Going on a first date can fill you with so many different emotions and feelings: nervousness, excitement, awkwardness, confusion, and happiness, just to name a few. All of these feelings are perfectly normal for both women and men. We have all had our fair share of good and bad first dates; some we will always [read more]
Expert Dating and Relationship Advice from Coach Betty Russell, BCC
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Part Two of a Great Relationship – Physical Intimacy
Intimacy is one of those concepts that has almost as many definitions as there are people to have opinions about it. Some people think “feelings” when they think about intimacy, and they find it easy to achieve emotional intimacy with others. They are not afraid of feeling vulnerable or else they enjoy the rewards of [read more]
Part One of a Great Relationship – Emotional Intimacy
The key to any successful relationship is genuine attachment. Obviously you have a different relationship with a housemate or friend than you do with your lover. No matter how close a friend a housemate is, the attachment of a lover is bound to be deeper. It is based on full understanding which leads to a [read more]
How a Painful Breakup Can Lead to Personal Growth
Don’t kid yourself. Breaking up can be brutally difficult. In many cases, it is akin to losing someone to death. The loss is complete. Ties severed. Someone who once filled your life and heart is now gone. Don’t pretend “it’s okay” when it’s not. Let yourself experience it, in whatever way is right for you. [read more]
What can we learn from The Bachelor?
On any given Monday night during a season, somewhere between 6 and 8 million people will tune in to The Bachelor on ABC. That’s a lot of people. One might hope that, in addition to being entertained and titillated by this (admitted somewhat contrived) romantic “reality” show, watchers might take stock, and learn from the [read more]
Kicking the Faulty Expectation and Fear of Rejection to the Curb!
Rejection is a myth. No-one can make you feel rejected without your permission. Your disappointment stems from your own beliefs about why you were rejected. But there may be no why – and even if there is, the why is not about you but about the other person. What you offer simply does not fit [read more]
Newly Single Part 2 – Dating + Children
Being a parent is one of the most meaningful roles a person can fill in life. The relationship between a parent and a child, at any stage of growth from cradle to college and beyond, is unique, beautiful, challenging, rewarding, and of inestimable value. Last tiem I talked about being newly single and back in [read more]
Newly Single Part 1 – Re-discovering Yourself
No matter how wrenching a break-up, at some point you’ll think: “Oh, no. I’ll have to start dating again.” You may be surprised how early in your grieving process it hits you. Thoughts like, “What will become of me? Will I be alone forever?” –admittedly depressing and not ultimately helpful—are totally normal. When you are [read more]