You may be in a healthy relationship for some time now and though everything may seem to be going great for you, apparently there are certain things that you should know about your partner to continue to have a healthy, happy, and successful relationship.
According to a certified sex therapist from the US, Toronto Escorts, Todd Baratz, there are seven things every couple should know about each other, the Daily Mail reports.
Amongst other things, it is reportedly important to ask your partner about the way they feel, what they desire and what their vision for the future is.
Taking to his Instagram post, the sex therapist listed out and revealed the seven things that all couples should discuss together and know about each other.
He reportedly said, 'I rarely use the word should, but you should know these things.'
He adds, 'Unfortunately few of us get any kind of relational education so most do not learn to have these conversations or feel safe enough to ask or answer.'
1. Childhood history
When you open up to your partner about your childhood experiences, your partner will get a better understanding of person you are. You are majorly impacted by your family relationships and friendships, therefore it’s important you discuss your early development years.
'The only relationships that directly parallel each other are the ones we have with our original caregivers and adult partners,' Todd informs.
'The more you know about each other's history the better you can become at understanding triggers and navigate around or through conflict, disconnection and therefore the easier it becomes to create repair.'
2. Relational history
Though most people prefer not to know about their partner’s relationship history, according to the expert, it’s important to discuss romantic, social and sexual relationships so that you can be aware of what went wrong previously. Moreover, it can be a good conversation to have with your partner.
'From what worked, what didn't work, and past challenges to lessons learnt, knowing each other's relational past is crucial when building a relational future,' he said.
3. Love preferences
Everyone has their preferences of how they want to express their love and receive that love in return. Discussing your preferences regarding how your partner can make you feel more loved is essential.
The expert explains, 'Everyone has a variety of different preferences for how they like to give and receive love. And don't use broad categories like a love language. Explicitly state the words, actions, and experiences you crave that drive your closeness preferences.’
He advises, 'Keep in mind that these preferences may change depending on the context, time of day, and more. This information is what is means to anticipate needs and provide care.'
4. Relational challenges
It’s important for couples to know what enhances their bond and the best way that they connect. It’s also crucial for them to know the challenges they struggle with and try to overcome each time.
'Be as open direct and honest as possible when it comes to your challenges with each other. Go through a list of triggers, frustrations, disappointments, and any other challenges that have arisen in the past, present, or future,' Todd said.
'This isn't the time to revisit conflict and attempt to resolve. It's about creating awareness, holding space, and normalising the challenges that may create conflict.
5. Sexual desires, kinks, and eroticism
In order to improve their bond and love life, couples should be aware of each other’s sexual desires, preference for touch, eroticism, and kinks. According to Todd, the conversation can be like ‘Q&A’ and ‘show and tell activity’ where each partner can literally provide directions. What’s also vital is to know about what turns each other either on or off.
6. Internal world
Talking about your day-to-experiences with your partner can help your partner to know what’s on your mind – whether it’s something about your past that’s plaguing you or something that’s happened at work, communicating such things with your partner in important in any relationship.
Todd also reportedly encourages couples to 'get into the habit of inviting each other inside' your mind by 'sharing inner thoughts and feelings' often.
7. Dreams and future plans
The expert claims that couples should discuss their plans for the future right from the beginning without ever stopping.
'Share literal dreams when asleep, share lofty and grandiose dreams of professional success. Share your five, 10, 15 and 20-year plans,' he said.
TRIBUTES have been paid to Nemubhai Chandaria OBE, who passed away last Saturday (27) at the age of 86.
Community leaders, family and friends remembered him as a pioneering figure in the global Jain community and an advocate of faith, culture and service.
Chandaria was a founding member of the Institute of Jainology (IoJ) and served as its chairman for more than three decades.
Under his leadership, the organisation grew to be a respected international centre for Jain scholarship and interfaith dialogue. He oversaw key projects, including the cataloguing of Jain manuscripts held in the British Library and other UK institutions.
“His legacy is not only in the lives he touched personally, but in the lasting contributions he made to the world,” a statement from the institute said.
Chandaria also led the drafting of The Jain Declaration on Nature, which was presented to Prince Philip in his role as chair of the World Wide Fund for Nature. That moment resulted in Jainism being recognised as the world’s eighth global faith, the statement added.
Chandaria also played a central role in organising the Jain Art Exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, inaugurated under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II.
He worked to enhance interfaith ties with religious leaders across the world, meeting figures such as the Pope, the Dalai Lama and the late BAPS leader, His Holiness Param Pujya Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj.
In Britain, Chandaria was instrumental in uniting 30 organisations through the OneJAIN platform, which gave the Jain community a collective voice on national and international issues.
He was awarded an OBE for his contributions to the Jain community.
Chandaria also received the OneJAIN Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, and earlier this year was honoured with the JAINA Global Award for Jain Heritage and Literature.
A Prathna Sabha (prayer meeting) was held in his memory on Monday (29) at Oshwal Centre in London.
He is survived by his wife Meena, children Asha, Rony and Amit, and grandchildren Roan, Alyssa, Khushee, Kayan and Vyom.
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Wes Streeting has ruled out imposing VAT on private healthcare ahead of the November budget. (Photo: Reuters)
UK will not impose a sales tax on private healthcare, health secretary Wes Streeting said on Tuesday, following reports that the government was considering the option ahead of the November 26 budget.
"It's not happening," Streeting told the BBC.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to raise taxes in the November budget to address a fiscal gap that economists estimate at tens of billions of pounds.
This has led to speculation about where cuts or increases might be made.
