Dating Couples, Should You Focus on Friendship First?
In the world of rom-coms and celebrity love, the idea of the “friend zone” is undesirable. It’s where people (usually males are depicted) often feel stuck and unseen by the person for whom they feel attraction. This misguided concept undermines the essential value of friendships.
Parenting Perfection Isn’t Real! Why You Shouldn’t Let Social Media Shame You
Social media is an excellent trickster. Every single day, it tells you tall tales. These deceptions are carefully designed to keep you wanting, comparing, and chasing. Who could be responsible for this conspiracy?
Racial Bias in Healthcare: What It Is & How it Undermines Your Mental Health
If you’re unsure about a product, at least you can read the label before you buy it. However, there are times when certain ingredients are invisible. They play a major role but you may not even know they are present.
Are You Traumatized By Political Unrest? How to Know and How to Cope
We live in an age when words like "traumatized", "anxious", and "depressed" have become common descriptors for far too many of us. And the phrase "global pandemic", on its own, aptly describes how we got here. However, the past year or so has also provided a seemingly endless succession of life-altering events.
Parenting & Political Turmoil: How to Manage Your Emotions & Meet Your Children’s Needs
We’re heading into spring 2021. As we progress into this year, we can now see that 2020 was not an anomaly. The many crises of last year either linger or have transformed into something new. Of course, this very much relates to the pandemic and the related mitigation tactics. But, as you know, there’s much more going on.
Why You Should Avoid Comparing Your Relationship to Movie & TV Scripts
Does your partner ever say "this reminds me of that episode of… [fill in the blank]," when discussing a relationship matter? How often do you do the same?
Does Everyone Have Anxiety? When Is It a Mental Health Concern?
We’ve heard plenty of talk about “unprecedented times” and a “new normal” for nearly two years. Unfortunately, this includes an increased amount of anxiety for pretty much everyone.
Despite the Pandemic, Thriving Couples Have These 3 Qualities in Common
It’s not the pandemic. It’s the lockdowns. A massive life disruption for nearly a year has placed unprecedented strain on our collective mental health. Part of that strain is leaning directly on any couple's life. They weren’t kidding when they said, “for better or for worse.”
Why Catching Z's is Important for Improving Your Mood
When it comes to mental or physical health, everyone is looking for the secret formula. Sadly, such a shortcut does not exist. That said, there are some universally beneficial steps to bear in mind.
Setting the Bar for Relationship Expectations In the Basement
Lower your expectations? I know, it’s not exactly the stuff of inspirational videos. But this suggestion has its place. We live within a culture that often makes promises it cannot keep.
Racial Issues: 5 Everyday Ways to Be More Racially Aware
The fallout from 2020 is far from over. However, besides issues pertaining to the pandemic or natural disasters, there’s one area over which you can exert control. Last year saw more attention aimed at the topic
Why Your Anxiety Flares at Night & What to Do About It
After a day's worth of events — good, bad, and indifferent — you look forward to slowing down in the evening. It would be nice to relax.
7 Ways to Practice Skills That Lead to Better Communication
There is no secret formula for happy relationships or friendships. Such happiness is often a moving target. Yet, we do know that paying attention to ourselves and each other is key.
Is Depression Your New Norm? How You Can Embrace Life’s Little Joys
When you talk about your “new normal,” are you speaking in hopeful terms? Or is there a sense of resignation, sadness, and powerlessness that comes with thoughts about your life and future right now?
How to Show Empathy for Your Stir-Crazy, Socially-Deprived Teen
Imagine working on a jigsaw puzzle in which the pieces keep changing size and color. Being the parent of a teen is often such a challenge. And in 2020, it’s more like working on that same jigsaw puzzle while running on a treadmill!
What it Really Looks Like to Tear Down Racial Walls
Racism takes many forms. Recognizing and addressing this reality is a monumental task. But where do you start? How can you be a force for justice when everyone seems so ready to fight and divide?
Feeling Politically Powerless? Why Action is the Antidote to Helplessness
Whatever your political persuasion, you may be feeling powerless in the run-up to the election. If so, you are far from alone. This has been an incredibly challenging year for so many pandemic-related reasons.
Under Pressure? How to Overcome Internal & External Relationship Stress
Stress can place internal and external pressure on us as individuals. We can get worn out and out of sorts. Soon irritability and exhaustion start getting in our way.
Try These Strategies to Keep Depression & Loneliness at Bay
Everyone knows the feeling. You hit a rough patch and just don’t feel like yourself. Others notice you’re in a funk but you put on a brave face and vow to push through it. But depression and loneliness do not work that way.
Uncertainty Doesn’t Have to Make You Unhappy: 7 Ways You Can Still Live Well
You could not be blamed for seeing 2020 as THE year of uncertainty. Our health, our income, and our very way of life seem to be under threat and very much in flux.