Relationships
Whether you're dealing with family dynamics, seeking to strengthen your marriage, navigating the complexities of dating, or addressing issues like infidelity and divorce, our contributors shares tools and insights to foster healthy, meaningful connections with those around you, improving your overall quality of life. Enhance your interpersonal connections with advice on family, marriage, dating, and handling toxic relationships. Learn how to identify and manage narcissistic behavior, improve your parenting skills, build strong, intimate relationships and make your marriage bullet-proof.
Uncovering Narcissistic Mothering in South Asian Families and Its Lasting Impact
Within South Asian family dynamics, maternal narcissism creates distinctive patterns of emotional abuse that often remain hidden behind cultural expectations of filial respect and family unity.
Narcissism in the Modern Age and Why It’s Not All About You
We live in an era often dubbed the "Age of the Selfie," a time characterized by an unprecedented focus on the individual. Social media platforms, while offering connection...
Understanding the Shadow of Narcissistic Abuse and Life After Separation
Research on the incidence of post-separation abuse has revealed that up to 90% of women experience it, despite the widespread belief...
The Difference Between Self-Love and Narcissism
Are you constantly questioning your self-perception? Do you find yourself wondering whether your self-assuredness crosses the line into...
How to Heal From a Narcissist
Healing from a narcissistic relationship is not just about moving on; it's about reclaiming your sense of self, rebuilding your inner...
How To Spot A Narcissist Early In A Relationship
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the charm of a new partner, only to sense that something isn't quite right as time goes on?
10 Signs You Are In A Narcissistic Abusive Relationship
Before I get into it, let me say one thing. Abuse is abuse. Period. Whether it be emotional, psychological, physical, financial...
Why Swedish Death Cleaning Might Be the Kindest Gift You Leave Behind
Marie Kondo asks the question, “Does it spark joy?” The Bullet Journal helps us keep a cleaning schedule with a simple list of monthly and seasonal chores. It’s not unreasonable to think that soon you’ll find yourself doing the practical cleaning exercise designed to help you prepare for death.
What Are the Hidden Gifts of Sibling Love? – A Heartfelt Thank You for the Unspoken Bonds
As I sit down to reflect on my life’s journey, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible bond of sibling love.
The Real Reason Why Bedtime Can Be So Hard and What to Do About It
It’s the end of the day and you were kind of looking forward to plopping on the couch with Netflix and looking at your phone again after...
How to Maintain Connection in a Relationship When Parenthood Shifts Priorities
Parenthood is often a beautiful yet overwhelming transition that can leave couples feeling disconnected. As the daily demands...
Is Your Family Safe? – The Rising Rate of Child Removals by Victoria's Child Protection
I dedicated 18 years to Child Protection Victoria, concluding my career as a senior manager in 2024. During this time, we encountered...
Silent Screams and Loud Strength with the Book That Demands to Be Heard
In the vast world of literature, some books are written to entertain, some to inform, and a rare few to challenge, provoke, and transform.
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child but Schools Must Do Their Part as Well
Fatima sat across from me, her face lined with worry. "I’m concerned about Alex," she confessed. "He’s been causing trouble at school.
The Three Realms of Relationship Success and 14 Days to Transform Your Love Life
What makes a relationship truly thrive? It’s a question many couples ask, especially when love starts feeling stagnant or strained. The truth is, successful relationships don’t just happen...
What’s Really Causing Emotional Distance in Your Relationship After Kids and How to Fix It
You love your partner. You both love your child. And yet, if you’re honest, it feels like you’re living beside each other, not with each...
7 Steps to Decide Whether to Stay or Leave Your Marriage Without Regret
Making the choice to remain in or exit a marriage is one of the hardest decisions that a person can make. It can be especially difficult...
Why Do Women Have More Affairs Than Men?
This is a question that has come up repeatedly in my research on why so many marriages seem to fall apart around age 40. It’s a pattern...
7 Principles of a Happy Marriage
Marriage is a relationship full of challenges but also satisfaction, requiring constant work and commitment.
How to Maintain a Healthy Marriage
January is a time of new beginnings, a chance to start fresh and press the reset button. Interestingly, the month is also referred...
8 Ways To Transform Potential Arguments Into Healthy Conversations
In my work as a therapist, I find that one of the most common reasons clients give for seeking therapy is to improve communication...
