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…
Clutter, that stuff strewn everywhere that can make us anxious and stressed. It clogs up our lives and can lead to relationship fights and even unsafe conditions in our homes. Additionally, clutter can affect our focus and trigger avoidance as a coping mechanism when we feel overwhelmed. To deal with clutter, tackle small things…
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…
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…
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.
Do you have or need adult friends? Finding those friends can be somewhat challenging given our busy lives. But researchers confirm, friends are critical to a happy life. In fact, a 2023 Pew research survey on friendship reported that 61% of adults in the U.S. say that having close friends is essential to living a fulfilling life-…
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.…
Disappointment happens all the time. People let us down and it hurts. But we never get used to being disappointed. For example, your father promised to take you to the Cubs game. He didn’t. Your wife said she would make time for physical intimacy. She didn’t. Friends promised to call you on the weekend. They never phoned. While you…
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.”
