Relationships and intimacy challenges can be difficult topics to address openly for many people, even those who are comfortable in their own skin. For people who have a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being comfortable in your own skin is not always a reality, and relationship struggles may get magnified. The “quest for perfectionism” may seem far away.

However, whether you’re searching for a new romantic partner, keeping a current spark alive or anything in between – perfection doesn’t exist in relationships. Logan Levkoff, Ph.D., relationship and intimacy expert, says that’s a good thing; according to her, perfect is boring. Even though many people agree – perfect is boring – countless others still strive for “perfection” when it comes to their relationships.

Levkoff says that having a chronic illness such as RA is part of what makes you you, but it’s important that your chronic illness doesn’t define who you are or what your relationship looks like.

While offering relationship advice on the TV show Married at First Sight, Levkoff counseled that adequate communication helps all couples understand and appreciate each other. She recently joined me to share advice on self-love, dating, emotional and physical intimacy, and more, especially for people with a chronic illness like RA. With her was Ara Dikranian, MD, Rheumatologist, Cabrillo Center for Rheumatic Disease, who provided people with RA tools they need to help make smart, proactive decisions about their health.

Overcome Relationship Challenges

Take a look at our chat below.

To learn more, visit: www.arthritis.com.

Overcome Relationship Challenges

Meet Our Guest:

Logan Levkoff, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized expert on sexuality and relationships. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show and CNN, and is the author of three books including “Got Teens? The Doctor Moms’ Guide to Sexuality, Social Media, and Other Adolescent Realities.” Dr. Dikranian is affiliated with Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego.

Dr. Ara Dikranian has been with SDAMC since 2004. “Dr. D,” as he is known to his patients, comes from a long family line of health care providers, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and two uncles. His enthusiasm, compassion and love for rheumatology are greater today than ever before.

 

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychobiology in 1991 and his medical degree in 1995, both from the University of Southern California. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in rheumatology, at the University of California, San Diego between 1995 and 2000, when he received his rheumatology board certification. Today, he calls SDAMC home and he’s part of the Sharp network of recommended physicians. He is the current chair of the Arthritis Foundation San Diego chapter advisory board. He volunteers his time for uninsured patients through the San Diego County Medical Association Foundation Project Access program. He has been honored by being named Arthritis Foundation Community Outreach Volunteer of the Year in 2011. He is a speaker for and advisor to various pharmaceutical companies. He has participated in over 100 clinical research studies that have helped develop many of our current therapeutics for various rheumatologic conditions.

Overcome Relationship Challenges