How to Stop Trying to Please Everyone and Reclaim Your Authentic Voice Midlife
Are you nice at the expense of holding back your truth? Does that niceness strangle you and sit heavy on your chest? And when you do say...
Breaking Free from the Chains of Perception and Trauma
Who and what should we believe? On one side, there's a carefully worded story. Filled with salacious details and tidbits...
What's The Motivation Behind Infidelity (And Why Is It Important To Know)?
A whopping 45% of married men have been involved in emotional infidelity, while 35% of women have participated in an emotional affair...
When Do Emotional Affairs Become Full-Blown Affairs? The 8 Stages Explained
Ever heard of an emotional affair? They're dangerous! The definition of an emotional affair is a deep, emotional, non-physical
8 Things You Should Do In The First 24 Hours After An Affair Is Discovered
Discovering your partner's affair can feel like a bomb just went off in your living room. It's not just about the betrayal;
43% Of Couples Don't Survive Infidelity – Here's How To Be The Ones Who Do
Infidelity can be a devastating blow to any relationship.
Grieving The End Of A Secret Affair
The end of an affair can be a uniquely painful experience. Sure, the end of any romantic relationship can be plenty sad – maybe even...
How to Ditch Mom-Guilt and Take Care of Yourself First
Have you ever felt guilty for taking time off? Or even just wanting to take time off for yourself? Do you easily take care of everyone...
Exploring the Essence of Motherhood and Fatherhood
Why did God create breasts? This intriguing question invites us to unravel the rich tapestry of womanhood. Imagine a woman without the...
The Unspoken Grief of Parenthood and How to Find Yourself Again
You can love your kids more than life itself and still miss the version of you that existed before they came along. That part of you who...
Choosing Baby Essentials Without the Overwhelm Practical Tips for New Parents
With so many baby products on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are essential and worth investing in.
How to Raise Emotionally Stable Children and the Impact of Parents
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of my life, and the stressors that parents face can significantly...
How to Parent an Adult Without Driving Them or Yourself Crazy
Parenting is one of life’s most challenging and rewarding journeys. One of the most critical transitions in the parent-child relationship...
The Challenges of Motherhood and Creativity & The Struggle of Single Moms Pursuing Their Passions
Motherhood and creativity, two forces that often feel like they belong to entirely different worlds. One demands presence, patience...
5 Ways to Honor Easter Traditions When You’re Divorced
For many families, Easter is more than just a holiday. It’s a time filled with warmth, joy, and deeply rooted traditions.
5 Ways to Spend Quality Time With Your Kids and Pets When Newly Divorced
Going through a divorce can feel like your world has been turned upside down. As a newly divorced parent, you may be juggling a wide...
The Do’s and Don’ts of Divorce – A Lawyer’s Guide to Breaking Up Without Breaking Down
Divorce is not just an emotional rollercoaster, it is also a legal obstacle course. Whether you are the one calling it quits or just...
Why The End of a Relationship Isn’t The End of You
In the intricate dance of human relationships, there's a profound notion: "We don’t fall in love with the other person. We fall in love...
How to Protect Children From the Pain of Divorce Without Hiding the Truth
Divorce is one of the most emotionally complex experiences a family can endure. As a family therapist guiding families through this...
7 Reasons to Debunk That Your Life is Doomed After Divorce
Do you ever feel that your life is doomed after divorce due to shattered dreams, disappointment, and the feeling of being a failure?
How To Survive & Thrive Through A Surprise Divorce
I drift in and out of focus. I feel myself trying to pretend like his words don’t physically hurt. I hear them, but they don’t feel like...
Navigating Love Without Losing Yourself While Balancing Support and Codependent Behaviours
Loving someone through addiction can feel like walking a tightrope. On one side is the desire to support and care for them in a way that fosters healing and connection. On the other is the risk of...
6 Steps to Save Your Relationship
As a therapist, I often work with couples who find themselves in emotional turmoil, unsure of how to reconnect or repair their relationship. Here are five essential steps couples can...
Who Pays? – The Subtle Energy of Giving and Receiving
A casual conversation about who pays on a date might seem trivial, but beneath the surface, it reveals layers of social, biological...
The Fear of Losing Independence in a Relationship Is Real
You've spent several years building a life that works for you specifically. It's not about being perfect but about having stability...
