Case Studies...
Below are our articles on the subject of Case Studies. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Annoying Habits
Everyone has annoying habits but when you suddenly notice your partner's, they can become totally magnified. Remember noone is perfect and you can't change your partner so you will have to learn to lo...
Are We Exclusive?
Crossing the line from a casual relationship to a committed one can be a tricky transition. Establsishing whether you are exclusive or not requires good communication that will form a strong base for ...
Are We Moving too Fast?
When you or you partner thinks the relationship is moving too fast it can be difficult to meet in the middle. Slow down, have a little patience and understanding though and hopefull you won't make it ...
Avoiding Inheritance Tax for Cohabiting Couples
As cohabiting partners you are not liable for the same exemptions from inheritance tax as married or civil partners are....
Breaking up Late in Life
When you break up late in life it can be an emotional and lonely time. After you have split your assets, take time to enjoy your freedom and talk to your children about dating again...
Building Trust & Bonds
Buidling trust and bonds is the foundation to a strong relationships but if you have had bad experiences int he past it cab be difficult to let down your barriers....
Building Your Confidence & Self Esteem
Evybody deserves to live life with confidence and self esteem but when you have been surrounded by negativity it can be hard to do. Find out what is great about you and celebrate it....
Can Ex's New Partner Make Claims on My Property?
Cohabiting partners can lay no claim to property or other investments that aren't jointly owned....
Can Husband Force Me to Sell Our Home?
Splitting a home is never an easy situation to be in but your partner cannot force you to sell up against your will, unless the courts order it....
Check List: Your Legal Rights When a Relationship Ends
Knowing your legal rights will help ease the practical impact of ending a relationship....
Commitment
Commitment can be a scary word and often means different things to different people. Talk to your partner about what commitment means to you and then be prepared to do everyhting you can to keep that ...
Communication Problems
Every couple has arguments but by building good communication skills and listening to what your partner has to say, you and your partner can overcome any problems....
Consortium Created to Prevent Divorce Going to Court
If you choose a divorce consortium you will be assigned a mediator and be able to leave lawyers out the equation....
Coping When Children Leave Home
When your child leaves home, spend time re-connecting with your partner and having fun in your relationship together....
Could Counselling Help Your Relationship?
If you are having problems in your relationship then counselling may be the best course of action. Your counsellor will help you talk openly with your partner and work together to fix your relationshi...
Dating After Divorce
Preparing yourself to meet a new romantic partner can be a daunting experience, especially after divorce or the break-up of a long-term relationship. Understanding the importance of being honest about...
Dating Tips for Shy People
Dating can be tricky for shy people. If you want to meet someone new, but struggle with shyness, here are some tips on dating....
Dealing with a Break-Up
Whether it is you or your partner who wants to break up, your emotions will be all over the place. Take your time to work through it, avoid contact with your ex and you will soon be back out there....
Dealing with a Divorce
Dealing with a divorce and be difficult and emotional. You never thought your marriage would end this way but not it has you need work through it and move towards the future....
Dealing with a Parent's New Relationship
A guide to dealing with the new relationship of your mother or father, with suggestions on how to accept their new partner...
Dealing with Affairs & Infidelity
An affair or infidelity doesn't have to be the end of a relationship but it will take patience and understanding to deal with the complicated emotions it illicits....
Dealing with Obsessive Ex-Partners
A guide to dealing with an obsessive ex-partner when your relationship breaks down...
Dealing With Parenting Issues
Parenting isn't easy but you need to work together with your partner to raise your children as a united team....
Does Having a Baby Change your Relationship?
Having a baby can change your relationship dramatically so you need to talk to your partner and work together....
Does He/She Like Me? The Signs!
Trying to work out if someone likes you can leave you with mixed signals. Look at their body langauge and decipher their communication style to pick up on the all important signs....
Drawing Up a Cohabitation Agreement
Drawing up a cohabitation agreement will help protect you and your partner in the event of a separation or death....
Exploring Casual Relationships
Casual relationship is a term used to describe a number of non-committed encounters that may or may not include sexual exploration. Understanding your own emotional needs is essential before embarking...
