Relationships
The One Question You Should Never Ask Your Partner During a Fight
It turns the conversation into a debate instead of an opportunity to understand each other.
By Anna Borges
31 Cute Gifts for Your Long-Distance Partner
We found a mix of practical and romantic presents that say “I can’t wait to see you.”
31 slides
By Tasneem Anjarwalla and Sara Coughlin
Love
How Bad Is It, Really, to Go Through Your Partner’s Phone When They’re Not Looking?
Sneaking a peek at their texts can be tempting, but we asked a therapist if it’s worth it.
By Jenna Ryu
Giving Your Partner the Silent Treatment Isn’t Just Petty—It’s Actually Really Toxic
Of course you feel dehumanized and insecure when someone pretends you don’t even exist.
By Jenna Ryu
Love
7 People Share How They Discovered Their Partner Was Emotionally Cheating
“She was quick to start fights…and spoke fondly of a coworker.”
By Kayla Blanton
5 Clear Signs You’ve Moved on From Your Ex—and Are Ready to Date Again
Are you looking to meet someone new for who they are…or who they remind you of?
By Jenna Ryu
5 Subtle Signs of ‘Abandonment Issues,’ According to Experts
And how to stop feeling like everyone’s going to leave you the second things get real.
By Jenna Ryu
Workplace Affairs Are More Common Than You’d Think. Here’s Why, According to Infidelity Experts
It’s not just CEOs at Coldplay concerts.
By Jenna Ryu
5 Bad Habits That Make It Harder to Get Over a Breakup
Some coping mechanisms that feel like progress could actually be holding you back.
By Jenna Ryu
How to Help a Friend in a Toxic Relationship, According to Therapists
You can’t force them to break up—but you can help them see the light with these tips.
By Jenna Ryu
5 Major Reasons People Cheat, According to Couples Therapists
Other than being an impulsive asshole, obviously.
By Jenna Ryu
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
6 Small, Everyday Habits Couples Therapists Wish You’d Stop Doing in Your Relationship
Because ignoring the little stuff is how you end up in the big stuff—and no one wants that.
By Jenna Ryu
6 Ways to Feel Better After Being Ghosted
Whether it was a promising potential partner or a so-called friend who pulled a disappearing act.
By Jenna Ryu
How Good Is ChatGPT at Giving Life Advice, Really?
We let AI solve our everyday relationship problems. Here’s how its suggestions compared to a human therapist’s.
By Jenna Ryu
Quiz: What’s Your “Fight Language”?
Take this quiz to figure out how you handle conflicts in relationships.
By Jenna Ryu
Which of These 7 Conflict Styles Defines How You Fight in Relationships?
Are you more of a competitor, aggressor, or avoidant? Find out here.
By Jenna Ryu
7 Relationship Green Flags We Can Learn From Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco
Not sold on this headline-making couple? This list might just win you over.
By Jenna Ryu
What Does It Really Mean to Be ‘Emotionally Unavailable’?
Dating someone who won’t let you in is frustrating…but it’s not always a lost cause.
By Jenna Ryu
4 Signs of Love Bombing in Friendships You Should Never Ignore
Moving too fast isn’t just a romantic red flag.
By Jenna Ryu
Age-Gap Relationships Get a Bad Rap—But These 5 Tricks Make Them Work
“Babygirl” and “The White Lotus” are flipping the script…and real-life couples are too.
By Jenna Ryu
Can We Please Stop Giving Flirting Hacks Like ‘Sticky Eyes’ Too Much Credit?
There’s no magic formula to dating—no matter how many TikToks promise otherwise.
By Jenna Ryu
Yes, Taking a Break Can Make a Relationship Stronger—But Only Sometimes
Exploring what it's like to not be together (without fully splitting up) can have surprising benefits.
By Jenna Ryu
5 Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Back With Your Ex
Let’s make sure your Relationship 2.0 is an upgrade, not a rerun.
By Jenna Ryu
How Much Should Politics Really Matter in Relationships?
Ben and Sara seem to be hitting it off on this season of ‘Love Is Blind’—that is, until one reveals they didn’t vote in the last election.
By Jenna Ryu
Why, After 6 Years of Celebrating, My Partner and I Are Boycotting Valentine’s Day
The most romantic way to celebrate? Doing absolutely nothing—let me convince you why.
By Jenna Ryu