The psychology of relationships

The quest to find a partner and experience a long and meaningful relationship seems to have become more complicated. We reguarly question ourselves, our goals, our partners... so psychological analysis of our relationships has gained in popularity. Read on for more on the inner workings of modern relationships.

Escaping the vicious circle of relationship failure

Tom fell for Maria, sweet but quite depressive. It didn’t work out... Jan’s got the dream job – she’s bright and sexy but men run a mile. Cathy’s just ended a relationship that was just too suffocating... What do they all have in common? Painful break-ups with the feeling of getting involved in a...
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Saying I love you

So many couples hover around the words ‘I love you’, the gateway to a committed emotional relationship. To love and to be loved means everything fits into place.
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Battle of the sexes: how equal is equal?

Are men and woman equal? Yes, but are we the same? Well, er, no. Insisting on the differences between the sexes in an era where the idea of ‘unisex’ dominates is rather frowned upon, but here we go...
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The cougar: When women fall for younger men

Nowadays, you see women in their forties and fifties with much younger men on their arms, and this phenomenon has spread rapidly in the last few years. This is a sign of the times, but where does it leave men? Here, Doctissimo takes a closer look with psychoanalyst France Schott-Billmann, author...
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Do your genes determine who you date?

What if the thing that really made you fall for your other half wasn’t actually that dazzling smile, beautiful body or irresistible charm? Many studies have shown that apart from socio-cultural influences, there are also biological factors involved in your choice of partner. Analysis of the...
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White knight syndrome: The dangers of emotional dependency

Every woman dreams of a white knight, but being the damsel in distress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. When one partner depends too much on the other, it can spell disaster. Read on for how to avoid emotional dependency in a relationship.
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Say no to rudeness!

No matter if you’re on public transport, in a queue or just walking in the street, you can’t seem to escape other people’s rudeness. Didier Pleux gives us the lowdown on the social phenomenon of discourtesy and how to handle it.
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Stop mothering him!

You might feel like you’re looking after him, but mothering your other half can have serious consequences for your relationship. Clinical psychologist Dr. Marie-Claude Gavard gives us the lowdown on why you should stop mothering him.
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How to recognise a narcissistic manipulator

Insults, devaluation, guilt...the narcissistic manipulator (otherwise known as the narcissistic pervert) uses many weapons against his victim. All smiles in public, he is a master of transformation, becoming a real tyrant behind closed doors. When facing a narcissistic manipulator, you have one...
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Discover your philosophy on love

Love: a mystery for some, self-sacrifice for others. What's known as the source of life's greatest joy can also cause pain and heartache. To help us navigate the course of love, we look to some of the world's greatest thinkers – Plato, Descartes and De Beauvoir. Lecturer Olivia Gazalé and...
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