by Jackson Weiser and Joya Lahoud In every relationship, there are moments that stand out—times of joy, growth, and affirmation that we look back on with fondness.  The unique challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ individuals mean that these relationship milestones often come with an added layer of significance. And, like other couples, those in the LGBTQ+ community may want to commemorate their journey in ways that resonate with their shared experiences. Whether it’s the memory of the first date, moving in together, or coming out (either individually or as a couple), every milestone r ..read more

by Jackson Weiser and Joya Lahoud Being a parent is challenging enough, but being a parent while your partner is deployed can be even more difficult. You may feel like you have to do everything on your own, from managing the household to taking care of the kids. You may also worry about your partner’s safety and well-being, and how their absence affects your children. How can you cope with these challenges and still provide a loving and stable environment for your family? In this article, we will share some parenting tips for the partner of a military member. These tips are based on research ..read more

by Jackson Weiser and Charlotte Cremers Parenting as a member of the armed forces presents unique challenges that can put even the strongest bonds to the test. Deployments, temporary duty assignments (TDY), and the uncertainty that accompanies military life can put immense strain on both parents and children.  In this article, we’ll first describe parenting while in the military and then discuss practical parenting tips for military members. By implementing these strategies, parents can navigate the obstacles of military life more easily and effectively. Support Each Other’s Roles Each p ..read more

by Jackson Weiser and Charlotte Cremers It can be both thrilling and intimidating to date someone with more sexual experience – especially someone who has explored many different aspects of their sexuality. In this article, we’ll delve into tips for a relationship with a more sexually experienced partner and offer guidance for how to navigate this with grace and confidence.  Understanding Your Feelings When dating someone more sexually experienced, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions, including insecurity and uncertainty. It’s often helpful to acknowledge these feelings and ad ..read more

The landscape of relationships is expanding beyond traditional norms at an accelerating pace. It has become increasingly possible for you and your partner to consider and experiment with new relationship dynamics. By exploring alternatives to monogamy (the relationship agreement that sexual and romantic behavior is only shared with one partner at a time), individuals and couples can create relationships that better align with their needs, desires, and values. One such alternative is ethical non-monogamy (ENM).    Ethical non-monogamy, also known as consensual non-monogamy, is a ..read more

by Jackson Weiser and Charlotte Cremers In many romantic relationships, commitment often plays a vital role in fostering trust, stability, and long-term happiness. It serves as a strong foundation that allows individuals to build a deeper emotional connection and navigate the challenges that come their way. Unfortunately, many individuals still struggle with fully committing to their partner–which can make it more difficult for them to reach their relationship goals. Understanding “Commitment Issues” “Commitment issues” refer to emotional barriers or fears that prevent individuals from fully ..read more

by Jackson Weiser and Charlotte Cremers It is no secret that individuals in LGBTQ+ relationships often face various stereotypes and misconceptions from society. These stereotypes can create barriers and misunderstandings, impacting the well-being and dynamics of relationships. It is important to be resilient in the face of these stereotypes so that you can overcome the negative effects they can have on you and your relationships. Understanding Stereotypes To effectively address and overcome these stereotypes, it is important to first understand their nature and the consequences they may have ..read more

by Jackson Weiser and Charlotte Cremers Being in a relationship with someone who isn’t out can be an incredibly challenging experience for both partners. It often requires patience, understanding, and support as your partner navigates their journey of self-discovery and acceptance.  One of the key challenges is the need for secrecy and discretion. Keeping your relationship hidden from others can place a significant emotional burden on both of you. It may leave you feeling exhausted, and it can also lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and even self-doubt. Furthermore, you may wond ..read more

by Jackson Weiser Military deployments or temporary duty assignments (TDY) can have a significant impact on intimacy within relationships. Awareness of the unique challenges involved may help with rebuilding intimacy when your partner returns. When away from each other for extended periods of time, emotional distance can emerge, communication may break down, and both partners may undergo personal changes. In this article, we will explore strategies for nurturing emotional intimacy, reconnecting physically, and addressing potential changes and relationship problems that arise after deployment ..read more

by Jackson Weiser Reuniting with your partner after a military deployment or temporary duty assignment (TDY) is an eagerly anticipated moment filled with excitement and relief. However, it’s important to recognize that the journey of reintegration may present its own set of challenges.  Luckily, with patience, understanding, and a commitment to each other, you can navigate the post-deployment period with grace and strengthen the love you share. In the sections that follow, we’ll go over practical tips and strategies to help you along the way. The Reintegration Process Understanding the S ..read more