relationships

There’s something uniquely satisfying about absorbing wisdom while you’re doing something else—whether you’re commuting, cooking dinner, or taking a walk. Podcasts let you gain insights and inspiration or simply be entertained by real voices without having to stare at another screen, making them perfect for our overstimulated lives. There’s no…

Toxic relationships aren’t always obvious from the start. Some evolve quietly—one eye roll, one dismissed feeling, one “I was just joking; don’t be so sensitive” comment at a time. Many relationships erode through “one thousand paper cuts,” says psychologist Morgan Cutlip, PhD, author of A Better Share. Over time, what…

A recent survey of people in North Carolina commissioned by Thriveworks reveals interesting patterns surrounding residents’ emotional state and what they do to improve their mental health. Check out the insights below, including which factors impact mental health most, who they turn to for support, and more. North Carolina’s Mental…

Feeling angry or resentful toward family members is a common experience that can arise from various psychological, emotional, and situational factors. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or extended relative, conflicts within families can make maintaining harmonious relationships challenging and stressful. The good news? There are strategies to navigate relationships with…

Sometimes, the world can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to believe that people might be at the root of our frustrations. Coexisting with others isn’t always simple; differences between us—or even shared traits that reflect things you don’t like about yourself—can make interactions challenging.  When spending time with others no…

I entered my first real relationship in the 7th grade (I know—young) and stayed in this relationship until my freshman year of college. I’ll do the math for you: this relationship took up roughly six years of my life. In other words, at the age of 18, I had spent…

Trust issues are characterized by fear of betrayal, abandonment, or manipulation. And this fear is often triggered as a result of betrayal (such as infidelity), abandonment (think: leaving a child or foregoing a relationship with them), or manipulation (for example, dishonesty or gaslighting). If someone you trusted — a partner,…

Positive psychology is a therapeutic approach that helps clients emphasize and learn from the positive aspects of life. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, positive psychology aims to enhance well-being by cultivating strengths and virtues.  This approach helps clients create a fulfilling and meaningful…

Trauma can have a variety of impacts on survivors, and each is often intense in its own way. One such impact traumatic experiences can have is called a “trauma bond.” Trauma bonding is a strong connection that occurs between victims/survivors and perpetrators of trauma or abuse. These bonds are complex…

Q: Marriage advice needed  My marriage of over 20 years is in deep trouble. How do you reconnect with someone you have ZERO intimacy with or seem to have no meaningful relationship with? We go through day-to-day life like we are roommates. We rarely have difficult conversations about our relationship….

Thriveworks recently commissioned a study investigating whether a potential romantic partner’s therapy status would impact the likelihood of a respondent pursuing a relationship with them. According to the results, some Americans are much more likely to enter into a relationship with someone who has attended therapy, seeing it as a…

Kids depend on their parents in many senses, but especially emotionally. However, sometimes parents can seek a level of emotional support from their child that should be pursued and fulfilled in an adult relationship.  This dynamic is called “emotional incest,” with the child taking on an inappropriate level of emotional…