When we first fall in love with that special someone, we want to spend all of our time together. In fact, we seem to feel better when we are with our significant other.This is the infatuation stage, and admittedly, it feels really good. But enduring relationships move past this stage and into a place of mutual respect and care. This...[ read more ]
When you build a fire, whether to warm your home or to add a bit of ambience on a cold, winter’s night, you know you’ve got to tend to the fire to keep it going. Relationships are no different. They, too, begin with that initial spark, but you both have to tend to the relationship to keep the heat!In our...[ read more ]
Do you struggle to maintain a positive relationship with your father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, or child? If so, you’re not alone. Oftentimes, the people closest to us are the ones who know how to push our buttons the most. And conversely, we tend to show the worst sides of ourselves to the individuals we feel most comfortable around.While building...[ read more ]
No matter how independent you may be, it’s still important to build healthy relationships with your immediate and extended family members, friends, and coworkers. Research suggests that when we foster connections with those around us, it can:Improve our self-esteemMake us more cooperative, empathetic, and trustingStrengthen our immune systemsExtend our livesReduce our risk of developing anxiety and depressionHow to Build Healthy...[ read more ]
If you’ve ever worked in a toxic environment, you know how taxing it can be. Conversely, when colleagues have positive working relationships, it can:Increase productivity and efficiencyAllow you to trust one anotherMake you feel more empowered to suggest ideasReduce stress levelsMake your work experience much more enjoyableWhether you’ve just started at a new job or you’ve been employed for a...[ read more ]
The importance of having positive friendships in your life cannot be overstated. Healthy friendships can help you feel happier and more self-confident, reduce your stress levels, and prevent you from feeling lonely or isolated. When times are good, friends can help you celebrate. And when times are bad, they can help pick you up and provide a kind shoulder to...[ read more ]
We all believe we know what narcissism looks like. After all, aren’t a majority of politicians and Hollywood A-listers narcissists, projecting their massive egos onto the world? While that may be true, narcissists come in all shapes and sizes. They walk among us, some of them obvious, and some of them covert. So how can you tell if you’re dealing with an...[ read more ]
There is a very old saying that says, “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” This is a warning to people to not act out in anger or resentment because you only end up harming yourself. Over time, these feelings of resentment can build until the individual develops feelings of depression or anxiety.While forgiving others who have hurt...[ read more ]
“I do.” Two simple enough words. And when you say them on your wedding day, you really mean them. But “I do” can quickly turn into, “I thought I could” when you don’t know exactly who or what you are committing to.Let’s face it, relationships are tricky and it’s important that you and your partner are 100% open and honest with...[ read more ]
