They say that friends are the family you choose. You don’t have to spend any ounce of your time with them, but you want to: You enjoy each other’s company; you support each other through the triumphs and the losses; you really get each other. Or at least that’s what…
Gaslighting is a form of manipulation and emotional abuse whereby the perpetrator leads one to question their reality, their logic, their intuition—everything they know to be true. This manipulative behavior is observed among friends, family, colleagues… and, of course, romantic couples. So, what does gaslighting look like in a relationship?…
Dogs are scientifically-proven to benefit us in a number of ways and improve our overall health (both physical and mental). For one, pet owners tend to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure because they’re more inclined to get out of the house and stay active. Owning a pet can also…
While it’s normal to feel jealous, it can become unhealthy and wreak havoc on a relationship if not managed effectively. Fortunately, any couple can learn to address and work through jealousy issues and, in turn, cultivate a happy, healthy relationship. First, two partners should communicate their standards and expectations when…
It’s time to accept that effective communication is vital to our relationships and to take significant steps toward opening up. To start breaking down those walls, decide to approach the conversation with positive vibes, as positivity encourages comfortable communication, which then increases trust. Another valuable strategy is to choose an…
Perfect relationships don’t exist; problems do and will arise, but the good news is that couples can effectively resolve many common relationship issues. First and foremost, couples need to maintain a healthy level of trust and respect, as these two elements can make or break a relationship. Another vital key…
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a crippling disease that can have negative effects on one’s relationships. Triggers may cause the affected individual to lash out at loved ones. Avoidance symptoms may cause one to dissociate and neglect relationships. Hypervigilance can lead to sleep and concentration problems, which then can negatively affect…
Let’s get right into the nitty gritty: this is a tough question to answer. And because I don’t know the ins and outs of your relationship, I can’t definitively tell you whether or not breaking up is the right thing to do. But I can walk you through the process…
I remember my first real breakup like it was yesterday. In reality, it was about 8 years ago. I was a freshman in high school and my boyfriend of two years (yep, we started dating in 7th grade) was avoiding me. Every day before soccer practice, he would stop by…
The one good thing about a long-distance relationship is the breakup. Kidding. Well, kind of kidding, kind of not. Here’s the deal—long-distance relationships are hard work and completely emotionally exhausting. But, if you really love someone, then, of course, they’re doable and worth all that extra effort. Until they aren’t—and…
Relationship experts recommend being honest, kind, and direct in the delivery of a breakup. They say to use “I” statements, be considerate of the other individual’s feelings, and most importantly, make your reasoning crystal clear. But that’s not usually how a breakup unfolds, is it? Instead, we use cliché breakup…
A few years back, I was in an on again, off again relationship. Every few months, something (big somethings and small somethings) came up and we would call it quits. At least for a few weeks. Then, we would get back together and declare our undying love for each other….
