Jenny loves Rick, but he is showing signs of codependency. She needs Rick’s approval and bases her identity on his reactions. She feels she must care for him at all costs to be worthy of his love. When a problem arises, she doesn’t confront it because he may withdraw his love. Basically, Jenny has learned to define herself…
Are you going through a difficult time with a family member, a loved one, a co-worker or even a boss? Maybe you are on the brink of losing a relationship. Don’t give up hope. Instead, apply relationship CPR to revive an ailing relationship. Here are 6 ways: Build positivity. Is the relationship more positive than negative? If it is…
This weekend we honor dads. No matter what the culture tells you, dads play an important role in the healthy development of children. Too often the role of fathers is minimized or substituted as if dads are an add on to a family. Their contribution to the healthy development of children cannot be overstated. Strong families have strong…
Most of us look forward to Memorial Day as an unofficial kick-off to summer. We appreciate a very needed three-day weekend to rest, relax, cook out and picnic. But for many families, Memorial Day is a sobering day. It is a time to remember and honor military brothers and sisters who died in the service of our country. I am one of those…
A patient told me, “I have kept a secret from my husband. But if I tell him, it could end our marriage.”
Lots of flowers and cards will be sent to moms this weekend. Rightfully so. They deserve to be celebrated. Mother’s Day causes us to reflect on our relationship with our mom, especially if you are an adult daughter. It doesn’t seem to matter if the relationship is great, terrible, or somewhere in between, all daughters must…
There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on the trend to defer marriage among Millennials and Gen Zs. The need to marry is on the decline given the rise in cohabitation, fear of divorce and self-sufficiency, among other factors. This trend is based on the idea that young people should focus on exploring their careers…
Have you ever thought, “I am in a relationship, but I feel alone?” I call this alone together, the feeling of not being connected to an intimate other. Yes, you are physically together, but the relationship feels more like going through the motions. When this happens, changes need to be made to build back connection and intimacy.…
It’s that time of year when we focus on love. Yes, Valentine’s Day! I heard a husband grouse about the day and say, “I don’t like being pressured to express my love. And I really don’t like being forced to do it one day a year.” Sadly, he’s not understanding the spirit of the holiday. Love expressions should not feel pressured or forced.…
What if you could predict which newlywed couples will remain married and which ones will divorce four to six years later? And what if you were right 90% of the time. Well…this is what marital researcher, Dr. Gottman claims. The work of John Gottman in the Love Lab at the University of Washington has informed the path to creating disaster…
He walks into the room. You immediately notice. Something about him draws you. He pulls you into conversation and commands the attention of the people around you. You walk away and think, “I like him and enjoyed his company.”
You had a crummy day. Not much went right and you are exhausted. You find yourself in a Grinch mood. As a result, the rest of the day is spent complaining and venting.
A patient told me, “I have kept a secret from my husband. But if I tell him, it could end our marriage.”
