Sometimes it takes a while to recognize the clues found in the actions and words of a braggart. Are you dating one? Or have you? You know…that interesting person you met and thought was going to be great? But despite having some qualities you look for in a partner, like independence, good looks, manners, humor… [read more]
Loss of Self: Love Doesn’t Mean You Have to Disappear
My client, Alexandrea, has a story that speaks to a not uncommon relationship problem. Read it, and see if it rings any bells for you. Alexandrea knows she has a lot of love to give. She longs for a relationship that fulfills her and to which she can give her all. In her pursuit of [read more]
Are you a Stage 5 Clinger? Check out these warning signs!
New love is exhilarating. Those early days and weeks are pure magic. You find you smile more, there’s more spring in your step, and the world is a happy place. You see everything around you through the fresh lens of new beginnings. It is completely normal for your new love to be on your mind [read more]
Live Your Truth—Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
Desiring human connection and love is normal and healthy. Too often our longing for those things gets in the way of living an authentic life. If you think you are not living a life that aligns with your true value, read on. But first, try not to judge yourself, and do not despair. How you [read more]
Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence PART 2 – How to Improve Self-Confidence
Last week I talked to you about self-esteem, a fundamental internal navigational system that, when it is working well, allows you to love and accept yourself (Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence PART I – How to Improve Self-esteem). Healthy self-esteem is often present in self-confident people, but not always. You can be confident in certain arenas – [read more]
Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence PART I – How to Improve Self-Esteem
A dynamic, brilliant musician or actor exudes self-confidence on stage. A supremely gifted athlete seems innately imbued with confidence. And then we see one of these icons of self-assurance in the tabloids – in an abusive relationship or struggling with addiction. Does this seem paradoxical? Isn’t self-confidence the same thing as self-esteem… so how could [read more]
Speak Up—The Truth is in There
All the giving-in, all the compromising in her relationship with Tom came from Jane. Pretty soon, no matter how absurd Tom’s whims, or how uncomfortable for her, Jane was saying “yes” to everything. Her fear that he’d walk out made her want to buy his loyalty with silence and acquiescence. In other words, since Jane [read more]
Developing Self-Trust
“If you can’t trust me, who can you trust?” When I was growing up, that’s what our sketchy neighbor Mr. Dillard used to say all the time. Even as a kid I remember thinking, “I bet he doesn’t even trust himself.” I know I didn’t. A friend of mine made a really bad decision recently. [read more]