Marriage is often the favorite conclusion for a great love story and is a time for celebration with great hopes for the future. There is anticipation for a lifetime of togetherness and building happy memories. Separation is obviously farthest from a married couple’s minds, so when it happens, parting brings with it a deluge of …
Reflections
When people receive validation, it can have various positive effects, such as enhancing their self-esteem, promoting emotional well-being, and strengthening the bonds between individuals. But if an individual constantly seeks validation from others for even the most minor decisions or actions, it can create dependency and hinder their ability to make independent choices or develop …
The word “toxic” is so commonly used these days – but do we know what it actually means? It may mean different things to different people, but it is likely that we have all encountered some toxicity in our lives. Toxicity, though, is not always easy to recognize. Dealing with a toxic person is quite …
Everyone must be familiar with the popular saying, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” That adage must be particularly true since forgiving must be one of the most difficult things to do for people. This certainly applies to situations where the pain was inflicted by someone very close to you. For some people, holding …
Most experts agree that narcissists are made, but if Dr. Ramani Durvasula had to hazard a guess, she said that maybe 10–20% of the basis for a narcissistic personality may be attributed to genetics. Knowing that narcissism is developed provides a better understanding of how to prevent the growth of such personalities among families and …
It’s been two months since my bone marrow cancer diagnosis. Two weeks since I returned home from my first visit to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Two days until my first bone marrow biopsy – the results of which will designate me as Stage 1, 2 or 3. Myeloma doesn’t have a Stage 4. …
Heartbreak, a universal human experience, can leave us feeling lost in a sea of emotions. Whether it’s the end of a romantic relationship, the loss of a loved one, or a shattered dream, the pain can be excruciating. We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives – that heart-wrenching feeling of a broken …
Narcissistic parents are individuals who have an excessive preoccupation with themselves, a lack of empathy for others, and a constant need for admiration and validation. “The hateful and stinging words of a narcissistic parent can linger in the mind of an adult child long after the adult has left home” – Shannon Thomas When children …
Platonic relationships are a unique and invaluable aspect of human connection. Unlike romantic relationships, which involve romantic feelings and attraction, platonic relationships are built on deep friendship, mutual respect, and emotional intimacy without any romantic or sexual involvement. Having a best friend with a platonic relationship is a treasure beyond words. It’s a connection transcends …
A relationship with a self-centered person can have serious emotional and mental repercussions. Recognizing that someone is self-centered is thus the first step to maintaining your own health and well-being and developing a healthier relationship. According to F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. in Psychology Today, there are two defining characteristics of selfishness: “Being concerned excessively or exclusively …
“Family is supposed to be our safest haven. Very often, it’s the place we find the deepest heartache.” — Iyanla Vansant Admit it, most of us like to be perceived in a positive light, maybe some more than others. Others, however, may be a bit more extreme, projecting perfection on the outside, and then acting …
The statement is true enough – relationships require a lot of work. Fights can happen, and those are just part of the challenges of having a significant other. However, one must recognize when rough patches happen way too often, and when difficulties cross boundaries, then you might actually be in a toxic relationship. How does …