![close up image of a white rose from the top](https://www.brides.com/thmb/O_qV1z2O3RdVWpI02bA-elmJG1c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/Relationships-9db2016858054d92a89445e5c41ad3bf.jpg)
Love & Dating
No matter where you are in your relationship—the very early stages of first dates and long conversations, newly-engaged and planning the wedding, or happily married—putting in effort and working on your partnership is important. Our expert advice, date ideas, and communication tips will help you keep your love life on track.
![young happy couple holding hands as they hike through the forest at sunset](https://www.brides.com/thmb/Y5K6RhNrUNztIdh6UAUGRGbpc4I=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/young-happy-couple-hiking-outside-sunset-getty-primary-0923-a15e9199af65404baede76f5cb9c2dd7.jpg)
Are You Ready to Have a Serious Relationship?
![Group of young adult friends hanging out together](https://www.brides.com/thmb/5uyMZijzPt3vTkSmLLDEZXtysec=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/set-up-mutual-friends-recirc-getty-images-d0352c7c62fc43618c33286eff076b16.jpg)
Should You Set Up Your Single Mutual Friends?
![Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber dressed up in a couples costume for the Casamigos Halloween Party](https://www.brides.com/thmb/wMr4SiWp6PbsEvzDqnlz34hLf1w=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/couples-halloween-recirc-costume-getty-images-a5f42252caa74af9b54c29f1d7751a72.jpg)
How to Choose the Perfect Halloween Costume as a Couple
![xo](https://www.brides.com/thmb/ewSYTmguta6OMcDdL-WoL_j2UU0=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The_History_of_XOXOV2-b4de24773b7f4a3cbcb8eb9656c96c53.png)
What Does XOXO Mean and Where Did It Come From?
![Collaged Image of Couple Standing Back to Back and Hands on Table with Coffee Cups](https://www.brides.com/thmb/EYEbnVBNLyZRJ5bZNyELYXIQT0k=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Rules-for-taking-a-break-in-a-relationship-5105373_800x1000_rev-b65fa56984924d5dbdef8c84def9dcf7.jpg)
The 5 Rules for Taking a Break in a Relationship
![An image of a bride and groom exchanging vows and rings at an outdoor wedding ceremony.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/X1MwoVMKpVbX9r7y_Fo7Asw-u9k=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/romantic-marriage-quotes_primary-aa3732175b584f1bb6264d6384b75d4c.jpg)
101 Romantic Wedding Quotes to Include in Your Vows
![Couple looking at computer together smiling](https://www.brides.com/thmb/vMU6VV3JcFd1ysSqjHtAySWHAE0=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Strengthen-Your-Bond-Recirc-2a05f83ff0c145c48c1eb4cb80d2db55.jpg)
6 Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship as You Plan Your Wedding
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Loving Day: This Is the Couple Whose Love Story Changed History
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Why Travel Is Good for Your Marriage, According to a Relationship Expert
![bride and groom looking at desert](https://www.brides.com/thmb/tD_ed4N1EGtwPLhwtSaxlKG4enQ=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Francois-Chasity-Moab-Wedding-by-Zoe-with-The-Foxes-Photography-193-444a8378e11242c1897c871371c54994.jpg)
14 Relationship Goals to Strengthen Your Love
![A Guide To Happy Marriage](https://www.brides.com/thmb/3zZBzqzzP3vRG10foHXNL-jkW4o=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Guide-To-Happy-Marriage-Therapist-fe8c8433e3104284a2a93be56025653a.jpg)
A Therapist Explains How Working on Yourself Makes You a Better Spouse
![Valentines Day Mini Journey 2023](https://www.brides.com/thmb/SfeEzYEFPFDJHeE195IjDFMoQXU=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Meaningful-Valentine-s-Day-Destination-Ideas-According-to-a-Therapist-Credit-Dougal-Waters-Getty-Images-c60bd7b35f3448dd801b5bd6f2e3df5f.jpg)
The Best Valentine's Day Vacation Ideas, According to Relationship Experts
![A happy couple cooks dinner together in a white-tiled kitchen decorated with plants.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/I8sEgI7xTfXvgBn9A8vH0xJgTjY=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cooking-60bb24397c6a422ba4fd031ee7fe1a2b.jpg)
How Cooking Together Can Help Foster Healthy Relationships