Facts About Domestic Violence
The facts about domestic violence aren't easy reading but it can affect anyone and you need to seek help if you are being abused....
Falling in Love
Falling in love has been the inspiration for millions of stories but in real life it can be a scary and emtoional experience. Enjoy the feeling and keep the love going when the honeymoon haze lifts....
Fidelity
Whatever fidelity means to you it is essential to reach a definition that you and your partner both agree to honour and to keep the comminication open in your relationship....
Finding Time for Each Other
Making time for each other is essenitial if you wna to make you relationship last. It can seem hard to find the spare hour but when you do, it will make all the difference....
Forgiveness
When someone betrays you it can be difficult to forgive them. By working through your emotions, offering forgiveness can help you move on and is essential if you want to try again in the relationship....
Getting Back Together With Your Ex
Can getting back together with an ex ever work? We consider the issues....
Getting Back with an Ex
Getting back together with your ex can seem like an easy option or maybe you have realise just how much they mean to you. Either way, think hard about your feelings before you re-visit the relationshi...
Getting Engaged - Is it the Right Time?
Getting engaged is an exciting time in your life but such a big commitment shouldn't be rushed into or taken lightly. If you are in love with your partner, know them well and want to spend the rest of...
Getting Married
Getting married is an exciting time but can also be very stressful and pressurised. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and don't let arguments overshadow your special day....
Getting to know Each Other
Getting to know each other is fun, exciting and crucial to a successful relationship. Ask questions, show the real you and build a solid foundation with your partner....
Giving In Easily & Standing Up for Yourself
When you fall into the trap of being the person that always gives in it can be difficult to stand up for yourself. Whether it is you partner or your family, learn to say no and put yourself first....
Going on Holiday
Holidays can act as a maginfying on your relationship flagging up problems and causing arguments. However, they can also be a great way to re-ignite the romance and rescue your relationship....
Going Speed Dating
Heard of speed dating but not quite sure what it’s all about? Find out more....
Going Through a Divorce
It is easy to be consumed by your emotions when going through a divorce but being fair and amicable with your ex, especially if you have children, will make the experience a lot better....
Growing Apart & Changes in Feelings
Relationships don't always stand the test of time and you grow apart or feelings change. This is difficult to deal with but it is possible to re-build your relationship and build a fulfilling life on ...
Growing or Drifting Apart
When you grow or drift apart from your partner it can be difficult to understand why things have changed. By working together to get to know the new people in your relationship you can re-connect as a...
Handling Financial Worries Together
Instead of taking your money problems out on your partner, work together to fix your financial situation....
Having a Relationship Break
Having a relationship break can be beneficial but it can also lead to a permanent split so think carefully, commmunicate and work out what you really want....
How do I End It?
Ending a relationship is difficult and evokes many different feelings. Be sure it is what you want, explain you reasons clearly and try to understand your partner's emotions....
How I Knew I Was Over My Ex: A Case Study
"When I thought about things one day, I realised I didn’t feel upset about the break-up anymore and I was happier than I had been for ages." How one woman knew she had moved on....
How Our Marriage Survived an Affair: A Case Study
For Christie, discovering her husband's affair was a chance to save their flailing marriage....
How to Keep the Romance Alive
Keep the romance alive in your relationship by talking to your partner, planning some time together and concentrating on small gestures to show your love....
How to Revive Your Sex Life
Top tips to revive your sex life - and understanding why you neglected it in the first place...
I Am Much Older Than My Boyfriend: Should His Family Know?
After 3 years together you have a right to be introduced to his family and prove that an age gap is not a problem....
Intimacy Advice
Intimacy is vital to any relationship. If it is lacking in an emotional, physical or sexual sense then you need to have open communication with your partner and work on creating it together....
Introducing Your Partner to Family and Friends
Meeting the family and friends is daunting in any new relationship but take your time, support your partner and make the encounter a fun experience....
Is it Lust or Love?
When you meet a new partner you can be blinded by lust but as you get to know them, feelings deepen and you can find yourself faling in love. What is love? Only you know....
