Emotional abuse can leave deep scars on a person’s psyche, affecting self-esteem, trust, and overall well-being. The process that allows us to recover from emotional abuse may be challenging, but it is very possible to rebuild your life and regain your power with the right support and mindset. Recognize Emotional Abuse The first step on […]
Emotional abuse is a deeply damaging form of mistreatment that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed within relationships. Although it leaves few visible scars, its impact can be long-lasting and detrimental to one’s emotional well-being. How to Recognize Emotional Abuse This complex and troubling pattern of behavior is present when one person exerts power and control […]
Traditions hold a special place in our lives, acting as threads that weave our past, present, and future together. Whether it’s celebrating holidays, following rituals, or passing down stories and customs, traditions play a key role in shaping our identities and strengthening family and community bonds. Today we’re writing about why traditions are important and […]
“Opposites Attract“. It’s an age-old saying about relationships. It seems strange that we would be attracted to people who are so different than us, doesn’t it? Isn’t that just setting us up for failure and unhappiness and chronic challenges and compromises? So, why do opposites attract? Let’s explore why people with different personalities, interests, and […]
Enabling can occur in various contexts, including relationships, and may lead to the continued negative behavior of a partner. When we enable our partner’s negative behavior, we unintentionally perpetuate destructive patterns, hindering personal growth and creating strain in the relationship. If you’re enabling your partner, it’s important to break the cycle to promote healthy communication […]
Enabling behavior is a complex and often misunderstood issue that can have significant impacts on those involved. It occurs when someone unintentionally perpetuates or supports another person’s harmful or negative behavior. This often prevents them from taking responsibility and experiencing natural consequences. While we may recognize enabling behavior in ourselves or others, noticing the behavior […]
When it comes to supporting our loved ones, it’s natural to want to help them overcome challenges and lead better lives. However, there’s a fine line between providing support or assistance and enabling unhealthy behavior. Enabling occurs when we unintentionally perpetuate destructive patterns instead of promoting growth and change. Here’s how to spot and stop […]
Those who experience arrested development (the inability to mature emotionally), can encounter significant struggles as they attempt to navigate adulthood and relationships. Overcoming this challenge requires a proactive approach that involves self-reflection, personal growth, and a commitment to change. There are promising strategies that may support our efforts as we or a loved one work […]
Self-harm can be a difficult and sensitive topic, especially when it involves children. It’s essential to understand it, however, as self-harm in children may have serious consequences, and likely has equally serious underlying causes. If you spend time among young people, it’s important to understand the nature of self-harm in children, signs that it may […]
Self-harm is a potentially dangerous coping mechanism that involves intentional harm to oneself. It can take many forms, including cutting, burning, or scratching oneself, hitting or bruising oneself, or pulling out one’s hair. Self-harm can be a sign of deep emotional distress and should be taken seriously. If you spend time around young people, it […]
As parents and caregivers, it can be heartbreaking to witness self-destructive behaviors in children. These types of behaviors can manifest in various ways, such as self-harm, substance abuse, extreme risk-taking, or engaging in toxic relationships. Understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate strategies can help guide children towards healthier coping mechanisms and foster their overall […]
Self-destructive behaviors in loved ones can cause tremendous distress and pain in families. Self-destructive habits encompass a wide range of harmful actions, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or reckless behavior that jeopardize one’s well-being. It is both challenging and frustrating to cope when we have a loved one who repeatedly puts themselves at risk. Understanding […]
The concept of a soulmate has captivated human hearts for centuries, representing a deep and profound connection with another person. While the idea may seem romanticized, many believe in the existence of soulmates. But how do you know if someone is “the one”? Let’s talk about some signs and the qualities of this rare, extraordinary […]
What does it really mean to be a high maintenance person? This label is often used to describe people with very specific needs and preferences. High maintenance folks often require extra attention and effort from others, too, and they tend to become the center of attention, even when they should be playing a supporting role […]
Codependent relationships can be complex and challenging to navigate. They can also be detrimental to our personal growth and development. If you believe you may be trapped in a cycle of unhealthy dependency, it’s important to do the work required to regain your sense of self and to heal a codependent relationship. Today, we share […]
As we discussed in 12 Signs of a Codependent Relationship, codependency is a complex and often misunderstood pattern of behavior in relationships where one person relies on another to fulfill their emotional needs and has difficulty functioning independently. Today, we will cover some of the most common causes of codependent relationships and other factors which […]
Codependency is a pattern of dysfunctional behavior in relationships where one person relies on the other to fulfill too many of their emotional needs. This kind of relationship can be challenging and is often very detrimental to our emotional well-being. It can be difficult to recognize codependency in a relationship, especially when you are in […]
When we wed, we enter a deeply intimate and committed relationship that requires trust, honesty, and open communication. One of the more complex aspects of a healthy partnership can be establishing, navigating, and maintaining healthy boundaries between privacy and secrecy in marriage. Privacy in Marriage: A Cornerstone of Trust Privacy is an essential aspect of […]
The fear of abandonment can grip our hearts and minds, leaving us feeling vulnerable and insecure in relationships. Whether stemming from past trauma or deep-rooted insecurities, overcoming fear of abandonment is possible with self-reflection, self-compassion, and intentional actions. Today, we cover 7 strategies to overcome fear of abandonment. 1. Understand the Root Causes of Fear […]
The fear of abandonment is a psychological phenomenon that can result in deep-seated emotional distress and relationship conflicts. Those who have experienced neglect in childhood or abandonment in past romantic relationships may develop a phobia about being left alone. Let’s discuss some signs of fear of abandonment and explore strategies for managing this challenging emotion. […]
Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Although these wounds may remain hidden, they can manifest in various ways, affecting relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. A surprisingly large percentage of the population has experienced trauma of one kind or another. If you suspect that you or […]
Trauma bonding is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in abusive or toxic relationships. It involves a powerful and unhealthy attachment to an abuser, often resulting from a cycle of positive and negative experiences. Bonding of this type may also be referred to as “Stockholm Syndrome.” The dynamics in this syndrome are complex, but by recognizing […]
Friendships with others (the “family you choose”) are such an important part of our lives. The kindness and support our true friends provide is often essential to our own sense of well-being, comfort, health, and happiness. Given the significant role they can play in our lives, it’s important to choose our friends and friendships wisely. […]
Forty or fifty years ago, things were pretty clear. When you hit the age of 21, you were on your own. In some communities, the norm was even earlier – it was time to support yourself when you reached the age of 18. But over the last few decades, it has become increasingly common for […]
I don’t think any of us intend to become a martyr. But boy it sure seems like many of us wind up playing that incredibly unhealthy role! Do you take on too much? Do you feel taken for granted? You may have martyr syndrome. How It Feels to be Taken for Granted The other day […]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact daily life. ADHD can impact both children and adults. Today, we will cover symptoms, how to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, as well as recommended […]
Do you sometimes wonder if you’re losing your mind? Question your own memories? Do you doubt facts you once would have stated with pride? Or your own ability to judge character? Perhaps you feel as though your sanity is in question. The truth may be that your mind is perfectly intact. You may just be […]
Have you ever wondered what happened to that long-lost romance from your past? He or she was the one that got away, leaving you with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of what could have been. Seeking to find closure for a long-lost romance can be painful. But although it may be a challenging and […]
Our world is so divided. It’s incredible how many of us leap to judge others who think differently than we do. When we see others behave this way, it creates the impression that disrespecting those who have a different set of beliefs is okay. Even admired or, in some cases, rewarded or applauded. What happened […]