Reeves said on Monday that she would honour Labour’s manifesto pledge not to increase sales tax, known as value added tax (VAT), national insurance contributions or income tax rates.
She added that there would still be hard choices to make in November.
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The plinth of the statue, which depicts Gandhi in a seated pose, was marked with graffiti. (Photo credit: X)
THE INDIAN High Commission in London has condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square, which was found defaced on Monday. The incident comes just days ahead of the annual Gandhi Jayanti event scheduled at the site on October 2.
The plinth of the statue, which depicts Gandhi in a seated pose, was marked with graffiti. The mission said the matter has been reported to local authorities and its officials are working at the site to help restore the monument.
“The High Commission of India in London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London,” the mission said in a statement on social media.
“This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence, three days before the International Day of Non-Violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma. We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity,” it added.
Gandhi Jayanti, marked as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is observed at the London monument every year with floral tributes and renditions of Gandhi’s favourite bhajans on October 2.
The bronze statue was unveiled in 1968 with the support of the India League as a reminder of Gandhi’s student days at University College London. The plinth carries the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948.”
The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council confirmed they are looking into the reports of vandalism.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Starmer’s personal ratings have fallen since he took office, prompting speculation about whether he can reverse Labour’s decline. (Photo credit: Reuters)
Starmer to tell Labour members to stay committed to his long-term plan
Labour faces pressure from Reform UK under Nigel Farage
Opinion polls show Labour trailing Reform despite four years to next election
Leadership questions emerge as Starmer’s ratings fall
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer will ask Labour members to stay committed to his plan for Britain when he addresses the party's annual conference in Liverpool on Tuesday.
Starmer has been in office for 14 months but is already facing pressure as Labour struggles against growing support for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.
In his speech, Starmer will say that Britain "stands at a fork in the road" between "renewal" under Labour and "grievance" under Reform, according to excerpts released in advance.
"It is a test. A fight for the soul of our country, every bit as big as rebuilding Britain after the war, and we must all rise to this challenge," he will tell delegates, while calling for patience.
The four-day gathering is focused on countering Reform, with Starmer aiming to sharpen his attack on the party while setting out Labour's vision.
"We need to be clear that our path, the path of renewal, it's long, it's difficult, it requires decisions that are not cost-free or easy, decisions that will not always be comfortable for our party.
"Yet at the end of this hard road there will be a new country, a fairer country, a land of dignity and respect," the 63-year-old leader is expected to say.
Labour has faced difficulties since returning to power in July last year. Opinion polls now show it behind Reform, though the next general election is four years away.
Leadership questions
Starmer’s personal ratings have fallen since he took office, prompting speculation about whether he can reverse Labour’s decline.
Andy Burnham, regional mayor, has urged Starmer to present a more left-leaning vision. Burnham has also said some lawmakers want him to stand as leader, though he would first need to return to parliament and there is no vacancy at present.
Talk has grown that poor results in local elections next May, including in Scotland and Wales, could trigger a leadership contest.
At the conference, views among Labour members were mixed.
Jacob Hamer, 18, supported Starmer’s call for patience. "The old phrase is a week is a long time in politics, but I'd say a year is a short time in government. Frankly, policies take time," he told AFP, pointing to pledges on health services and house-building.
But Jonathan Farr, 53, who has a disability, expressed frustration over the government’s handling of disability payments.
"I think people voted for change and they don't feel like they're getting it, unfortunately," he told AFP.
"I fear that come the day after the (May) elections, there will be a leadership challenge, or he'll resign, but either way, I can see something happening."
(With inputs from agencies)
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Smoke billows from a burning market area at Guimara in Khagrachari district of Bangladesh on September 28, 2025, after it was set ablaze during a clash between Hill and Bengali residents over the alleged rape of a female student. (Photo: Getty Images)
AT LEAST three people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday in clashes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh after protests over the alleged gang rape of a schoolgirl.
Violence spread from Khagrachhari town to Guimara despite restrictions and the deployment of security forces.
Police confirmed the deaths but did not disclose the identities of the victims. Witnesses reported homes and businesses were set ablaze during the clashes between Indigenous groups and Bengali settlers.
The home ministry said 13 army personnel and three policemen were among the injured.
Protesters alleged that the army fired on demonstrators, while the military denied responsibility and blamed the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), a rebel faction, for the violence. The interior ministry said weapons were being smuggled into the region from outside the country.
The unrest adds to political tensions as interim leader Muhammad Yunus prepares for elections in February, the first since Sheikh Hasina’s government was ousted in 2024.
Key takeaways:
Three deaths and dozens injured: Clashes broke out in Khagrachhari district following protests over the alleged rape of a schoolgirl. The violence spread to Guimara, 36 km away, despite the deployment of army, police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel.
Victims not identified: Police confirmed three fatalities, but doctors at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital did not clarify whether the dead were Indigenous people or Bengalis.
Rape case triggered unrest: The alleged gang rape took place on September 23. A Bengali teenager has been arrested with army assistance and is being held on six-day remand for questioning.
Blame and counter-blame: Protesters accused the army of opening fire on demonstrators. The army denied this and instead accused the UPDF rebel faction of instigating the clashes and firing shots.
Government response: Interior ministry chief Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said arms were entering the region from abroad. The home ministry pledged legal action against those responsible and urged residents to remain calm.
Background of unrest: The Chittagong Hill Tracts saw a decades-long insurgency that ended with the 1997 peace accord. Rebel groups like the UPDF rejected the deal and continue to demand autonomy, contributing to sporadic violence in the region.