76 results for tag: Dating and Relationships

The Relationship Blame Game

Couples counseling can be a window into how couples communicate in relationships. I have noticed lately how many couples play the relationship blame game. The relationship blame game is when both people in the relationship name all the problems that have caused conflict, stress, pressure, distance, or any other relationship challenges as being due to their partner, not themselves. This is what I call the relationship blame game....

Stop Stalking and Start Talking – Stalking in Relationships

It is hard to know exactly what has created a culture of snooping and stalking in relationships; my gut tells me it has something to do with reality TV shows like The Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives. These shows center around narcissistic people who focus on gossip, competition, and jealousy, which promotes dishonesty and a lack of trust for the people we love in our lives. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter help create an environment where honesty, authenticity, and genuine connection are not core values....

Why You Don’t Need To Be Right All The Time

The need to be right can, at times, feel like a drug. Our culture often reinforces this need to be right all the time through the media, politics, and our education system. But what if you found out the reasons why you don't need to be right all the time? Is knowing the potential consequences of needing to be right all the time enough to create space for letting the rest of the 7 billion people who you share the planet with also be right sometimes?...

A Social Experiment in First Impressions

I thought this was an interesting social experiment in first impressions. I do not think it proves anything, but it is still interesting. It is fun watching the different responses people have as they interpret characteristics of people based on little more than first impressions. I think it would be fun to conduct a similar experiment with a variable that isn't part of a marketing campaign....

25 Signs You’re Succeeding At Life (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

Whenever I see posts like "3 easy ___" or 25 Signs You're ______", I am skeptical at best. Life rarely fits into neat little lists that are supposed to let you know anything about yourself that is productive or of substance. I do appreciate those who take the time to catalog information easily digestible. This is where the post titled, "25 Signs You're Succeeding At Life (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)" by Shannon Kaiser feels like it might at least point in the direction of what succeeding at life may feel like for a significant group of people. Not all listed apply to all of us, but I think there is value in reflecting on this particular list to see where you are seeing progress and where to focus more energy and attention. ...

17 Lies We Need to Stop Teaching Girls About Sex

It is common knowledge that young girls experience incredible pressure pushing them towards and pulling them away from sex. As if girls do not have a choice or vote on their sexuality. In reading 17 Lies We Need to Stop Teaching Girls About Sex by Julianne Ross, I am reminded of just how many ways young girls are influenced and pressured to meet the needs of others, whether that be their father, mother, friends, clergy, or boyfriends. It's time we collectively begin teaching girls the truth about sex and their sexuality. The lies we teach them are not productive nor in their best interests. ...

Before We Fall In Love

I am so grateful I keep finding amazing and interesting articles to read and share. Before We Fall In Love from Elephant Journal is a beautiful, engaging, and creative essay on falling in love for real people, not like the movies and TV. The author, Kristin Monk, shares her version of what is necessary and important before we fall in love. ...