Relationships can feel like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture without the instructions. You’re pretty sure all the pieces are there, but you’re left scratching your head, wondering if that random screw is important or just an extra. When it comes to building something that lasts, a few behaviors are less like extra screws and more …
Relationships
“How are you?” is the lowest-hanging fruit in the tree of caring questions, and it’s the one that will give you the most untruthful answers. It’s a safe, polite inquiry, but also a bit mundane. Genuine connections matter, and if you want to get a response that is more than the standard, “I’m OK,” you …
Greed isn’t always as obvious as someone hoarding stacks of gold like a modern-day dragon. Sometimes, it’s subtle, wrapped in polished manners, or cleverly disguised as ambition. The signs of greed shine through and often, they’re more entertaining than alarming. There’s something inherently fascinating about greedy behavior. It’s as if a switch flips in someone’s …
While the holidays are supposed to be about joy and cheer, the arrival of in-laws can turn the festive season into a test of patience. If the thought of your spouse’s family descending upon your home for a long visit makes you want to hide under the mistletoe, you’re definitely not alone. The unique stress …
Often, we ask others, “How are you?” yet we fall flat when it comes to taking the time to genuinely listen to their response or don’t know what to do if they respond with anything other than “Good, and you?”. You might wonder how you can sincerely help if someone expresses feeling down or whether …
Family gatherings can be a real trip. You spend all year cultivating your little patch of peace, tending to your life like a prized garden, only to have a well-meaning relative stomp through it with unsolicited advice or comments that make you doubt your existence. Suddenly, you’re questioning your career, your life choices, and why …
Most people have a ride-or-die friend, that one person they can call at 3 a.m. for anything from a flat tire to an existential life crisis. This person is a cheerleader, a confidant, and a source of unwavering support. Cultivating that same level of friendship with oneself, however, can feel like a foreign concept. It’s …
The holiday season often feels like a pressure cooker with a sprig of holly on top. You have your cousin who asks pointed questions about your life choices, an uncle who brings up politics at the dinner table, and the general chaos of coordinating a meal that satisfies everyone. The urge to pull a trusted …
Of all the things you’d want to be called, boring is most likely not on the list. Most people try to be fun and nice to hang out with, but sometimes, some behaviors can unintentionally make us come across as dull or tiresome. Do you want to have more captivating conversations and become a more …
Navigating the end of a marriage is a complex journey, often filled with quiet moments of realization long before any papers are signed. While every relationship has its own unique story, certain patterns and pivotal moments frequently appear when men reflect on why their partnerships concluded. Understanding these common threads can offer clarity, whether you …