Is my Ex Entitled to a Percentage of the House?
Property, solely in your name, cannot be claimed by an unmarried partner....
Keeping the Passion Alive
Communication is key to keeping the passion alive in your relationship....
Keeping the Relationship Alive
After the honeymoon haze fades, keeping your relationship alive takes time and effort. Re-ignite the flame and introduce a bit of romance and sexy time back into your lives....
Long Distance Relationships
A long distance relationship can begin to feel like it's more hassle than it's worth. With a bit of planning and hard work though you can build the trust, have a great sex life and look forward to a f...
Losing a Partner
If you are grieving for the loss of a partner you will experience all sorts of feelings from shock and anger to guilt and fear but give yourself time and you will be able to move on....
Making My Long Distance Relationship Last: A Case Study
Long distance relationships aren't easy but Emma, 28, says that the hard work can be worth it....
Meeting Someone Else
Meeting someone else doens't make you a bad person but dealing with the guilt and understanding your feelings can be confusing. Think about what you really want and act maturely and honestly....
Meeting Your Boyfriends Parents
Advice on meeting your boyfriends parents for the first time in a variety of circumstances...
Moving in Together
If you are ready to move in with your partner then facing the practical issues of money and building boundaries can be tough on your relationship....
Moving on After a Relationship Ends
When a relationship ends, moving on can be difficult. Stop focusing on your ex and what went wrong, work through your emotions, and look forward to a new future....
Mutual Separations
Mutual separations are never easy but when your relationship seems to have a hit a brick wall they can be the best way to reasses your feelings and move on, together or alone....
My Experiences of Internet Dating: A Case Study
One woman recounts her experiences with online dating....
My Partner Cheated On Me: How Can Get Over it?
Rebuilding the trust after a partner cheats can be tough but it is necessary for your relationship to survive....
My Speed Dating Experience: A Case Study
Find out what happened when one woman went speed dating for the first time....
Overcoming Jealousy
Jealousy turns us all into a bit of a green eyed monster now and again but if yours is getting out of control then you need to address the situation. There is nothing that will ruin a relationship qui...
Partner is too 'Controlling' & Earns More: How Do I Leave?
A question from a reader who feels that they cannot leave their controlling partner. The answer looks at her situation and provides some realistic advice....
Planned Reforms in the Law for Cohabiting Couples
Unless you are married or in a civil partenrship then you have no legal rights or claims to your partner's assests. However their are planned reforms to give cohabiting couples more rights....
Planning for Your Retirement Together
You and your partner should plan for your retirement both financially but also on a personal level....
Problem In-Laws
If you have problem in-laws then you need to be firm but fair in delaing with them. Make sure you have the support of your partner and explain that nothing they can do will sway your marriage....
Property Rights for Cohabiting Couples
Property rights for cohabiting couples are not recognised unless they are laid out in legally binding documents and you need to make sure your rights are protected....
Protecting Children Through a Divorce or Break Up
Going through a divorce or break up is difficult in any case but more complicated when children are involved. Be civil with your ex and work together to be open and honest with your children....
Questionnaire: Are You Over Your Ex?
Are you ready to move on from your last relationship? Are you over your ex?...
Questionnaire: How Much Do You Know About Your Partner?
Take our questionnaire to find out if you know your partner as well as you think you do....
Questionnaire: Is it Lust or Love?
Find out whether what you're feeling is lust or love....
Questionnaire: Is it Time to Break Up?
Wondering whether to stay or go? Our quiz will help you with your decision....
Quiz: is He or She 'the One'?
Is your partner 'one one'? Take our quiz to find out....
Rebound Relationships
Starting a rebound relationship is usually not a good idea but if you are honest with your new partner and yourself about your ex and are doing it for the right reasons then it's possible love could b...
Rediscovering Yourself & Being Your Own Person
If you don't know where your partner ends and you begin you need to re-discover your own identity and take time out to be your own person....
Relationships in the Workplace
If you fall for a sexy colleague at work it can make going to the office a lot more exciting. However workplace relationships come with their own set of problems and it is important to strike the righ...
