Never just accept the bullying of someone you know. Speak up where it counts.

Dishonesty and disrespect don’t solve family problems; they make them worse.

Explain your feelings, rather than argue limits, about another woman’s interest in your man.

After dating for many months, you deserve a truthful reason why a good relationship ended.

Dramatic illness can upset a relationship through fear, hurt and anger.

Online dating can resemble online shopping – some great values, more lemons. Choose carefully.

Couples counselling can be successful, when both commit to it.

Do not confuse sibling “love” with respect, when there’s meanness and manipulation involved.

Can a partner bring a woman-friend home when you’re away and children may be present? Discuss it.

Don’t rush to have another child with the father who won’t grow up.

There’s no definite age at which a marital split is easiest on children. But a persistently nasty home environment isn’t better.

If you give a child a cell phone, you must teach and oversee its responsible use, and take action against any mis-use.

Don’t lend money for something the recipient still can’t afford to enjoy.

Couples need to create their own trusted team as loving friends, beyond their other connections.

Once you know someone’s cheating on a friend/relative, you’re no longer just a bystander.

When a relationship’s controlled to suit only the other person, it’s already doomed. Move on.

Don’t let others’ opinions/drama rule your life.

Parents and adult children will sometimes have conflicts… both sides need to accept their differences.

People who get mired in the deep sorrow of a loss, should consider getting grief counseling.

Couples need to set boundaries with interfering in-laws, if they want their union to last and thrive.

Don’t accept only the smallest slice of the “true love” that you want.

Snobbery and materialism are often fallback attitudes of those who are insecure.

When someone wants to change your looks and clothing, ask who’s image is being reflected.

Verbal aggression resolves nothing, can become physical, and exposes both parties’ weaknesses.

A crush can be a temporary lift of daydreaming, or start a great deal of trouble.

The toughest decisions are often the most important for moving forward in a family relationship.

Can a marriage thrive after one partner cheated? It requires mutual effort including self-reflection on both parts. Therapy helps.

A couple’s enduring relationship requires at least as much careful tending as a longtime business partnership.

Since BYOB is about bringing booze, not taking it home, use common sense about the occasion.

Finding time to connect as adults is a crucial need of couples with kids.

Some “accommodations” in a marriage are too demeaning to accept.

Whether it’s about visiting dogs or people, state your boundaries on behaviour upfront.

A person’s hard journey from pain to inner strength can’t depend on those who are weak and frightened.

Don’t let social media and dating app approaches demean who you are and what you want from dating.

Depression clouds decision-making. Get therapy and treatment to help you feel confident about making life decisions.

When someone’s suicidal, seek professional help immediately.

Lending money to relatives can be problematic, but personal ties warrant trying to help in some way.

Illogical fears only mock the present, when much more thought and work are needed to improve the future.

Long-distance relationships require getting together, even if only for visits, to stay connected.

The deep desire to have a child can be non-negotiable, and a deal-breaker for some couples.

When “lifestyle mania” rules, relationships easily suffer.

Mix high spirits and cross-flirting couples, and “fun” can get out of hand, unless you don’t let it.

Relationship “Stop” signs are glaring truths: If there’s no connection for years, there’s no future.

Fantasizing privately during sex with your partner about his friend whom you prefer, is deceitful and risky.

Major decisions have to become “our way” in a marriage, or its path will be frequently blocked.

Be kind while still honest if asked to have a difficult discussion.

Consider a New Year’s resolution as a fresh start on something that can improve your daily outlook.

An emotional frenzy is a poor foundation for any major decision, especially one that involves marriage.

Understanding, acceptance, and helping someone the best you can are the gifts that matter most.

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings to ALL!

Don’t knock generational differences, adapt instead.