Too many personality red flags show the need for taking a break from a would-be partner’s drama.

When separation changes a parent’s connection to family, the adult child should try to find out why.

Common goals and values are essential when raising a family.

Talking up a stranger calls for being very cautious as well as confident.

No matter your age, an “attraction” is like a crush until you get to know someone better.

Re-connecting after bad history together calls for new confidence in the other person and yourself.

Be aware during a partner’s time of grief that it may spark deep reflection and a desire for change.

A crush on a teacher can be innocent, OR become risky to you both.

Reader’s moving-on lesson: Self-Esteem is a work in progress. Don’t give up.

Violent fantasies against someone make seeing a therapist an urgent need.

Instead of depending on someone to keep you from loneliness, improve your own ability to have a satisfying life.

Show self-confidence and speak up to express your interest in someone.

Couples need to have a level of comfort about each other’s separate interests and separate friends.

A relative can sometimes have an important influence on young people who need better direction.

Someone who lies and can’t be trusted isn’t worth your time for a relationship.

When a relationship has run its course, focus on other important parts of your life.

Focus interest in a sibling’s dependent behaviour on what can be helped, not just on criticism.

When a relationship’s stuck in negativity, take a break to learn other ways to connect.

Don’t hide behind excuses when it’s emotions that need to be aired.

Proceed thoughtfully if trying to determine whether a roommate shares romantic feelings.

Protect elderly relatives from those with self-interest, even if they’re family members.

A cold, unhappy relationship isn’t an endurance test. Work towards making a new plan for yourself.

Leave your bad marriage as cleanly as possible before taking on another partner.

If you’re sexually active, be sexually smart. Get informed and know your limits.

Introducing a new partner to your children should be done slowly, based on a period of certain trust.

There’s a difference between competing naturally with a partner, and intentionally embarrassing him/her.

It’s risky to rush a still-young relationship when the other person’s facing other major decisions.

Don’t judge an arranged marriage without knowing more about it.

Insulting remarks from an excessive drinker convey serious negatives about that person, not you.

After romantic losses, self-esteem is the resource you must boost, to heal yourself and move on.

When there’s far more texting than personal contact, the “relationship” is limited.

Buying a house together is significant but not the same commitment as marriage.

Online dating carries risk. Do as thorough a check as possible early on.

A strong mutual friendship is more confidence building than an insecure relationship.

Teenagers who reach out for help when they’re troubled are the smart ones.

You’re better off without the partner who could suddenly blame you for all, and leave.

Under heavy relationship stress, be open with your partner, so you both get a chance at resolving it.

You can’t know a “good man” from a creep unless you select carefully, not randomly.

Boasting about big-spending is annoying. But envying others’ money is more destructive.

Retaliating can hurt yourself more than the person who used you. Move on, instead.

When there are clear signals of a possible “attraction” elsewhere, confront your partner directly.

Value yourself higher than believing your choices are only between people who’ve disappointed you.

Don’t confuse noticing attractiveness with having a “wandering eye.”

If unknown fear holds you back from a commitment, probe further, and speak up.

If the small problems create a huge divide, there’s a bigger one causing it all.

Don’t leave a marriage without thinking/planning beyond resentments.

When toxic family rules, the adult child must break away to save the marriage.

Free-loading on a partner, by choice, eventually destroys respect and ends the relationship.

If a happy fact can be hurtful to another, it’s best kept private awhile.

When only one partner’s trying to save the relationship, it’s a lose-lose.