While there are countless theories on love, Yvette Long, MA, CPC, founder of Aspire, focuses on two fundamental components of a relationship: intimacy and relating to one another in a mutually satisfying manner.

The lack of a clear understanding or appreciation of how a mate views intimacy can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness within a relationship. It’s important for both partners to get it right so that each feels understood, appreciated and loved.

For women, intimacy can be expressed and interpreted differently than how a man might express and interpret it. For men, intimacy isn’t strictly about sex. A man needs to put in more effort to help his woman understand what and who he really is. This may be dif cult and will involve exposing vulnerabilities, but it’s necessary for establishing the kind of connection men deserve and often secretly desire. They both need to let each other know about the things that truly matter to them.

Yvette Long, MA, CPC, helps couples work towards a cultivating a happy, satisfying relationship built on intimacy and love.

Location: Aspire Excellence: Adolescent Boys & Couples Coaching, 95 West Main Street, Suite 5-166, Chester. For more information, call 908-566-0145or visit AspireExcellence.com.