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	<title>Sex And Relationships | Romance Is Everything. Rediscover The Joy Of Playtime</title>
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	<title>Sex And 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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		<title>Why Your Family of Origin Still Controls Your Emotions (and What to Do About It)</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/why-your-family-of-origin-still-controls-your-emotions-and-what-to-do-about-it</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:24:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Difficult Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/why-your-family-of-origin-still-controls-your-emotions-and-what-to-do-about-it</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[It’s a common assumption that once we move out, build a career, or start our own families, we have finally “grown up” and left the past behind. Yet, for many, an unexpected comment from a partner or a specific tone of voice from a friend or co-worker can instantly transport them back to the feeling [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s a common assumption that once we move out, build a career, or start our own families, we have finally “grown up” and left the past behind. Yet, for many, an unexpected comment from a partner or a specific tone of voice from a friend or co-worker can instantly transport them back to the feeling of being a vulnerable child. The family of origin impact is like an invisible “emotional GPS” that…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/why-your-family-of-origin-still-controls-your-emotions-and-what-to-do-about-it" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Navigating Divorce When Your Ex Chooses to Soil the Nest</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/navigating-divorce-when-your-ex-chooses-to-soil-the-nest</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:25:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships Etc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/navigating-divorce-when-your-ex-chooses-to-soil-the-nest</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Despite the decline in divorce rates, emotional disconnect, lack of emotional safety , and unresolved conflict (including chronic bickering) remain leading contributors to relationship breakdowns. What remains consistent is the impact. Couples always have a choice in how they navigate the deconstruction of their unions, a layered onion involving complex emotions, behavior choices impacting children, [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Despite the decline in divorce rates, emotional disconnect, lack of emotional safety , and unresolved conflict (including chronic bickering) remain leading contributors to relationship breakdowns. What remains consistent is the impact. Couples always have a choice in how they navigate the deconstruction of their unions, a layered onion involving complex emotions…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/navigating-divorce-when-your-ex-chooses-to-soil-the-nest" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>What to Do If We Bicker Too Much</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/what-to-do-if-we-bicker-too-much</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:05:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/what-to-do-if-we-bicker-too-much</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Key Takeaways Bickering can point to deeper issues in the relationship, not just surface-level disagreements. Strengthening emotional safety can reduce conflict and create more space for connection. Feelings of unlovability or lack of emotional availability often fuel repetitive arguments. Healthy communication, patience, and mutual empathy are crucial to moving past cycles of bickering. Recognizing the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s normal for couples to have disagreements, but when small arguments become constant, they can drain intimacy and joy. Many people wonder, what do do if we bicker too much—especially when it seems like every little issue sparks conflict. As much as light bantering coming from a playful place can be a relationship strength, tipping over into this other place can be a problem.</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/what-to-do-if-we-bicker-too-much" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Why AI is Not a Replacement for Therapy</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/why-ai-is-not-a-replacement-for-therapy</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:47:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Couples Counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/why-ai-is-not-a-replacement-for-therapy</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Key Takeaways AI tools can be helpful, but they can’t replace the emotional depth of a trained human therapist. The question of whether AI can truly provide empathy and human connection is central to understanding its limitations. Therapy is built on shared emotional experiences, which AI lacks. Concerns around whether AI is safe and private [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As a practicing individual and couples therapist, I am observing along with the world, the way AI is rapidly changing how we live, work, and even support our mental health. With accessible chatbots, it’s never been easier to ask questions or get feedback on anything within seconds. But when it comes to deep emotional healing, there’s an important question we need to ask ourselves: While AI can…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/why-ai-is-not-a-replacement-for-therapy" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Ask Lisa : My boyfriend and his female co-worker text each other constantly</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-my-boyfriend-and-his-female-co-worker-text-each-other-constantly</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:36:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships Etc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-my-boyfriend-and-his-female-co-worker-text-each-other-constantly</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Trust is a pillar of any healthy relationship. When broken, it can lead to insecurity and hurt. Healthy boundaries, open communication and maintaining emotional safety are all also important, particularly avoiding behaviors that create insecurity. A woman asks Lisa about whether it’s appropriate for her to be uncomfortable with the frequency of texting between her [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Trust is a pillar of any healthy relationship. When broken, it can lead to insecurity and hurt. Healthy boundaries, open communication and maintaining emotional safety are all also important, particularly avoiding behaviors that create insecurity. A woman asks Lisa about whether it’s appropriate for her to be uncomfortable with the frequency of texting between her boyfriend and a female co-worker.