“Let’s just be friends.” Four words dreaded by anyone who’s been in a fading or unequal relationship with what turns out to be a short shelf life. The comedic English singing duo, Rocky and Balls, sing about it quite hilariously in this video: Though the whole topic is superb fodder for a strange variety [read more]
Can long distance relationships last?
Long-distance relationships have been around for a long time. At one time in history separation by ten miles would constitute a long-distance relationship and contact would be done via handwritten letters. Much of the courtship between poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning was conducted via love letters, which are wonderful to read! They fell [read more]
How do I know that I’m being lied to?
Lying is believing or knowing one thing while intending to communicate another. As painful as it is to be lied to, a certain amount of empathy is important when dealing with liars who typically are acting out of fear or low self-esteem. Often, fear and low self-image are also responsible for the very actions about [read more]
Toxic Relationships – What Are They and What Can Be Done?
David had been with Suzanne for so long that he forgot what it felt like to just feel good, or even okay, on a daily basis. He was in a toxic relationship but did not realize it. It was affecting his mental and emotional well-being. But he loved Suzanne – how could she be toxic? [read more]
Asking for What You Need – Why You Should and Why It’s Hard
We are born fully programmed to ask for, and receive, what we need. A baby just minutes old will turn its head expectantly, assuming its biological need for sustenance will be met promptly. If it isn’t, the baby cries, and mama puts the little wiggleworm to her breast. Feedback loop complete. Easy, right? Well, yes, [read more]
The Value of Interdependent Relationships
Dependence. Independence. Co-dependence Interdependence. These are not buzz words – they are terms that clearly delineate ways of interacting with others. Dependence – A newborn baby is dependent. All the power lies with its parents. Dependence is a vulnerable, trusting state. As adults, we can be, at times, dependent on others, but it is never [read more]
Thanks, but No Thanks: A Vital Life Skill
Some people find it easy to say no. You know those people? Maybe you are one of those people. But if you are one of the millions of others – those who struggle mightily with that simple word – you may be both envious and awestruck by those who can just say no. For so [read more]
Key Elements of Trust
Some people are more trusting than others. Some are more trustworthy. But once trust is broken, it is not easy to rebuild (though not impossible in many cases). There is more than one way to breach trust. ° Lara was never sure when Paul would be kind and supportive or when he’d berate her cruelly for [read more]