“Parenting” includes checking reliable information and standing up for what you believe protects your children.

An unexpected but gentle same-gender sexual approach doesn’t have to end a friendship if both stay respectful.

Sibling advice sometimes highlights the differences from each other instead of the connection.

Excuses made for not rocking the boat or fear of being on your own can leave you in a dangerous situation.

To those who’ve said of such stories, that these women are only after paybacks, you’re still the problem. It’s time for solutions.

A good friend expresses concerns over the other’s bad relationship… then backs off if it continues.

A parent’s financial changes/needs are a reality that should be explained up front.

Beware “Bride’s Day” controls that set the pattern throughout the marriage.

Counter an emotionally abusive environment with community supports, inner strength, and personal goals.

Intelligent and thoughtful feedback by readers is appreciated.

Secrets and mysteries make relationships feel shaky from doubts and lack of trust.

When a partner accepts gifts in exchange for sexual flirting, it’s a wrong message to everyone involved.

Staying silent about sexual abuse is over. Women and men must speak up against sexual assault, sexual harassment, or inappropriate sexual behaviour.

“Blending” a family requires parents to help their children adjust and not feel disloyal to their other parent/relatives.

After a family break-up, keep showing love and seeking trusting relationships with hurt children.

A generous kind partner is a treasure, unless good deeds are directed everywhere but at home.

“Separated” doesn’t mean divorced. Honesty matters.

Probe the reasons for opposing emotions, apply logic and understanding, and/or ask a neutral professional who’s aware of the issue.

I urge men and boys who’ve suffered sexual abuse and harassment, to join the current outcry.

Choosing between two partners is never the whole answer to another person’s life.

It usually takes two people for a relationship to become broken, yet just one can start the repair work that’s needed.

If a partner arbitrarily rejects sex long-term, without discussion or seeking help, get strong and consider getting “gone.”

When loving, respectful couples work towards common goals, “class” is a non-issue.

After three years together you have every right to ask whether there’s a future with a person you love.

#MeToo crosses all lines: gender, race, income, and nationality. Speaking up helps others find courage, and hopefully, peace.

Overly-zealous disdain for a sibling’s partner is neither helpful to the sibling nor the couple’s children.

Conceiving a child must be a couple’s joint desire and decision.

Major behaviour changes may have a treatable cause. But if getting help is rejected, the partner must seek safety.

Medications, and especially date-rape drugs (roofies) mixed with alcohol, can have dangerous effects. Be aware of symptoms.

Tomorrow: A registered nurse describes the effects of a date-rape drug secretly put into her drink.

Buried feelings of being used, rejected, and forgotten easily cause depression, and require therapy.

Do not further victimize someone who’s been sexually assaulted. Give support.

If baby-care feels burdensome, see your doctor regarding post-partum depression and health issues.

A New Year’s Resolution – That the #MeToo movement against sexual assault and sexual harassment continues and strengthens.

The elders aren’t always right, particularly if they encourage mean-spirited rivalry in the family.

Don’t let “the dating scene” intimidate you. Be yourself, and maintain your own principles.

Resume contact with an estranged father slowly and carefully.

A house that divides a couple won’t become a home.

If bullied online, respond with guidance from your workplace’s or professional standards and, if necessary, legal and/or police advice.

When someone drops the “no-love” bomb, weigh confronting, accepting, or moving on.

Someone who needs to know “everything” you’re doing doesn’t trust you without his control.

Inter-generational living in the same space only works well when everyone works at it equally.

When a relationship’s strained by stress, parenting, criticism, and escapist feelings, counselling help is crucial.

A relationship can go stale due to circumstances. A break can either re-boot the connection or help you move on.

Constant false yet public accusations are abuse. Don’t accept it.

Constant anxiety, snooping, and issuing controls do not make for a lasting relationship.

Other people’s loud sex can be a problem that’s awkward to hear or address.

If you want companionship with a partner, bring optimism and open-mindedness to dating.

Some people date intensely while scorekeeping throughout.

Counselling may help you handle a difficult partner, but anger management may be necessary to effect change in him or her.