</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-my-boyfriend-and-his-female-co-worker-text-each-other-constantly" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Deconstructing Bickering in Relationships</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/deconstructing-bickering-in-relationships</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Richard Nicastro, PhD]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:21:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[couples communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/deconstructing-bickering-in-relationships</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Richard Nicastro, PhD examines why couples fight and proposes that bickering isn’t always the way it seems.  Though bickering can clearly be problematic, he proposes the possibility that sometimes it might be fun. Key Takeaways Bickering is often harmless—but clarifying. It’s a form of communication, not abuse, and can help release stress or tension. Stress-driven [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Richard Nicastro, PhD examines why couples fight and proposes that bickering isn’t always the way it seems. Though bickering can clearly be problematic, he proposes the possibility that sometimes it might be fun. “You missed the exit.” “Did not.” “Did too.” “Do you want to drive?” “That’s not fair. You know I don’t have my prescription glasses with me.” “Like you would’ve done any…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/deconstructing-bickering-in-relationships" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Ask Lisa: Uncomfortable with my boyfriend’s relationship with his female friend</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-uncomfortable-with-my-boyfriends-relationship-with-his-female-friend</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:21:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships Etc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-uncomfortable-with-my-boyfriends-relationship-with-his-female-friend</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Trust, once broken, can feel really challenging to mend. However, with consistent effort, vulnerability, and a genuine commitment to change, it can be rebuilt. A woman asks Lisa how to regain trust in her relationship. Lisa’s response to her offers steps to do this, emphasizing open communication, consistent actions, and the creation of emotional safety [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Trust, once broken, can feel really challenging to mend. However, with consistent effort, vulnerability, and a genuine commitment to change, it can be rebuilt. A woman asks Lisa how to regain trust in her relationship. Lisa’s response to her offers steps to do this, emphasizing open communication, consistent actions, and the creation of emotional safety for healing to occur.</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-uncomfortable-with-my-boyfriends-relationship-with-his-female-friend" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Ask Lisa : Lack of Emotional Safety in My Relationship</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-lack-of-emotional-safety-in-my-relationship</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:44:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-lack-of-emotional-safety-in-my-relationship</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[A woman shares her concern about the lack of emotional safety in her relationship and her challenge with getting him to understand what she needs from him. The Question to Lisa “I read your article on emotional safety, and it seems to be lacking in my recent relationship. I had been dating a guy on [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/ask-lisa-lack-of-emotional-safety-in-my-relationship" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>The Under-the-Radar Relationship Killer</title>
		<link>https://intimatetickles.com/the-under-the-radar-relationship-killer</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2025 03:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex And Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tickled Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://intimatetickles.com/the-under-the-radar-relationship-killer</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Sometimes the biggest relationship problems are not the loudest. Be most concerned about the issues that go unspoken, especially if conflict avoidance is normal for both partners. Key Takeaways Subtle, consistent negativity or lack of emotional presence is often the “relationship killer” we ignore. Quiet forms of disconnection—like emotional withdrawal, conflict avoidance, or silent treatment—can [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes the biggest relationship problems are not the loudest. Be most concerned about the issues that go unspoken, especially if conflict avoidance is normal for both partners. Relationship researchers are integral to raising awareness about the harmful behaviors that couples can do to each other, either intentionally or more often, not realizing the damage done. For example…</p>
<p><a href="https://intimatetickles.com/the-under-the-radar-relationship-killer" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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