to Build Trust Read More »
Congratulations, you’re newlyweds! Everything is going great – the conversations are flowing; the sex feels exciting; you’re giving each other good morning kisses; and there is nothing your partner could do that would turn you off! Fast forward a few years – the conversation has changed to the weather; your desire for sex has decreased;
Scratching the 7-Year Itch in Monogamous Relationships Read More »
Have you ever found yourself in a loving, secure relationship—but still feeling anxious, on edge, or unable to fully trust? Maybe your partner is kind, consistent, and emotionally available, yet you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Roadmap to Secure Love podcast, therapists Kimberly
Healing Relationships: How to Stop Letting Past Pain Sabotage Present Love Read More »
In relationships, it’s common to get caught up in what we call the Tit-for-Tat Cycle. This occurs when partners keep score of who does more in the relationship, leading to frustration, resentment, and emotional disconnection. In a recent episode of the Roadmap to Secure Love podcast, Kim and Kyle unpack this harmful dynamic, offering practical
Breaking the Tit-for-Tat Cycle in Relationships: A Path to Secure Love Read More »
Envy is a complex and often misunderstood emotion that can disrupt even the strongest relationships. Whether it’s seeing a friend’s success or feeling threatened by your partner’s connection with someone else, envy can leave you feeling inadequate and insecure. However, in the latest episode of the Roadmap to Secure Love podcast, hosts Kim and Kyle
Overcoming Envy: Key Lessons from the Roadmap to Secure Love Podcast Read More »
In the latest episode of the Roadmap to Secure Love, hosts Kim and Kyle dive into a topic that strikes at the heart of meaningful, long-lasting relationships: vulnerability in relationships. For many, the idea of being truly vulnerable with a partner feels risky. Cultural pressures, personal insecurities, and fear of rejection often make it challenging
Vulnerability in Relationships: Embracing Emotional Openness for Lasting Connection Read More »
Meet Sarah and Alex – a young, multicultural couple in their late twenties who recently moved to Seattle, WA seeking new opportunities. Sarah, a software engineer, and Alex, a marketing specialist, were excited about this fresh chapter in their lives. Today, they were planning a weekend getaway to celebrate their anniversary. However, when they started
Cracking the Negative Protest-Withdraw Pattern: A Journey to Deeper Connection Read More »
Escalating conflict involves partners who tend to seek connection and validation with strategies that are challenging and confrontational, rather than vulnerable. Why do we do this? Because our attachment system adapts to use the best strategies, (we know of), to get our needs met. Early in life, we learned that vulnerability or directly asking for
Connecting Through Confrontation: Fighting to Be Heard Pattern Read More »