Renewing Your Wedding Vows
Renewing your wedding vows is a great way to reaffirm your commitment to your partner....
Rights to Pensions and Maintenance when the Relationship Ends
If you and your partner have been cohabiting and split up you do not have the same rights to pension and maintenance as a couple that have been married....
Shared Interests
Shared interests can bring you together in the first place but can also be created over time. Discovering somehting new with your partner is a great way to bond....
Should I Stay in the Relationship or Go?
Ending a relationship can be difficult and confusing. You put so much time and effort into making it work that letting go can be hard and painful. Only you can decide whether a relationship has run it...
Stages of a Relationship
All relationships go through stages and develop and grow. As the honeymoon fades you need to communicate with your partner to establish a strong bond that will see you through the ups and downs....
Starting a Family
Having a baby is a life changing experience and it is no wonder couples look forward to starting a family. If you are not ready though you need to ask your family and partner to give you space and tim...
Taking on a Child in a Relationship
Taking on a child in a relationship is a difficult decision. If you are committed to the relationship then be patient, understanding and communicate openly with your partner....
Taming Your Bad Boy: Advice for 'Bliss Magazine'
Here at Relationship Expert our teenage daughters and nieces (us too, if we're honest) are all keen readers of 'Bliss' magazine. So we were delighted to help them out when they asked us for some adv...
The Basics of Civil Partnerships
Same-sex couples who register as civil partners are recognised under the law and given almost the same rights as married couples....
The Dating Etiquette
Who should pay on a first date? How soon should you text afterwards? Who should ask who out? Find out the answers to these questions are more....
The Dos and Don'ts of Dating After a Break-up
If you feel ready to date again after a break-up or divorce, find out how to make it as easy as possible....
The End or a Blip?
Deciding if you relationship problems are just a blip or spell the end can only be done through communication, commitment and honesty....
The Lowdown on Internet Dating
All about internet dating - which sites to join, how to contact people, whether to pay and more....
The Myths of Common Law Marriage
Many people believe that common law marriage is recognised in the eyes of the law but this is myth and you need to protect your rights as a couple....
The Secret to a Successful Dating Profile
With online dating becoming increasingly popular, it's important to make your dating profile stand out from the crowd. Matt Hughes gives some great tips on creating a successful profile in this guest ...
Tips for Creating an Online Dating Profile
Your dating profile can make or break your success at online dating - create the best one you can....
Top Ten Relationship Wreckers
Although all relationships are clearly different, there are some common issues that cause difficulties in many relationships. By knowing what these problems might be you have more chance of identifyin...
Top Ten Romance Tips
Use this tips to keep the romance in your relationship alive....
Trust Issues & Infidelity
When there is an infidelity in a relationship it can be difficult to re-build the trust but it is an important issue and with time and patience it can be fixed....
Trying to Change a Partner - Good or Bad Idea?
Trying to change your partner is difficult. By using positive reinforcement instead of nagging, you may be able to do it, but learning to accept the person you fell for is a better option....
Unpopular Partners
When your partner is unpopular with your freinds or family it can leave you frustratingly stuck in the middle. Try to find common ground and explain that it is important to you that both sides make an...
Violent or Abusive Relationships
If you are suffering in a violent or abusive relationship then you need to get help as soon as possible. Don't blame yourself or make excuses for your partner - it isn't your fault....
Ways to Save Your Marriage
A guide identifying the issues in your marriage and dealing with them successfully...
We Got Back Together After Breaking Up: A Case Study
Does getting back together with an ex ever work? It did for this couple....
Wills and the Rights of a Surviving Partner
If you are cohabiting with your partner but want your assets to pass to them in the event of your death it is important you make a will to secure their rights....
Working Through Tough Times
The key to getting through tough times is good communication. If you are struggling with this then seeking professional help is a good option. With commitment you can come out the other end smiling....
Young Relationships
When you are young and in a relationship your friends and family always think they know what is best for you. They don't want to see you get hurt but by talking to them maturely and reasonabley you sh...