Help a mother and you help a child.

Children need their parents to discuss, age-appropriately, the issues of the day with them, to build informed awareness and combat fears.

A good roommate relationship is valuable. Make sure any other emotions are discussed and mutually agreed.

When divorce is the choice for an unhappy, unworkable marriage, identify your positive needs/ expectations, and how to meld them with another’s if there’s a new relationship.

Narcissism’s effect on others can be harmful, especially to young people being manipulated emotionally.

Instant Love at First Sight is wonderfully magical. Taking time to build friendship/trust is wise reality.

When a relationship feels right, don’t walk away from challenges. Talk them through, try ways to adapt.

Women experiencing a difficult menopause will more likely seek advice/remedies if their partners show understanding without pressuring for sex.

When there’s a rush to intimacy and isolation – always being alone instead of meeting friends – start probing the reasons.

The message of Valentine’s Day is to keep love and partnership foremost in your relationship, beyond material gifts.

Repeatedly selfish, self-serving behaviour is emotionally hard on everyone involved.

Large weight gains/obesity often involve many factors, well beyond indulgence.

A sibling’s intrusive health-related message may have a caring intent. Worth discussing.

The best help for a deeply-grieving person is understanding and support.

Differing finances among family members can cause problems.

But friendship and thoughtfulness can ease the differences.

Don’t rush a live-in relationship before knowing solid facts, agreed plans and his/her true character.

Family dysfunctions are usually apparent. Be helpful to new members when its needed.

If you’ve taken on a major life challenge, ease up on side issues for a while.

Even the best of friends need to make sure that financial agreements are drawn up legally.

Grief from the past must be addressed in the present, if memories/guilt still disturb you.

A relationship can exist mostly in your own mind, if you let fantasy build up instead of asking direct questions. Protect yourself from painful disappointment.

Don’t dismiss the power of emotional connection. It’s needed at every age phase.

A passionate affair may seem perfect but rushing to divorce won’t always work. Some marriages can be re-fired to greater happiness.

Don’t let a cheater use you to cover his/her lies.

Avoid involvement in family members’ rifts, stay connected and they may settle on their own.

When a sibling relationship becomes too toxic to tolerate, ending contact becomes necessary unless there’s positive change.

New couples need to try adapting to each other’s different habits and compromising on others.

No one should live fearing threats/harassment with nowhere to turn. Police and social agencies need to respond.

Hate your ex’s phony hugs? Choose a way to gently change this scene at family gatherings.

Dealing with someone’s seeming-narcissism requires understanding the root of it and deciding your response, with the help of therapy.

With family differences, work towards understanding, and solutions.

Wishing for past love too long? Don’t risk missing chances for a happy/better future.

Long-term dating without discussion of the future grows stale with regrets.

Dating apps provide limited profiles of an array of strangers. Choosing whom to meet in person requires careful selection.

By a third date, honesty about your most serious matters, such as finances, legal standing, must be discussed.

Rude, controlling behaviour isn’t friendship.

Regular cannabis users need to learn more about the physical/mood effects of THC.

Responsible adults keep records of financial “gifts” vs. loans, of what’s owed or repaid, and a detailed Will.

Avoid loneliness by joining friends and group activities on a regular basis.

Sexual harassment is intolerable, and against the law in both Canada and the United States.

Same-sex parents have the same chance to raise well-adjusted children as heterosexual parents.

Start fresh to improve your relationships.

When a partner refuses to divorce his/her past spouse, serious legal problems can arise.

Everyone’s life faces passages which commonly cause friendships to adjust or change.

Don’t wait for someone else to fulfill your dreams and ambitions.

Dating sites provide the photo and whatever profile a stranger writes. Ask character-based questions early.

Don’t risk your relationship by pursuing a personal goal at your partner’s emotional expense.

An “amicable” divorce still requires being legally informed and aware of any financial complications.

Happy New Year and fresh starts to all!

To paraphrase the old saying: The best revenge is feeling great!