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	<title>Healthy Relationships | Romance Is Everything. Rediscover The Joy Of Playtime</title>
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	<title>Healthy Relationships | Romance Is Everything. Rediscover The Joy Of Playtime</title>
	<link>https://intimatetickles.com</link>
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	<item>
		<title>The Cellular Benefits of Healthy Relationships</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/the-cellular-benefits-of-healthy-relationships</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/the-cellular-benefits-of-healthy-relationships</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[I recently had the pleasure of attending a workshop at my local gym/wellness center by Dr. Molly Maloof ; a physician, author, and longevity expert specializing in personalized medicine, healthspan optimization, and the science of human connection. She spoke about the social drivers of cellular damage as well as how healthy relationships actually heal the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I recently had the pleasure of attending a workshop at my local gym/wellness center by Dr. Molly Maloof ; a physician, author, and longevity expert specializing in personalized medicine, healthspan optimization, and the science of human connection. She spoke about the social drivers of cellular damage as well as how healthy relationships actually heal the body. We cannot underestimate the…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/the-cellular-benefits-of-healthy-relationships" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>How to Create Emotional Safety in Your New Relationship</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-create-emotional-safety-in-your-new-relationship</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:24:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-create-emotional-safety-in-your-new-relationship</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Dating these days can be challenging as it is with dating app swipe culture and the overall uncertainty of trying to figure out who another person is. Through the process, an important things to keep your eye on is the presence of emotional safety. Key Takeaways Emotional safety is the foundation of intimacy, trust, and [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dating these days can be challenging as it is with dating app swipe culture and the overall uncertainty of trying to figure out who another person is. Through the process, an important things to keep your eye on is the presence of emotional safety. Starting a new relationship can feel exciting, but also uncertain. Will they accept you for who you are? Can you trust them? Do you feel safe to…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-create-emotional-safety-in-your-new-relationship" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>How to Work on Yourself for Lasting Change</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-work-on-yourself-for-lasting-change</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:26:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Emotional Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-work-on-yourself-for-lasting-change</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is your guide: Understanding your internal patterns is a key to growth. Family of Origin Work is your foundation: Clarity around past experiences illuminates present challenges and is integral to healing. Focus on your emotional health along the way: Cultivating emotional resilience and regulation is essential for a fulfilling life. Try to [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The pursuit of self-improvement is a process that can unfold over your lifetime, a journey of uncovering your authentic self and building a life of meaning and fulfillment. Learning how to work on yourself is not a destination, but a continuous process that profoundly impacts your emotional health, quality of life, and your potential for genuine happiness . It’s about tending to your inner world…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-work-on-yourself-for-lasting-change" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>How to Create More Intimacy in Your Relationship</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-create-more-intimacy-in-your-relationship</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:36:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[couples communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intimacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oxytocin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resentment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-create-more-intimacy-in-your-relationship</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Intimacy, the feeling of closeness and emotional connection with another person, is the cornerstone of healthy and fulfilling relationships, playing a vital role in relationship satisfaction, fostering trust, commitment, and overall well-being. It encompasses various aspects, including emotional, intellectual, physical, and shared experiences, though partners might have different meanings around these, so important to check [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Intimacy, the feeling of closeness and emotional connection with another person, is the cornerstone of healthy and fulfilling relationships, playing a vital role in relationship satisfaction, fostering trust, commitment, and overall well-being. It encompasses various aspects, including emotional, intellectual, physical, and shared experiences, though partners might have different meanings around…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/how-to-create-more-intimacy-in-your-relationship" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>5 Steps to Create Positive Change in Your Relationship</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/5-steps-to-create-positive-change-in-your-relationship-2</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 07:13:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[couples communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family of origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family of origin issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resentment in marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/5-steps-to-create-positive-change-in-your-relationship-2</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Marriage and/or long-term intimate relationships have the potential to be incredibly rewarding and people generally do the best they can with what they know.  Couples can generally do well over time but many hit emotional speed bumps.  No matter when or how a relationship feels strain, ideally there is some reflection and curiosity by one [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Marriage and/or long-term intimate relationships have the potential to be incredibly rewarding and people generally do the best they can with what they know. Couples can generally do well over time but many hit emotional speed bumps. No matter when or how a relationship feels strain, ideally there is some reflection and curiosity by one or both partners around the sources of distress.