Adopting a dog can have positive effects on your health: it can reduce the risk of developing certain ailments and help with your self-image. First, dogs (and other pets) can have a positive influence on heart health; researchers say this is mostly due to the physical activity necessary to taking…
The world of mental health can be an intimidating one. Certainly, for the 1 in 3 of us who are living with such a condition, and the daily challenges it can bring. But also, for those looking in from the outside, whether that’s supporting a friend, family member or even…
A new study says that women who go on dates just for free food are more likely to exhibit dark personality traits like psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. A “foodie call” is where someone goes out with someone despite a lack of romantic interest because they want a free meal. This…
Spiritual Purposes in Relationships: Life Blessings and Life Lessons What is a spiritual love? As with many questions about our spirituality, there isn’t one definition or example of a spiritual love. That said, spiritual love can refer to a love that is rooted in or supported by a deep spiritual…
Relationship stigma from loved ones is linked to mental health issues. This, from a Pace University study that analyzed 467 adults in same-sex and/or interracial relationships. The team found that relationship stigma from friends was linked to greater depression symptoms and, in turn, poor overall health. Also, relationship stigma from…
Before I took my leap of faith and adopted my dog, Mila, I surveyed everyone in my life to see what they thought. Did they think I could handle it? Did they think it was a good idea? Did they think I was ready for the responsibility? The overwhelming answer…
In addition to providing love, support, and companionship, dogs are beneficial to our health and overall wellbeing. When we pet a dog, we form a bond and release the hormone oxytocin, which helps to relieve us of stress and anxiety. Dogs also promote an active lifestyle, which helps us to…
Marriage can be beautiful. It can also be incredibly problematic and end in divorce. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, just about 40 to 50% of couples divorce. And the divorce rate for second, third, and other subsequent marriages is even higher. The main causes for divorce? Here…
None of us anticipate divorcing the person we vowed to spend the rest of our lives with. We make this promise because we want to stand next to this person—and don’t expect, can’t imagine, this will ever change. But, as we all know, this can and does sometimes change. What…
Every now and then, you hear about couples who divorce and then get back together. My childhood friend’s parents were one of those couples. After nearly 15 years of marriage, Cara’s mother decided she wanted a divorce—she blamed her husband (Cara’s dad) for every bad thing in her life and…
PTSD is often painted a certain way: the result of war, car accidents, assault, and other violent events; however, deep-rooted emotional experiences can cause PTSD, too. Divorce can bring on PTSD, specifically symptoms like night terrors, flashbacks, and troubling thoughts about the divorce or marriage. These symptoms can become exacerbated…
Any breakup is hard, but divorce is especially difficult, as you have to say goodbye to the person you planned to spend forever with. Fortunately, you can take matters into your own hands and recover: the three keys are giving in to the pain, forgiving yourself, and practicing self-care. Additionally, it’s…
