Do you believe in soul mates? I do. I always have. I’m not sure why because I definitely didn't grow up feeling like my parents were soul mates, and I can’t remember seeing many healthy relationships when I was younger. But something in me has always believed that the idea of a soul mate has to be something real. I have never wavered from that belief. And although I have … [Read more...]
My Boyfriend is not Responsible and will Not Commit: Should I Move On?
Hi Dr. Buckingham, My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for 6 years. We haven't had the best 6 years but have done counseling and worked through his cheating. When I found out I was pregnant, our whole relationship changed for the better. He was everything I ever wanted in a man. We had a daughter 5 months ago. Then 3 months ago, everything changed. We started … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Distinguish Between Love and Lust
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My name is Jerrica and I am seeking for help in my relationship. I am 21 years old and I am dating a 28 year old man with a four year old son. We have been dating for approximately 8 months. Our relationship started at my old job, he was my manager at the time. At first I did not take this relationship seriously because I did not think we would end up … [Read more...]
Can I Experience True Love Without Dealing with Emotional Baggage?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am a 35 years old single female and I am tired of having stressful relationships. Over the past five years, I have been in three relationships. I enter relationships being hopeful and give my all, but my partners end up leaving me because they say that I have too much emotional baggage. I know that I can be difficult at times. When I get upset, I have a … [Read more...]
What Should I Do? He Doesn’t Respect My Desire to Remain Abstinent
Dear Dr. Buckingham, Thanks for your wonderful advice to people out there and I pray that I get the same. I am in a relationship of about a year and I just discovered that my boyfriend can’t do without sex as he keeps asking for it whenever he is around even when I have tried several times to make him understand that it’s not right before God. I am thinking about ending the … [Read more...]
Ask Dr. Buckingham: Is My Man Too Insecure to Marry?
Dear Dr. Buckingham I am writing because I am sick and tired of meeting and falling in love with men who are insecure when it comes to expressing emotions and entering into a relationship. I have been dating my boyfriend for 2 years now. I am considering spending the rest of life with him, but I am not sure if he is secure enough for me. He appears to have it all together on … [Read more...]
5 Things All Married Couples Should Let Their Kids See
Time and time again I am amazed by how observant children are. My son is 4 and I am often stunned by how much he pays attention to all the little details. His attention to detail is remarkable and I know it really helps him figure out his place in the world and understand how relationships work. His attention to detail also makes me far more aware of how I interact with my … [Read more...]
Ask Dr. Buckingham: What Does “I Love You, But Not In Love with YOU” Mean?
Dr. Buckingham, I have been dating this guy for several months and I am starting to fall in love with him. I think he is the one for me, but he keeps telling me that he loves me, but is not in love with me. What does that mean? Thanks, Erica Dear Erica, Over the past fourteen years, I have heard hundreds of men tell women they love them, but are not in love with them. I … [Read more...]
Have You Been Water or Gasoline in Your Marriage Conflicts?
Water vs. Gasoline is a term frequently used in my work. When asked what happens when you put gasoline on a fire, eyes usually get wide and the response is kind of like duh, the fire greatly increases. The follow up question to that one is what happens when you put water on a fire, and again the response comes with a common sense glare as everyone usually says in unison, "the … [Read more...]