</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/5-steps-to-create-positive-change-in-your-relationship-2" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Too Independent in Your Relationship?</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/too-independent-in-your-relationship</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jun 2023 02:08:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[independence in relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[independent in relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secure attachment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/too-independent-in-your-relationship</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Jennifer Chappell Marsh, MFT explores independence vs interdependence in relationships and what secure attachment looks like. Many of us have heard the saying, “At the end of the day, you only have yourself to fall back on…” We are taught from a young age that independence is a good thing; a source of strength and pride. [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jennifer Chappell Marsh, MFT explores independence vs interdependence in relationships and what secure attachment looks like. Many of us have heard the saying, “At the end of the day, you only have yourself to fall back on…” We are taught from a young age that independence is a good thing; a source of strength and pride. Take care of yourself. Don’t be clingy or needy. Gaining independence…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/too-independent-in-your-relationship" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Healthy Relationships: Assessing the Emotional Safety</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/healthy-relationships-assessing-the-emotional-safety</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:38:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[emotional safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family of origin work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/healthy-relationships-assessing-the-emotional-safety</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Couples seek relationship counseling for numerous reasons.  No matter what issues they present to therapy with, it often can be boiled down to a problem with the emotional safety in their relationship.  The most hostile, distant or disengaged couples are not the only ones who can be challenged with a lack of emotional safety.  Those [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Couples seek relationship counseling for numerous reasons. No matter what issues they present to therapy with, it often can be boiled down to a problem with the emotional safety in their relationship. The most hostile, distant or disengaged couples are not the only ones who can be challenged with a lack of emotional safety. Those who minimize their feelings or are conflict avoidant can often…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/healthy-relationships-assessing-the-emotional-safety" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>10 Characteristics of Successful Relationships</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/10-characteristics-of-successful-relationships</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Feb 2023 05:09:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[characteristics of a healthy relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[couples communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family of origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resentment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/10-characteristics-of-successful-relationships</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[People seeking couples counseling seek change to a relationship dynamic that isn’t working in some way.   The problems can include poor communication, lack of emotional safety , resentment, trust violations and many other issues.  It might even be that the couple have different ideas of what the problems are or simply a felt sense [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>People seeking couples counseling seek change to a relationship dynamic that isn’t working in some way. The problems can include poor communication, lack of emotional safety , resentment, trust violations and many other issues. It might even be that the couple have different ideas of what the problems are or simply a felt sense that things are not right. Couples who demonstrate the makings or…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/10-characteristics-of-successful-relationships" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Combat Loneliness by Learning to Connect</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/combat-loneliness-by-learning-to-connect</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:34:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family of origin issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loneliness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/combat-loneliness-by-learning-to-connect</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[We humans have an innate, deep need for connection with each other. It can feel great when we connect but if not, it can lead to loneliness.  Inauthenticity and emotional availability are just a few of the ways people behave that can reflect their challenges in this area.  The reality is it can be hard to [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We humans have an innate, deep need for connection with each other. It can feel great when we connect but if not, it can lead to loneliness. Inauthenticity and emotional availability are just a few of the ways people behave that can reflect their challenges in this area. The reality is it can be hard to connect with others because it’s scary to open up and be real and vulnerable.</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/combat-loneliness-by-learning-to-connect" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>When a Husband’s Desire for His Wife To Be Happy Gets Tricky</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/when-a-husbands-desire-for-his-wife-to-be-happy-gets-tricky</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Richard Nicastro, PhD]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthy Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/when-a-husbands-desire-for-his-wife-to-be-happy-gets-tricky</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Richard Nicastro, PhD, through the eyes of “Nina,” explores what it can look like when protective love turns into hopeless frustration.   — If you’re a woman in a committed relationship, I’d like you to think about how your husband/partner reacts to you when you’re vulnerable — do your vulnerabilities bring out the best in him? [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Richard Nicastro, PhD, through the eyes of “Nina,” explores what it can look like when protective love turns into hopeless frustration. — If you’re a woman in a committed relationship, I’d like you to think about how your husband/partner reacts to you when you’re vulnerable — do your vulnerabilities bring out the best in him? Or does he react with annoyance, frustration or even anger?</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/when-a-husbands-desire-for-his-wife-to-be-happy-gets-tricky" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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