Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who is narcissistic? Even if you don’t know the exact clinical definition of the disorder, it is likely that you have encountered people who harbor a lot of the self-absorbed traits that can make narcissistic people particularly challenging to partner with. …

KEY POINTS Studies show that most people entering a relationship overlook flaws and place greater emphasis on their potential partner’s positive traits. A common sign of relationship distress is when one partner struggles to feel and express emotions, which can block connection. Feeling the need to be “perfect” in a relationship could…

When you think about intimacy, what comes to mind? Sex? Cuddling? The ability to share your vulnerabilities with your partner? Intimacy means all these things and more. For some couples, one aspect of intimacy may be easier than others. It mostly depends on the dynamics of the relationship, the history…

Millions of people around the world tune in to reality shows and have been watching for decades. What started out as an experiment has turned into mainstream programming and as a culture, we can’t get enough of it. Is there any personal or societal cost to our ongoing fascination with…

Often when we think about the impact of social media on our behaviors, we think about the ways it affects other people rather than ourselves. It is difficult to admit that our own behaviors are influenced by our online connection to others in this vast network, driven by algorithms, business…

We hear the term ‘codependence’ a lot, but what does it mean and how does it show up in relationships? Codependence is a way of being in relationships in which a person feels responsible for someone else’s well being. This may mean partnering up with someone who has needs that…

Traumatic events in our lives have a way of cementing themselves into our conscious and subconscious minds. When the mind and body is impacted by trauma, it influences most other aspects of life, from decision making processes, to work experiences and everything in between. Trauma takes a major toll on…

Most people have a capacity for empathy. The innate ability to feel for the plight of others and put oneself in their shoes is present from the time we are small children. Empathy often helps us with moral development, decision making and guides our values in life. We meet all…

Do you go above and beyond in all aspects of your life? Are you known as the person who “never says no” to anyone, even if it isn’t convenient? People-pleasers are often the folks who have the busiest schedules and still seem to find the time to meet everyone else’s…