If an ex fires up sparks, there’s risk of burning through your primary relationship.

A small mistake can become a huge headache, unless you handle it quickly and openly.

Forgiveness of a past betrayal is admirable, but accepting ongoing put-downs is self-defeating.

A marriage entered into without love or companionship is an arrangement that’s bound to become dissatisfying.

When it’s impossible to communicate, couples need professional counselling.

Divorce is not the logical solution to outside stresses and should be decided after other crises are handled.

When a difference of opinion is a potential deal-breaker, weigh your choices.

A double life usually leads to double the hurt all around; it’s better to choose.

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When practical solutions don’t resolve a household standoff, counselling is needed.

No matter how self-protective a lie may be, it’s ultimately bound to have a negative effect on a relationship that you were dishonest.

When a potential partner acts like a carefree, irresponsible single, you can expect to be leaned on for the serious matters.

Changes in sexual desire usually have a reason that needs exploring, rather than a threat of escape.

Loving step-parents should be celebrated.

Serial relationships don’t leave time for learning from the past.

Intrusive in-laws take a great risk of eventually being left out.

A romantic escape is often the clue that your reality needs to be changed.

It’s up to the adult child to set boundaries with critical parents.

Sometimes, the messes you created have gone too far to fix, and the people you betrayed should be left alone.

When parents’ rules seem strict, try various compromises, but always prove yourself worth their trust.

When a family member risks serious trouble, be direct, not passive.

Family support needs to be positive and encouraging, not critical.

When a partner seeks flights of fantasy it’s time for the whole relationship to undergo a reality check.

Abusive relationships are destructive to everyone involved.

Sometimes it’s the little things that signal warnings of far bigger relationship problems.

Every relationship involves obligations, yet some need to be weighed against personal unhappiness.

The Rescuer is often NOT the person turned to for a next equal partnership.

Don’t return to an old relationship expecting it to be exactly the same.

When a partner seizes power, refuse to be dominated.

Advice should be geared to solutions and improvement, not to judgment and punishment.

Questioning one’s own sexual orientation is a personal quest that requires time for acceptance and adjustment.

A good therapy relationship requires a good “fit” and a willing client.

Discussions about a pre-nuptial agreement should always be guided by a professional advisor.

An emotional relationship may be the real thing, or an escape from reality.

The most important factor about an age difference is your comfort level with it.

When parents dump their marital problems on grown children, make them responsible for their own lives.

Being a “friend” doesn’t come with a right to judge or burst the other person’s bubble in deeply personal matters.

When a flirt is met with the annoyance of both partners in a couple, the challenge fizzles.

Since you’re judged by the company you choose, judge yourself accordingly.

Secrets and lies will eventually create more trouble than the image you tried to invent.

It’s an unfortunate reality that addictions often play havoc with relationships.

Creative planning can turn a relationship crossroads into a bonding opportunity.

When one partner won’t compromise, be prepared that tough issues will always lead to pitched battles.

Some long-term promises, if broken, will destroy the relationship they seek to secure.

You cannot be your brother’s keeper, only a ready support when wanted.

Intimacy takes closeness and openness that sometimes requires time to flourish sexually.

Grandparents are an important source of support for their grandchildren, but can lose their opportunity if they act as meddlers.

A “tipster” on someone else’s relationship is otherwise called a troublemaker.