healthy relationships

The barista forgets the almond milk and it feels like a personal attack. Your partner chews too loudly and you immediately want to leave the room. These flashes of irritation aren’t like you, but lately, they’re constant. This often comes down to hormonal changes from a life transition no one…

Boundaries are a popular topic right now, especially on social media. But if you consider yourself a people pleaser, you might find it stressful—if not impossible—to set them. I’m here to convince you that setting healthy boundaries is worth the effort, both for your own well-being and your ability to…

Connection is a huge part of human experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Many people grew up without the safe and supportive relationships that we all deserve, which affects our attachment styles—the way we connect and bond with others. Attachment matters; maybe even more than you think. “Attachment…

I want to acknowledge how difficult this family dynamic is. This situation stirs up complicated emotions, and it’s easy to get trapped in these harmful relationship patterns with your mother. You might also have family members or friends offering their opinions on what you should do. Let’s cut through that…

Has an old photo ever stopped you in your tracks, flooding you with memories so vivid you could almost step back into that moment? Or maybe a familiar song came on the radio and suddenly you were transported to a different time, a different version of yourself. That rush of…

You may think you know your partner, and you probably do know the basics. You know their favorite restaurant, shoe size, and how they take their coffee. You know where they work, that they never carry a balance on their credit card, have two best friends from college, and love…

It can be confusing to feel lonely in a marriage. After all, many of us spend each day near our partners—sharing meals, visiting family, caring for children, even sleeping in the same bed. So how is it possible to feel lonely with someone right beside you? The truth is, it’s…

When’s the last time you tried to imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes? This is one of the simplest ways to practice empathy, a powerful skill that plops you into another person’s headspace so you’re in tune with what they may be thinking or feeling.  To be human is to…

Healthy relationships have the power to bring joy, connection, and improved self-esteem. However, anxiety can disrupt those feelings and take a toll, both on the person experiencing it and their partner.  By understanding the roots of anxiety and its impact on the relationship, couples can create emotional safety and develop…

Why is it so hard to express your feelings? If you have ever found yourself unable to put your emotions into words, you’re not alone. Expressing feelings can seem daunting, whether it’s because of fear, discomfort with vulnerability, or not knowing how to articulate complex emotions. Many of us struggle…

“Forgive yourself. Let it go. Forget about it. Move on.” They’re easy phrases to say, but so much harder to actually do. We all mess up sometimes, whether it’s lashing out at a friend, engaging in self-destructive behavior, or cutting corners at work. Those mistakes often come with overwhelming feelings…

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that can make trusting other people and establishing lasting relationships extremely difficult. This can make coping with BPD in relationships frustrating for the person carrying the diagnosis, as well as for a loved one trying to understand and be supportive.  While navigating borderline…