Real Life Love Isn't Black And White

Welcome to Love Notes for Real Life, a weekly newsletter about what lasting love actually requires and offers us—no binaries and no bs, just long-form exploration of love’s hardest questions.

I’m Dr. Marina Rosenthal, a psychologist who specializes in complex and intense relationships. I support couples on the margins—those who know they have big love but can’t seem to find the right resources to support their unique relationship. 

Love Notes for Real Life is a space for nuanced thoughts about relationships. Away from the clickbait and off the algorithm hamster wheel, let’s talk about how to navigate real-life love, mess and all.

Every week, you’ll receive an essay in your inbox. With articles ranging from Q&As to insights from my own marriage, Love Notes for Real Life is where I offer intimate and in-depth discussion about the intricacies of love that get missed on the algorithm.

If you know there’s more to love than what you see on social media, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it—together.

Looking for a place to start? Might I suggest:

How To Read Relationship Advice And Not Lose Your Mind Or Enrage Your Partner

All this help is supposed to be helping, right? In 2021, I started sharing relationship advice online. As a couples therapist and psychologist who works specifically with complex and intense relationships, I saw a gap in the available resources. There’s so much (great) content for low to medium distress

Dr. Marina RosenthalMarina Rosenthal

Repair Is A Two-Way Street

On Accepting Apologies Recently, my husband made a joke that hit me poorly. It’s a type of joke he knows I don’t like. I’m sensitive to teasing, and I particularly don’t like if a joke feels like it’s meant to take someone down a notch.

Dr. Marina RosenthalMarina Rosenthal

You Might Want To Take Your Hurt Feelings Less Seriously

I recently posted a reel with the text: “You might hate me for saying this, but one of the best things you can do for your relationship is stop taking your hurt feelings so seriously.” There was a caption with more detail and a disclaimer regarding abuse, but I tend

Dr. Marina RosenthalMarina Rosenthal