Dating has a way of turning people into detectives. Suddenly you are analyzing response times, re-reading messages and wondering if a one word reply means someone is busy or secretly uninterested. All of this can happen before you have even learned their coffee order. Time watches this calmly and waits. At the beginning of dating, […]

When you think of the important attributes needed for starting and maintaining relationships, curiosity might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet the more you consider curiosity, the more you might recognize how important it is in a relationship. You may also realize how you can use the power of curiosity in […]

In a lot of families, there’s one person who seems to naturally take on more than their share. They’re the one who notices when the vibe shifts. Who remembers birthdays, checks in after uncomfortable conversations and quietly tries to keep things from falling apart. Sometimes no one asks them to do this. It just sort […]

Can you think of a time when someone has caused you harm, and had to apologize to you in order to repair your relationship? It’s probably not difficult to immediately think of some examples, and probably pretty serious grievances, too. What about a time when you caused someone harm and had to apologize to them? […]

The holidays can bring up a lot of mixed feelings especially if family stuff is complicated. It is easy to think everyone else is having picture perfect celebrations but most people have their own challenges during this season. So if the usual traditions feel heavy or confusing you are not alone. Sometimes traditions change meaning […]

The holiday season feels different for everyone. Some people gather with family while others keep the month simple but most of us still notice a shift in mood as the year ends. Even without big celebrations this time of year brings up reflection and old memories. If you feel a little more emotional than usual […]

Gratitude often gets tied to big moments like promotions, weddings or birthdays but it can be just as powerful in the quiet everyday times especially with family. Family relationships are not always easy but practicing gratitude can help us connect on a deeper level when we learn to appreciate both the good and the bad […]

Most of us can probably relate: you’re going through a horrible experience and talking to a friend. You’ve confided the details of the situation and expressed your hurt, anger, or pain. And they respond with this line: “Just be glad it’s not worse!” Looking for a silver lining in the face of a challenge is […]

Every family has its own way of being. Each one has its own way of talking, showing love (or not), dealing with conflict (or totally ignoring it) and giving everyone their “role” without even realizing it. Maybe you were the peacekeeper, the one who always fixes things or the one who had to be strong […]