Anyone who knowingly sets up or plays you in a sham relationship is a “snake.”

Changing a relationship pattern of fighting between a “fixer” vs. a “withholder,” calls for self-awareness and openness on both sides.

Strategy dating can pit you against a tougher player. Instead, be open, honest, and careful.

Victims of sexual assault – men and women alike – deserve our collective support of attitude change.

Constant teasing isn’t funny to its target, and says more about the teaser that’s also no joke.

A rush to bed often fizzles fast or never gets to emotional intimacy.

How to end phone calls from an ex? If kids aren’t involved, a polite but firm, “Don’t call me.”

When a person shows indifference at a partner’s most vulnerable time, the message is clear: She/he wants out.

Finding available help for someone is more beneficial than taking on what you can’t handle.

Child-rearing beliefs don’t excuse willfully disrespecting other people’s homes.

Solutions aren’t always perfect or easy to accept. But depression and feelings of failure are much harder on you.

Polyamory is a sexual and partner relationship choice that must be mutually agreed, and have some basic agreed expectations.

In-law problems call for understanding their source and finding workable solutions.

Uncertainty about a relationship can clear from a break followed by honest discussion.

When you can’t change others’ behaviour, try changing your reactions.

Getting pregnant sometimes takes time. Over-worrying doesn’t help.

Divulging a birth secret must be decided through careful assessment and great sensitivity.

The answer to a relationship divide sometimes requires independent action that leads to compromise.

The #MeToo survey reveals how pervasive sexual assault and harassment have been for years.

Arbitrarily rejecting sex without a health reason or trying therapy is a relationship exit strategy.

In early relationships, showing jealousy when an ex is mentioned in accounts of someone’s past, is a red flag.

Adult children can gain independence from earlier family stresses.

Recommending appearance “fixes” calls for serious sensitivity.

Believe those who’ve experienced sexual trauma. It can happen to anyone, unless reactions change.

Run from a would-be partner who’s been manipulative, suspicious, judgmental, and insulting.

In divorced families, work to avoid causing children to have their loyalties to either parent tested unnecessarily.

As men and women recognize any past guilt in non-consensual sexual behaviour they’d thought was okay, the #MeToo movement can achieve greater awareness/safety for all.

Children distressed by shocking incidents need steadily supportive love bolstered by counselling.

“Spicing up” sex with your partner should be a mutual decision about which you’re both comfortable.

If you love deeply, it’s worth giving a relationship a second try.

When a partner sends jealousy-arousing signals, trust dies unless changes are made.

Encourage a partner towards professional help for mental health issues.

Sexual abuse stories seeking only a voice, not gain, deserve respect in the #MeToo movement.

Treat a roommate how you want to be treated – respectfully and responsibly.

A partner must know any “secret” that can come back to you both, and derail trust.

A longtime friend deserves explanation of how his/her negative behaviour upsets you, plus helpful suggestions.

If you cross a line of respect with a family member, don’t be surprised when you’re barred from reconciling.

Even when they speak up, abused children/teens are often disbelieved and carry shame for years.

When a romantic partner wants to be “just friends,” the break-up decision’s already been made… unless counselling is sought.

Secrets and nastiness are insidious factors that destroy relationships.

If family members have difficulty accepting your new partner, try talking it out with them, then decide what you can or cannot accept.

Don’t break up a family over hurt pride; learn what’s true and why it happened.

When a health challenge affects sexual intercourse, try different intimate acts and work on the relationship.

Men and women alike, who live in abusive relationships, should start working on a safe plan to leave, as well as speak out against abuse.

If someone with suicidal intent won’t accept your help, alert mental health authorities for advice.

When someone squanders your love, it’s time to love yourself more.

The pain of sexual assault and abuse knows no gender.

Moving in together may warrant a new setting, but needs a practical approach besides a fresh start.

When a “soul mate” moves on emotionally, the description no longer applies. Move on, too.

Children need persistent gentle contact, e.g. emails, phone calls, texts, even if rejected, to know the separated parent still loves them.