The appearance of others’ relationships on social media can’t be trusted by Taylor Bennett | Aug 30, 2021 | Media Use, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Social media platforms are home to carefully curated content. Rarely (if ever) do we post an unflattering photo on Instagram, write an uncomplimentary Facebook status, or share a tweet that isn’t funny. I’m happy to be the lab rat here. In the last photo I posted on Instagram, my hair…
Ring and Nextdoor: The good, the bad, and the gossip associated with neighborhood watch platforms by Jason Crosby | Aug 25, 2021 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Self-Improvement Buena Vista is as nice a neighborhood as you could imagine: Proper houses trimmed in white, all lined up in neat rows. It’s a labyrinth of new pavement and landscaping, baking underneath the Texas sun. Somewhere, the sounds of a lawnmower swirl together with a dog barking and a child’s…
Coping with the loss of a friendship: How these connections evolve in adulthood and a counselor’s advice on allowing yourself to grieve by Jason Crosby | Aug 18, 2021 | Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics, Relationships My dad is a psychologist—growing up, I remember him helping all types of people, from inmates prepping for parole to other children and teens who were having behavioral issues. As someone from a poor family and a rough area of Chicago, his life lessons were always insightful, if a little…
Bridesmaids, bachelorette parties, and healthy friendship boundaries: How to stay sane while maintaining wedding protocols by Wistar Murray | Aug 6, 2021 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Weddings came back with a vengeance this summer, and let’s be honest: It had been kind of nice to see people elope for a while. So cheap. So quiet. So little pressure on friends and family. You could just send a gift instead of making small talk with strangers and…
Broken up by Heidi Faust, LCSW | Apr 13, 2021 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Q: MY EX BROKE UP WITH ME ALMOST 2 MONTHS AGO NOW. IT DIDNT END BAD WE JUST REALIZED WE WERE MORE FRIENDS THAN IN A RELATIONSHIP. HE SAID HE WASNT IN LOVE WITH ME ANYMORE SO WHY DO I STILL WANT SOMEONE THAT DOESNT WANT ME. WHY DO I…
My partner and I have opposing political views: How to keep your relationship afloat during and after the election season by Madison Bambini | Oct 22, 2020 | Communication, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Opposing political views can stir up conflict in your relationship and ultimately drive a wedge between you and your partner. Before you engage in a political discussion with your partner, press pause and consider the best way to approach the conversation or if it’s worth having at all. Also, try…
Tough losses can lead to the dismantling of a relationship—here’s some advice for grieving together and making sure that doesn’t happen by Taylor Bennett | Oct 19, 2020 | Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics, Relationships They say that when you grieve, you deny the reality of the situation. This isn’t happening, this can’t be happening. You also feel extremely angry. You direct this anger at your loved ones, maybe even the person you’ve lost. How could you do this to me? How could you leave…
The Gottman method: How does it work? How can it benefit my relationship? by Helen Massy | Oct 9, 2020 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Every relationship runs into conflict: Sometimes we’re able to work through these conflicts quickly and effectively, but in some instances, we struggle to find that common ground. When conflicts are left unresolved, this can prove extremely stressful and have many negative effects on the relationship. External influences can also have…
Managing fear, anxiety, and postpartum depression together: Tips for new parents by Madison Bambini | Sep 29, 2020 | Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health Topics, Postpartum & Pregnancy, Relationships Becoming a new parent is hard for anyone. There are so many unknowns and new lessons that come along with having a baby: Will they sleep okay? Are they eating enough? What does that cry mean? Is their crib safe enough? What do I do when I go back to…
Wife appreciation: 5 easy ways to spoil your spouse and show them how much you care by Madison Bambini | Sep 18, 2020 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships When we find that special someone in life, it’s like fireworks go off and our missing puzzle piece falls into place. When you’re in the honeymoon phase of your marriage, you feel like you’re on cloud nine and shower each other with love and affection. However, it’s easy to lose…
How to address financial stress in your marriage by Sarah Archer | Sep 15, 2020 | Mental Health Topics, Money & Financial Issues, Relationships Transitioning from managing money on your own to budgeting with a partner can be stressful. And no matter how much you love your significant other, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you address how you’ll handle finances throughout your marriage. In fact, one study found that 50% of couples argue…
Divorce burnout: Effects on divorcees and their future relationships by Venchele Saint Dic | Aug 27, 2020 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Stress The sorrow felt when reading about the number of divorces leaves you with nothing short of blaring emotions. Divorce leaves you drained in an uphill battle without end with dried air in your lungs. During the pandemic, it has been difficult for singles to engage in face-to-face interactions. Social engagement…