Tip of the Day Archive
Never stop trying to re-connect with your children, but don't link this to your support obligations unless through the court system.
When the ME-Factor determines all your behaviour, long-term relationships don't stand a chance.
When a partner doesn't care about what's NOT acceptable, the union won't last.
For an MIL, wisdom trumps personal sensitivity.
When advising friends, bring a positive approach rather than disapproval.
Toxic family dynamics are the sole responsibility of the people who fuel them.
Weighing your relationship options too long is an unfair stall.
Do NOT give in to pressure for sex if it's not what YOU want.
Have a Happy Halloween that keeps your children and others safe, as well as playful.
A relationship develops from an emotional draw, not just choosing between candidates.
Moving in together requires some discussion ahead of how to make it work.
The reality of an affair, no matter how wonderful, is that it risks hurting others you care about.
It's basic Relationship Rules – Your "schedule" has to make time for the other person, too.
Gut instinct can be about your own hang-ups, more than about another's behaviour.
Work consciously at staying connected, if you want the relationship to survive.
Opposing an adult child's choice of partner is often a losing strategy.
A break needs to be long enough to know what you miss, and don't miss.
Deceit's a double-edged sword.
An apology and the end of inappropriate contacts are strong signals to renew trust.
Speak up for your own standards and choices, despite others' criticisms.
It's disrespectful to your partner to elevate a colleague to the same level of closeness.
Families can move on from divorce but children need special help with it.
Divorce only ends the marriage, not the family connection, nor your personal issues.
Dog-owners, who are guests, need to protect not only their pets, but also any children around them.
Post-affair counseling is usually required for both spouses to learn how to re-build the marriage.
Young people need encouragement and healthy role models to make good choices for themselves.
Any sizeable gathering (weddings) including relatives and alcohol, can encounter "incidents." Think ahead.
In early relationships, don't overreact on reasonable friendships with ex'es.
When family connections are repeatedly destructive, sever them.
"Slut-Dressing" may attract attention, but it's NEVER an excuse for violence.
A new baby can often provide the opportunity for adult children and their parents to re-connect in a healthier relationship than in their past.
Warn someone close about the consequences of keeping explosive secrets.
A bride and groom have the right to include their parents at all celebrations, no matter past issues.
Couples need to talk about regular mood changes, including PMS, with each other and a doctor.
Leaving an abusive relationship signals crucial self-protection.
When torn between two loves, you may not be ready to permanently choose either.
Probing family secrets requires careful handling.
When one parent rules the family schedule without consultation, the other parent may distance emotionally.
Children need thoughtful, caring help adjusting to "new" family life.
Fantasies are common and normal so long as you don't obsess about them, nor force them on others.
Rise above past hostilities with your ex to celebrate your child's wedding.
When there's a cycle of distancing and distrust, re-examine why you're together.
Intervene in bullying, before it gathers dangerous momentum.
Know that lending money to friends/family may risk friendship and the money.
Handling difficult in-law relationships takes maturity on both sides, and a united front from the younger couple.
In-laws are family, unless they're ruining your family.
Stay out of the middle of others' relationships.
Both sides of a couple's families have to be considered for harmony among in-laws, whenever possible.
Bad-mouthing a sibling's spouse can come back to bite you.
When a relationship stalemates, you have to speak up for what you want.