How Busy Executives Can Have Both Love and Success
You've got the calendar full of back-to-back meetings, the title, and the lifestyle. You've handled pressure that most individuals...
The Attraction Code and the Essential Traits Women Find Irresistible
Wouldn't it be terrific if you could create an instant attraction with women? Before looking further to find quality relationship...
Gold Diggers or Genuine Love? –How to Tell if She’s Really Into You
Dating as a successful man comes with its own set of challenges. You have spent years building something meaningful, whether a company...
What's Wrong With Me If I Don't Want to Have Sex? – The Truth is Nothing, But Let's Go Deeper
There's a quiet ache in so many of my conversations across my practice, my communities, and even the most private moments in my heart. It often starts as a question laced with shame...
The Truth about Sex, Stress, and the Couch and Why Intimacy Can’t Wait
Let’s be real: between the kids, the deadlines, and the dishes, sex often becomes the last thing on the to-do list. But intimacy isn’t just a bonus feature of your relationship; it’s the glue that...
When Love Feels Like Friendship but it Hurts and How to Rekindle Passion in Your Relationship
A couple is sitting on the floor in a cozy embrace, smiling at each other lovingly in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Unlock Deeper Intimacy and Passion Through Soulful Communication in Your Relationship
I heard words that felt like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. And I’ve heard words that made my panties drop to the...
The Psychosensual Treatment That Transforms Female Sexual Wellbeing
For many women, the journey toward deeper sexual intimacy and self-discovery is fraught with obstacles. These challenges may stem from...
Navigating Age-Gap Relationships with Confidence and Clarity
You've built a life most people only dream of: the career, the lifestyle, the freedom. You have options, especially when it comes to dating.
The Invisible Threads of Love and How Emotional Patterns Shape Your Relationships
Love is a labyrinth, and we are all wanderers searching for the centre. Yet so many of us find ourselves lost, retracing the same steps...
Why Avoiding Conflict Can Quietly Break a Relationship and What You Can Do Instead
If you and your partner tend to avoid arguments, you might assume that’s a good thing. After all, who wants to fight? Staying calm, letting things go, or “not making a big deal out of it” can feel like the mature thing to do.
Trauma Bonds and the Addictive Cycle of an Abuser’s Control
There’s a common misconception that an abusive relationship is a 50/50 situation and this is deeply damaging.
Recognizing the Difference Between Trauma Bonds and True Love
Love should feel safe, supportive, and fulfilling. But sometimes, what we mistake for love is actually a trauma bond, a toxic connection...
7 Micro-Traumas That Are Harming Your Relationship
Micro-traumas are subtle emotional wounds that may not seem significant individually but can accumulate and weaken the foundation...
Loving and Thriving With an ADHD Partner Takes Patience, Humor and the Right Strategies
When I married my husband 35 years ago, I knew I was signing up for adventure, but I didn’t realize it would include finding the remote...
How to Handle Social and Workplace Envy
Jealousy is a universal emotion, one that can surface in a variety of settings. Among colleagues and friends, it can shape interactions...
Knowing When to Walk Away and Choose Yourself
When is enough truly enough? When do we recognize the importance of setting boundaries and walking away from situations that...
From People-Pleasing to Personal Empowerment, or How Releasing Good Girl Syndrome Sets You Free
You smile. You nod. You say, “Of course!” while your stomach churns and your to-do list explodes. You’re known as the reliable one. The thoughtful one. The one who always shows up.
Reclaiming Your Mental Space in a Hyper-Connected World
In today's 24/7 digital landscape, intrusion isn't just a physical boundary violation; it's a constant assault on our mental and...
10 Ways Drama Builds Lifelong Friendships And Supports Mental Well-Being
Do you ever feel disconnected from others or struggle to form meaningful friendships? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world...
Why Adult Friendships Should Mean More Than A Night Out
Adult friends are different from having friends as a child, but I’m biased. I was bullied from elementary school...
How To Build Meaningful Friendships In Adulthood
Social connections are a vital part of the human experience. We all desire to love and to be loved and many of us need those social...
Finding Your Chosen Family –Transforming Friendships Into Lifelong Bonds With These 7 Strategies
In the tapestry of human connections, the concept of family has traditionally been defined by blood relations and marriage.
Is Your Friend Gaslighting You
Have you noticed how conversations with your friend make you question your judgment? Have you noticed how uncomfortable you feel