Couples may be at risk of experiencing deterioration in their relationship when the patient is on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). One reason this can occur is that couples do not know how to communicate about the changes that are occurring within their relationship. Those who think they must hide their feelings and emotional changes, not only from their partner but also from others, may withdraw. That can include withdrawing from friends and family beyond their intimate partner. In sharp contrast, there are other couples who find that they actually connect more with each other because the experience of having cancer has brought them closer together. Also, couples in which the patient is more physically active show better relational adjustment over the course of being on ADT. Couples therapists often advise folks to pick a place outside the bedroom to discuss the topic of sexual intimacy and emotional needs.