![Dolly Parton](https://www.brides.com/thmb/l6YP_nog1LQeAqsYmns3Xcd3zSg=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1439350643-ca8441038d64413ca921b98f42a04294.jpg)
Dolly Parton Reveals the Secret to Her 56-Year Marriage With Carl Thomas Dean
![Groom kissing the bride on the couch](https://www.brides.com/thmb/hcxbynzL6WHiXAZ7krY56Qwv8C0=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ariniello27-98504f21a08b439eb7b841d87e7839f5.jpg)
5 Ways to Practice Empathy in Your Relationship
![A gay couple cooks pasta together in their kitchen at home.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/_XLdTYZw9L90xYusEre8g0UXBhQ=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/domestic-90fe469e9614483aae94226823aa6f39.jpg)
Domestic Partnership Versus Marriage: What Are the Differences?
![A woman sits on the couch writing a letter.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/a9miGRKVXGm1VSiJdvbvyK7LS78=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/letter-4ec476103c8e4087b69662c7001cafef.jpg)
How to Write a Future Husband Letter
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What Is a Monogamous Relationship?
![A young lesbian couple sits on the couch having a serious conversation at home.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/jKnM_ukfEdivMXthvzlpT_tHulU=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/couplecounselor-6185f464aa794ed1ae12f741be5d8039.jpg)
How to Initiate a Conversation About Couples Counseling
![A distressed man sits on the couch thinking.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/BS70u6C12lVGr-GQIIG7f4A8U7w=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/toxic-f6a0e5c9407d48f791a4b73bae19c35f.jpg)
5 Signs of a Toxic Relationship
![Groom in a burgundy tux and bride in a high-neck floral dress](https://www.brides.com/thmb/d4nr8i7GvISq8nTdT9mo8kdcDq8=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-b69ff4515f4c4800a31b92b0bf116153.jpg)
7 Core Values Every Couple Must Agree on Before Marriage
![a young couple sitting at a dining table](https://www.brides.com/thmb/wFwjAwZyshG1SNwvCLTmGsB_DAs=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/03-8d707d7f80734accbdc6d35bc3585fa4.jpg)
4 First Date Mistakes to Know and Avoid
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5 Signs Your Relationship Could Benefit from Couples Counseling
![Couple drinking wine on a dinner date](https://www.brides.com/thmb/mbuCeMdoHYrX1KIaEUj_UCRXA-4=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-484274317-530244e1282b465692ed09eae5d9884a.jpg)
This Is How Often Married Couples Should Plan Date Nights
![Amelia Edelman library elopement with son in sequin dress](https://www.brides.com/thmb/X9qWbuVdPdfivn9si3RJmrIp2R8=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lllt-f6caa8f233d44f3f9a747abaeaf94f9e.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: My Son's Sequined Dress Stole the Show at My Elopement
![Happy couple](https://www.brides.com/thmb/A41NxRZg232nrnLDLn5jIw-jgEE=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1312197355-7af3d71549c94f9c92fdbadc5287ee73.jpg)
This Is Why Marriages Succeed or Fail
![Gloria Lushing and Arnold Gilberg kiss](https://www.brides.com/thmb/PG_gMj8ZTgN01F75UhrYf290KP8=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-903fe7864cef4887ab35d36724c85411.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: We Found Love and Got Married in Our 80s
![Young Couple With Arms Around Each Other Looking Over a Field at Sunset](https://www.brides.com/thmb/qk7zhEYUzkFvx-iP5ZVGgQvp22c=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/young-couple-outside-sunset-getty-primary-0923-cd72f1f00ec74475a8061323cdd8a45f.jpg)
How to Stop Overthinking Your Relationship
![Happy couple](https://www.brides.com/thmb/hc8VIUlv6Y6KDbIc5exnwO13jZw=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1371643087-547bdb87b5cb4563afbd3ce2173942e2.jpg)
5 Ways to Champion Your Relationship
![Couple holding hands and talking while walking on city street](https://www.brides.com/thmb/BBXC2HSghxsKJLM-6Nzw5jUxhTg=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/attachment0styles-ae87fa821d2140edaa32089c8d2d0b5a.jpg)
What Are the 4 Attachment Styles?
