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Why you need to throw out the relationship rulebook

Part 2 of TED Radio Hour episode Who counts as a significant other?

Is sleeping in separate beds a sign of a failed relationship? What about separate houses? Therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile says ditching how couples "should" act can make a partnership stronger.

About Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile

Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile is a marriage and family therapist with a popular YouTube channel covering dating and relationships. Yates-Anyabwile specializes in couples therapy while using pop culture to make relational psychology more engaging. She is a graduate of Northcentral University.

This segment of the TED Radio Hour was produced by James Delahoussaye and edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour. You can follow us on Facebook @TEDRadioHour and email us at TEDRadioHour@npr.org.

Web Resources

Related TED Bio: Stephanie R. Yates-AnyabwileRelated TED Talk: Even healthy couples fight — the difference is howRelated TED Talk: Is your partner "the one?" Wrong question

Related NPR Links

Life Kit: Your best advice on lasting relationships of all kindsLife Kit: What's your attachment style? Take this quiz to find out

Copyright 2026 NPR

Manoush Zomorodi
Manoush Zomorodi is the host of NPR's TED Radio Hour. She is a journalist, podcaster and media entrepreneur, whose work reflects her passion for investigating how technology and business are transforming humanity. TED Radio Hour won the 2023 Ambie award for Best Knowledge, Science, and Tech podcast.
James Delahoussaye
Sanaz Meshkinpour

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