Enabling a partner to treat you badly guarantees there’s no hope for change.

Sometimes the things about a partner that feel upsetting may relate to our own past as much as theirs.

Attraction to a co-worker may only be sparks. Don’t start a fire you can’t control.

Living with bitterness and anger at the person who “stole” your partner is self-destructive.

Living with bitterness and anger at the person who “stole” your partner is self-destructive.

Suspect elder abuse? Get informed about available resources and legal responsibilities.

Casual sex between roommates, is often a step towards needing to move.

Respect a partner’s right to test their dreams, and she/he will want to share with you whatever happens.

Don’t “test” your dates. If you have questions about their attitudes, ask.

To travel or have babies at 23? Learn how to compromise on major decisions before the wedding!

The person you love and commit to must be your priority, even before critical parents.

If long-past trauma is still limiting your life and peace of mind, see a professional therapist to help you put it behind you.

Post-separation grief is natural, so long as you look after what’s necessary for your family and work, and seek help if you get stuck in sadness.

Don’t let a parent’s post-divorce bitterness still limit your life and choices as an adult.

When someone’s behaviour is upsetting and dangerous, protect yourself and end contact.

Stay out of other friends’ dramas, especially if you’re already experiencing stress.

Handle post-separation issues in steps, especially if depression’s involved.

A virgin-by-choice has to decide personally when feeling emotionally ready for sexual experience.

A partner’s indifference to the effects of excess personal flatulence is no joke.

What matters isn’t who finalizes a long-ago breakup, but that you’re moving on from it.

See-sawing from an affair to divorce to living together, obscures what you’re really able to give to a relationship.

Children raised under joint custody need assurance that they’re wanted and secure with each parent.

Don’t let fear and frustration create barriers to your relationship.

Forgiving repeated meanness and rejections gives your partner no reason to change.

New parents need time alone together besides visits with eager relatives.

Don’t change your basic values to hold onto someone.

Even when anger and resentment are warranted, it takes a toll on those who live with it.

Planning marriage with a person, who’s repeatedly lied to you, is a recipe for distrust and heartbreak.

Make your own best choices (with your partner) for your wedding, rather than be upset by others’ egos and past agendas.

When a relationship’s toxic to you, don’t wait for the other person to agree to get help. Go on your own.

Focusing on petty judgements may reflect relationship-fear rather than the wrong partner.

When a new “friend” comes between a married couple, there’s a disruptive impasse ahead.

Change a mother-daughter power struggle to a relationship between two equal adults.

A babysitter for your children must be someone you trust, period.

To paraphrase the renowned American writer/poet civil-rights activist Maya Angelou: “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”

Fantasy or escapist daydreams interfere with taking positive steps to feel better about yourself.

Families dealing with addictions aren’t alone. There’s support available for loved ones and the addicted person.

In a standoff over chores? When there’s no workable solution, look for the deeper problem.

When trust ends, seeking truth is sometimes the only way to save yourself from more deception.

A discovered secret of extramarital sex with a same-sex partner must be discussed as soon as possible.

With a chronic complainer, respond to the issues on which you can be supportive, and sidestep the nonsense.

A severely depressed partner needs professional help beyond emotional support.

Someone who’s periodically gone from a relationship without explanation, has someone else waiting.

The devastating crime of sexual molestation by a parent leaves long-term issues to handle.

Laziness regarding work can become far more annoying in a long-term relationship.

Even small white lies, if they keep adding up, become a grey cloud over a relationship.

As new parents, check with the baby’s doctor and seek information on any persistent and worrisome behaviours.

Being wooed by lies and deceit isn’t a secure basis for a long-term relationship.

When you suspect an ex’es motives, ask the question directly or get professional advice.

If a partner experiences shocking news, be supportive and don’t overreact, even if he/she needs some time alone.