The New York TimesThe New York Times

Seeking Relationship, Therapy Required

By Alyson Krueger

31 Jul 2022 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

You should read this because if you are in (or have had) therapy, you can probably relate. And if you aren't...maybe you should be?

Like most daters, Elyse Fox, 32, a model who lives in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, is looking for a partner who is kind, attractive, smart and funny. She is hoping he likes to travel, is ready for commitment and communicates well. But she has one nonnegotiable: He must be working on his mental health, preferably in regular therapy.

She decided to make this rule a few weeks ago after going on a date with a guy who unloaded his problems onto her. “Over wine and this beautiful dinner, he was pouring out all this trauma and childhood stuff that I never asked about,” Fox said.

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