![Kirk and Liane Hypolite](https://www.brides.com/thmb/mSe97MgPpQFDuRi9WFtNAWMyr0Q=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lllt-cf559c84adbd43709ed80182bc037bde.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: We Have Learned to Love Each Other's Cultures
![Romantic young man standing face to face with girlfriend at beach during sunset](https://www.brides.com/thmb/DWeaOMAeBgUyoPoYlmNeMWbyxAE=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/soul-ties-recirc-getty-images-1e99565092174a8f88882abbb3a18dde.jpg)
What Is a Soul Tie? Here's Everything You Need to Know
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Love Looks Like This: We Both Planned a Surprise Proposal at the Same Time
![Brian Jensen and Mandy Ansari wedding](https://www.brides.com/thmb/8qhPPnvMEw9K54pY-3O_rpW6e18=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-87f9da4cc77543d2839457c40c5de29e.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: A Medium Predicted Mandy Ansari's Wedding Date
![Brady King and fiancé Thabiti](https://www.brides.com/thmb/9Fe0g1W6KtIV-yZHM2zJ7fRtFn0=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lllt-1d915289a5684bb0879bc33b970be7ce.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: Our Love Helped Me Through My Mother's Passing
![Alli Webb and Adrian Koehler](https://www.brides.com/thmb/FHavFmNQ_3uv9TK5uodtJMr1fII=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alliwebb-4246d2cc14ef4e97b97f5a747335d54b.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: Alli Webb Reflects on Finding Love Again
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Stonewalling: What It Is and How to Cope
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Love Looks Like This: We Got Married Where We Had Our First Date
![Michelle Winner and husband wedding photo](https://www.brides.com/thmb/rKZ3zzlxtlb7G5rR_jIHHPsEjPg=/900x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lllt-904da57b9bfa4fa8871855847e7bb6ae.jpg)
Love Looks Like This: I Proposed to My Husband 30 Years Ago
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Love Looks Like This: I Fell for a Rider in My Peloton Class
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How to Create a Romantic Scavenger Hunt for Your Partner
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Love Looks Like This: I'm Wedding Planning With a Disability
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Love Looks Like This: We Chose Starting a Business Over a Wedding
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How to Stop Fighting in a Relationship
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Love Looks Like This: My Husband Was Paralyzed on Our 3rd Date
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What Is Emotional Labor in Relationships?
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25 Bucket List Ideas for Couples
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66 Valentine's Day Quotes From Funny to Inspiring
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The History and Meaning of Valentine's Day
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60 Valentine's Day Quotes for Her, Him, and Them
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Love Looks Like This: How an Olympian Managed 12 Years Long Distance
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7 Characteristics of Positive Relationships
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Love Looks Like This: I'm Getting Married Where I Almost Lost My Life
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36 Questions to Ask Your Partner That Lead to Love
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What's the Difference Between a Life Partner and a Spouse?
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85 Deep Conversation Starters for Couples
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How to Survive a Long-Distance Relationship and Make It Work
Best Online Premarital Counseling
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What Is Cuffing Season?
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Love Looks Like This: I Got Covid the Week of My Wedding
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A Complete Guide to Date Night Outfits for Men
15 Fun Workouts to Try With Your Significant Other
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Essay: What Being a "Groom" Means to Me
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Love Looks Like This: I Found Love, Got Pregnant, and Tied the Knot in a Year