Indulging a fantasy that neglects your real-life relationship is playing with fire.

Negative people love creating drama in others people’s lives. Don’t overreact to rumours.

When a decision carries moral implications, be sure that you feel comfortable with it.

It’s the adult child who must set firm boundaries with a constantly intrusive parent.

Respect that weight is a personal and sensitive topic for many.

There’s a lot more to “talking” within a relationship, than avoiding difficult issues.

Lies and disappointments are signals that a relationship may need a break for re-set, or moving on.

Being true to yourself requires being honest with those who love you, about your sexual identity.

It’s not a partner’s responsibility to save the other from addiction and poor choices.

Don’t expect to fix communication during a partner’s personal crisis, when support is needed most.

Get professional counselling about changes that’ll negatively affect a child.

Family cohesion is based on mutual respect more than everyone being involved in all the same interests.

Do NOT have a fling with the recent ex of a close friend or colleague.

In a family crisis, showing love, support, and forgiveness is crucial for all.

When a relationship’s toxic and threatening, RUN for safety and end contact.

Controls, criticism, and counter-attacks all erode relationships. Find the confidence to insist on discussion and compromise.

When there’s repeated arguments over hurtful behaviour, wait till you’re feeling strong before starting a serious talk.

Teenagers anticipating a parent’s death need counselling and family support.

When love’s declared way too soon, it easily fades as quickly.

Lying comes with a huge cost of relationship failure and anxiety about being exposed.

Lying ultimately erodes trust and respect.

When healthy, active, young people develop self-confidence, their social skills also grow.

Think about the person you’re hurting (including yourself), before you do something stupid and harmful in a group.

An on-off friendship that plays loosely with sex and vague future plans, keeps one partner cool and the other off guard.

Don’t accept pressure for sexual intimacy if you’re not ready.

When secrets cast doubts on your marriage, counselling can bring confidence instead of despair.

Convincing someone about a relationship is a set-up for your own insecurity.

Move on, rather than live with jealousy draining your self-esteem.

Religious differences are a reason for looking carefully at your relationship, not for hiding it indefinitely.

Don’t let necessary time apart define your feelings. Consider the value of the whole relationship.

When someone insists you re-make your looks, body, and image, change partners instead.

Face your own issues, not comparisons to others.

If the risk of revealing feelings means isolating the other person, back off.

Leaving an abusive marriage requires a safe plan and understanding your own rights.

It’s a mistake to rush into a relationship under pressure of “losing out” to someone else.

Do not risk a relationship with someone whose sexually-related behaviour could affect your children.

Seek professional advice rather than make a hasty decision to leave behind your child, for another woman.

When a single incident shatters self-confidence and raises fear of future decisions, talk to a therapist.

Do not let one outspoken relative hold your family hostage to rudeness.

Rather than give up on distanced children, show love where possible, but also respect for their decisions.

Dealing with a relative’s mental illness requires informed, well-researched, understanding of what can help and what cannot.

Parents should encourage children to read by personal example.

Couples need to keep finding a balance between child-rearing and work responsibilities, over many phases.

Getting past old unhappy “stories” can release bitterness and bring optimism about your future.

Without self-esteem, no relationship is truly equal.

If past “Daddy issues” haunt you, look to resolve them now.

If you’re not clear that you won’t ever again tolerate cheating, your distrust will remain.

If a relationship becomes others’ hurtful game, refuse to play.

Beware your “rescuer” reflex in a potential relationship with someone who’s leaning on you – you may become a victim instead.

Be direct with a friend who may be shirking responsibility as an expectant father.