A controller and a freedom-lover, like a fish and a bird, can’t live together.

Recognize the wrong motives in a still-new friend’s request to borrow your most precious item.

Readers’ suggestions of books that deal with complex mother-daughter relationships are welcome.

When an ex-spouse botches plans of the happily-remarried co-parent, it’s the children that matter and the couple’s relationship.

Get help for a gambling addict, not money.

Don’t distrust a past partner’s positive appreciation of your personal growth during the pandemic. But insist on equal and shared commitment this time.

Delete the email bombardment of another’s political views. If asked directly, say you agree to disagree.

Teenage relationships are often more emotional during life’s changes. Focus on your goals, stay friends or take a break.

Don’t stigmatize women who’ve left husbands. Their reasons may benefit both spouses.

Long-lived relationships thrive on trust, respect, commitment, and seeking compromises over being right.

Creating “family” ties for children of divorce is a precious gift.

Don’t let an unapologetic determined cheater wear you down. Take charge of moving on for your and your children’s sakes.

A partner’s persistent negativity can drag everyone down – spouse, children, even adult siblings included.

Cheaters are either too cowardly to leave the marriage that’s not working or too arrogant to not realize they’ll be caught.

A mother who loves the limelight can be fun… until she’s not. Tell Mom it’s time for her grandkids to shine, and to encourage them.

Handle rifts/rudeness from young friends by listening, discussing or imposing a short break.

A devoted spouse’s caregiving is admirable. But some relief help is essential to maintaining energy for the task.

Where there’s hope for a scarred marriage to heal, focus on loving each other and your children’s security will follow.

Whatever your personal attitude on Covid precautions, engaging negatively with those who feel differently only adds to your own anxiety.

Rather than suffer a busybody’s intrusive monologues of gossip, state your disinterest and walk away.

When a marriage becomes a constant battleground, move on however possible. Protecting children and yourself is most important.

When pornography is the preferred partner in a relationship, love may not make it last.

Children of divorce benefit in security/comfort if parents become “divorce friends” who can attend family gatherings.

Every source of grief is hurtful. Focus on the strength and joys you have in the present.

When a close relative/friend is divorcing, be supportive. Wait till they settle before resuming friendship with their ex.

Divorced people with parenting responsibilities need increased awareness of children’s adjustment plus their own.

Enjoy your First Love. Give love unconditionally when the person and time is right.

When seeking counselling, research the types offered and the counsellor’s approach, to find the “right fit.”

Couples’ therapy can help a marriage thrive anew, together. Joining group sex instead, risks trust and respect.

Shy? Approach a potential date with a smile, a “Hello,” your name, and a simple comment. Build from there, slowly.

Separated/divorced parents owe children their right to a continued secure relationship with their other parent, if at all possible.

Even loving partners make foolish mistakes. Explain the hurt, then make peace.

Life experience in dating teaches strong lessons about who/what to trust in new relationships. Stay alert to signals from new people, especially those who move fast and up close.

Family members should be alert to divisive attitudes/actions that can destroy relationships between three generations.

When meeting new potential dates/friends. ask about their past highlights, current interests/hopes, and listen.

Family members’ off-putting habits are sometimes cries for help. Reach out. But with sheer rudeness, distance.

Worried about teens’ behaviour? Ask questions, listen, find help together.

Grown children who want to protect a dating parent need information about the parent’s own safety measures and goals, then back off.

Greet positive family revelations with gratitude and sensitivity.

Estrangement usually causes innocent children to lose out. Apologizing can open the door. Worth trying.

A miserable marriage warrants counselling, health checks, a trial separation. If nothing helps, move on.

Marriage won’t thrive without spouses’ efforts to hear/respect each other, discuss problems, share intimacy, feel loved.

Don’t give up on yourself due to a loveless marriage without partnership. Get legal advice and personal therapy.

Sometimes we must heal the relationship with ourselves before moving forward. Professional expertise is needed, e.g., psychology, psychiatry etc.

Distrust being swept up by excessive flattery and purposeful grooming for another’s wishes.

A vulnerable adult child still needs parental love/help.

Learn someone’s character one insight at a time.

The ages of 40s-through-50s can be a negative turning point for those who take their spouses for granted. Listen/discuss/speak love.

Couples usually want a partner’s support and empathy for issues that arise at the workplace or regarding their families. They don’t want instant solutions ordered by the other person.

When meeting new potential dates/friends, ask about their past highlights, current interests/hopes, and listen.