The stories people tell each other, and themselves, have always had great power. Throughout history, the myths and legends passed down through generations have guided the behaviors and thoughts of countless people. Our cultural myths are how we learn right from wrong. They teach us how to operate, what to think, hope for, imagine, and [read more]
Expert Dating and Relationship Advice from Coach Betty Russell, BCC
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Who Picks up the Check? How to Know Who Pays on a Date
That awkward moment on a first date when the check arrives and you haven’t thought about what you’re going to do. The worst thing at a time like this is hesitation. Unfortunately, what is the right thing to do is not all that obvious in this modern era of gender equality. Is it an insult [read more]
The Golden Rule of Self-Love—Do For Yourself as You’d Do for Your Pet
It shocks me that a quick Google search of “self-love” synonyms yields only negative results. Pomposity. Conceitedness. Vanity. Even narcissism. These terms actually mean the opposite of self-love and reflect an absence of true regard for self. It is a sad state of affairs when so many of us of the human persuasion lack the [read more]
Making the Move: Considering Cohabitation (Part 2)
So you have decided to do it: live together. That’s what my client Karen and her boyfriend, Jared, decided too. Last week I wrote about things to think about when making the decision. This week we’ll look at a few things to think about—both big and small—when you are planning the big move. Practical considerations: [read more]
Wouldn’t it Be Nice to Live Together? Considering Cohabitation (Part 1)
People in love often, though not always, dream about moving in together at some point. Now that there’s no more social stigma about cohabiting, it’s much easier to go for it. Still, it’s not a simple decision to make. When my client Karen had been dating Jared for almost a year, she called me for [read more]
Bon Voyage! Taking Your First Trip Together
It’s summertime. For many, thoughts turn to vacation time, and ways to enjoy the good weather and long hours of daylight. If you’ve been dating awhile but have not taken a trip together, maybe it’s time to explore some new destinations as a couple. Planning and embarking on a vacation together is exciting. Don’t let [read more]
Places to Propose: Thinking Outside the Box
There are proposals… and there are proposals. Some show little effort and less thought (a Facebook status proposal comes to mind) and others are so flashy as to be more about the proposer than the proposee (like the ones at the ballpark on the Jumbo Tron™). Whereas there is no right or wrong way to [read more]
Hello, did you hear me?—How to Be an Active Listener
Have you ever said these words to someone: “Did you hear a single word I said?” Or… has anyone said that to you? It isn’t always easy to be 100% present in every moment of our lives. We have so much pulling at us and most Americans pride themselves at being successful multi-taskers. But there [read more]