There was a time—not too long ago—when political differences were less polarizing. When connecting with a potential friend or partner, your respective political leanings would become known. If there were a chasm, it wouldn’t necessarily derail the connection. There was more room for differing opinions. More recently, it feels as if the … [Read more...]
Financial Infidelity: What It Is & Why It’s Important to Be Financially Faithful
Most people would agree that cheating in a relationship is a dealbreaker. At the same time, at least four out of 10 married couples report that money conversations always lead to a fight. So what happens when these issues are combined? Financial infidelity is a thing. For example, 31 percent of people say they have a secret credit card. Such a lack … [Read more...]
How to Know if You Are a Codependent Partner
Popular culture does us no favors when it comes to relationships. We’re raised on “love at first sight” and “happily ever after.” This soon morphs into “soul mates” and couples “completing” each other. The sentiments might be sincere, but the outcomes can be dysfunctional. The thousands of love songs about being inseparable may have launched just … [Read more...]
What You Need to Know & Understand About GAD
Anxiety is a normal, inevitable, and often helpful human emotion. Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the world. Yes, these two facts can be true. And yes, these facts alone feel like cause enough to feel anxious! However, understanding your own experience primarily comes down to the degree to which you feel anxiety. You may … [Read more...]
How You Can Prepare Your Relationship for Empty Nest Stress
Most couples, when first married, aim a lot of attention to their relationship. Then… the kids arrive. Out of necessity and choice, the focus shifts dramatically. Children inspire and require new approaches in every aspect of your life. You and your partner will likely find yourself building your day-to-day choices around the needs of your … [Read more...]
Aging & Depression: How to Experience One Without the Other
The aging process is quite a ride. It is a time to reflect on one’s life. It’s also a time when some disturbing new factors can affect your life. The older person has many adjustments to make. Perhaps, friends and family members are dying. Chronic diseases can emerge. Finances and opportunities might be leaner now than in your younger … [Read more...]
How Your Overworking Is Linked to Your Anxiety
Overworking is far too often considered to be a positive and highly recommended trait. It’s positioned as a factor related to values and ethics. However, it can be a very dangerous trend steeped in both perfectionism and anxiety. Because of our general perception, someone with anxiety-caused overwork syndrome may not seek help. The … [Read more...]
Are You a Good Listener? 5 Ways to Make Sure
How strong are your listening skills? Better yet, are you sure you know what strong listening skills look and sound like? Intentions matter, of course. But, in everyday life, what matters just as much is execution. You may have the desire to be a respectful, active, and validating listener. However, if that desire is not translated into action, … [Read more...]
Is 50/50 Parenting a Realistic Goal?
Should parenting be a 50/50 effort all the time? Can parenting be a 50/50 effort all the time? In the beginning, this is unrealistic. One parent may be more involved in hands-on parenting. Meanwhile, the other is more involved in making money to facilitate helping the more hands-on parent bond with the newborn. Later, depending on schedules … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean to Be Financially Intimate?
Generally, you’ll find many different types of intimacy discussed by relationship and/or psychology experts. These include affectional, intellectual, emotional, sexual, recreational, spiritual, aesthetic, and social intimacy. While all of them are important, this common list highlights how often financial issues are downplayed in terms of … [Read more...]