Understanding life is only less difficult than understanding yourself and the people who are important to you. Always ask why–Why you’ve taken a specific action or why your friend said a certain thing. Why is an important question to develop understanding. Make sure, though, that you’re really questioning, not accusing. This is important when you’re […]
It takes two people to make a relationship work, but only one to walk away. This might not seem fair when your heart and your life are on the line, but she doesn’t have to stay. Sometimes people leave, even when you’re trying your hardest. You may turn yourself inside out to keep her happy, […]
There are two parts of parenting–the role of nurturing and educating your young children and the love you have for them. One role will last as long as you draw breath, but the other has a shelf life. When your child is little, your job is to shelter and protect, as well as, love her. […]
When you were a kid, you developed coping skills. You were small and poorly-equipped for dealing with many of life’s challenges and you did the best you could. Whether you hid and avoided risky, conflicted situations or met them swinging and got into a bunch of fights, you did your best to survive. Even if […]
I hate to break it to you, but disagreements don’t just go away. You might stop arguing about something, but that doesn’t mean the conflict evaporates. Couples sometimes want to believe whatever they’re fighting about will just drift away, but this doesn’t really happen. You have a point; he has a point. You both have […]
This also comes under the heading of explaining. You might want to tell your significant other why you’ve done something (or not done something), but be careful. When you explain yourself, you can sound defensive. When you’re in the middle of an argument, you naturally want your partner to understand what you’re saying. Too often, […]
Parents frequently call for counseling when they’re tearing their hair out, furious and frustrated. Their child is flunking, fighting or giving them attitude and they want the kid fixed. They want back the young, loving child they once had who gave them sticky-faced hugs and mispronounced their words. That kid was afraid of the dark […]
Everyone screws up sometimes. Most people screw up over and over, and this doesn’t have anything to do with how smart they are. When it comes to relationships, even the most intelligent people sometimes make goofy choices or say things they don’t really mean or do stuff they shouldn’t do. It happens. The most important […]
Break-ups are painful, particularly if you don’t want to break-up with your significant other. And few things are black-and-white. Maybe you can work it out. Every relationship has bumps along the way. You might have done or said some stupid, unkind things and you’re sorry for these. If your partner is walking away, it’s understandable […]
Going for the job you want, but are afraid you won’t get. Sticking by your word and following-through on difficult, but educational consequences for your kid. Actually asking for—and listening to—your mate’s feedback on what you do that makes him/her crazy. Standing up for what you believe, even when it’s unpopular and may lose you […]