In a world that often rewards self-sacrifice, being agreeable, and making others comfortable, many of us fall into the quiet trap of people-pleasing. We say yes when we mean no. We shrink ourselves to avoid conflict. We smile through discomfort, hoping to be liked, accepted,...
Where I grew up, people often joked if you don’t like something, just say “oh, that’s different” and the other person will get the idea. Or at a social gathering, when someone slaps their knees while getting up and says, “well, I suppose…” what they really mean is “we’re getting bored and want to go home, so see you later.”
In an age where self-care and mental health are at the forefront of many conversations, the concept of boundaries is often emphasized. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, protecting our emotional health, and ensuring that our needs are respected in relationships. However, the...
Trust is the foundation of healthy relationships both with others and with yourself. Brené Brown, an expert researcher on vulnerability and trust, created the acronym BRAVING to identify the essential components of trust. Here are some ways you can apply this tool in your daily...
Relationships are complicated enough in today’s world but throw in the wrench of emotional abandonment wounds from a parent and we’ve hit the ultimate learning curve. Identifying unhealthy dynamics such as negative communication and emotional regulation skills can be frustrating but such a rewarding endeavor....
A few years back I heard one of my favorite speakers and teachers, Peter Rollins, talking on a podcast about relationships. Rollins is a philosopher who studies psychoanalysis and rarely talks about relationships so I immediately leaned in. He suggested that relationships exist on a...
We all grow up in a family system. What we might not always realize is that each of us assume a role in that system to make it “work.” This can be based on birth order, needs to manage specific relationships in the family or...
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, yet it is often one of the hardest acts to perform. Understanding why forgiveness is challenging and recognizing its profound benefits can help individuals and couples navigate the complexities of their relationships with greater empathy and resilience. Why...
Unlike a lot of people my age, I didn’t grow up watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. I discovered Fred Rogers later on in life through documentaries, and the more I learned about him the more I became a fan. He was a man who exemplified qualities...
I have a nine year old son who loves to read. Before bed, we’ll often grab a classic tale to read together. As I’m writing this, we’re deep into Treasure Island, enjoying the harrowing tale of a young boy named Jim Hawkins who winds up...